Modern life comes with a pretty noisy soundtrack. If you live in the city, you’re probably all-too-familiar with the drone of construction tools, the wailing of sirens, and the general hubbub of urban life. People honking their car horns, blasting their radios, and revving their engines can sound like an orchestra outside your window.
Even in the suburbs, someone mowing their lawn can disturb your peace, and if you have kids, the disturbance often comes from within your four walls. Fortunately, you don’t need to constantly live your life at full volume. With some smart design choices, you can cut down on the sound and make your home look better at the same time.
Can Soundproofing Really Be Stylish?
When you hear the word ‘soundproofing’, bulky foam panels or industrial-looking tiles probably spring to mind. However, there’s more to noise-reducing techniques and technology than you might think. There are plenty of features you can integrate into your home that are both attractive to look at and effective at muffling vibrations.
If you’re looking for a quick and stylish way to update existing rooms, purpose-built panels have come a long way, and can now be a focal point rather than an eyesore. When you’re renovating or extending, choosing the right construction materials can help your home block out noise. For example, insulated concrete forms (ICFs) like those created by Excel Builders provide superior noise resistance.
Use Built-In Shelving as a Sound Barrier
If a wall of bookcases packed with books from floor to ceiling sounds like your aesthetic, good news! A personal library isn’t just a statement, it’s a surprisingly effective sound barrier. The high density of the pages and the thickness of the shelving help block vibrations from adjoining rooms, or if it’s a shared wall, your next-door neighbors.
When planning your book-lined wall, you can also add in some open sections for visual balance. There you can add ornaments or, even better, baskets or boxes that can hide clutter and provide another sound-absorbing element.
Layer Textiles for Softened Acoustics
Textiles are an excellent interior decor hack for taming sound. The most obvious place to begin is with curtains. Heavy, thick, lined curtains can stop outside noise from coming in, as a second defence after windows or doors. To reduce echoes inside, use rugs, carpets, and upholstered furniture.
When you’re adding textiles, the more layers the better. For instance, use a thick underpad under a plush area rug, and add throw blankets and a generous smattering of cushions to seating areas. Wall tapestries are another fantastic way to introduce more sound-dampening decor while adding tons of character. Don’t be afraid to mix textures, either. Luxurious velvet, fresh linen, and thick cotton blends can all help minimize noise while earning you maximum style points.
Add Wall Panels That Double as Art
Modern soundproofing solutions are a far cry from the drab gray panels you might picture in a recording studio from years past. They now come in a range of gorgeous colors to match your home’s palette, and all sorts of shapes and finishes. Some look like abstract art pieces, while others even mimic natural materials like wood slats or woven fabrics.
You can hang soundproofing panels like framed artwork or install them in a grid fashion to create a bold accent wall. They work especially well in home offices and media rooms where sound quality is equally as important as appearance.
For smaller rooms where you want to retain space, there are cutting-edge thin panels around 2 inches or even less. If you’re building a new room like a home theater, don’t forget to account for the thickness. High-performing panels may need to be up to 8 inches to absorb the bass from powerful subwoofers.
Incorporate Soundproof Doors and Windows
Your doors and windows are a huge factor in how much sound comes in (and goes out) of your home. Doors with hollow cores let sound travel freely. Swap them for solid-core doors to instantly increase their sound-blocking impact without drastically changing the look of your space. If you’re not ready to start replacing doors, even adding a draught excluder and a stylish portière can help tone down unwanted outdoor sounds.
For windows, opt for double or triple-glazing. This helps seal out street noise even in busy city centers. Any extra layers, like drapes or roman shades, boost the effect. This is another opportunity to add a splash of style. Choose designs that match your interior theme, like sleek blinds linked to a smart home system for contemporary homes, or paneled wood for a classic, natural look.
Endnote
When it comes to soundproofing your home, there’s no need to sacrifice style. Noise-reducing techniques can be both functional and attractive. From custom shelving to luxurious soft furnishings, there are loads of ways to make your home quieter while keeping it beautiful.
You can start small, with fabrics, or go big with structural upgrades and specialized panelling. Whatever route you take, modern soundproofing methods can help you preserve your peace through intentional interior design.