Get your most serene night of sleep ever with these expert tips.
Our bedrooms are our sanctuaries but they rarely feel as peaceful as they should. Not only do we want to keep bedroom noises contained within the room, but most of us also prefer these spaces to be free of external noises as well—whether it’s a too-loud television, someone practicing a musical instrument, or the sound of traffic just a few feet from the front door.
While achieving total silence at home is pretty hard, there are plenty of ways to minimize the ruckus. Here’s how to soundproof your bedroom so it’s calm and quiet—and you can finally get some shuteye.
Meet Our Expert
- Aaron Kessler, on-air TV host and design expert at ShopHQ
- Faraz Tajik, luxury home developer and president of Crest Builders in Orange County, CA
- Gene Voloshin, luxury home builder and president of Catalyst Development in Needham, MA
Related: 20 Relaxing Bedroom Color Schemes Designers Love
Why Is Your Home So Noisy in the First Place?
Even if you try to keep things quiet, today’s homes (to the frustration of many) are unfortunately designed in a way that amplifies sound. “Today, many houses use light construction materials, such as drywall and hollow-core doors, which allow sound to travel easily between rooms,” explains Faraz Tajik, luxury home developer and president of Crest Builders in Orange County, CA. “Additionally, bedrooms are usually located near shared walls, plumbing, or HVAC ducts, which allow noise to easily travel between spaces.”
Add in all the noise from outside (why does your neighbor always have to honk wildly at the crack of dawn?) and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a stressful, noisy abode. “External sounds—traffic, neighborhood noise, or even air—can also filter through windows and poorly sealed doors,” Tajik adds. “Hard floors and minimal soft surfaces contribute to the issue by allowing sound to bounce around and create echoes, which increases noise levels.”
How to Soundproof Your Bedroom
Now on to how you can lower the volume in your sleeping quarters so you can finally rest.
Add Insulation and Weatherstripping
According to Gene Voloshin, luxury home builder and president of Catalyst Development in Needham, MA, the best way to soundproof a room (technically) is before the walls are closed. “We like to add soundproof insulation to the walls and the ceiling,” Voloshin says. “You can further dampen the sound by applying an extra layer of blue board or Sheetrock. Next, I would focus on door weatherstripping and covering open holes and gaps with acoustic caulk.”…