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Everyone deserves peace and quiet in their homes. But it's not easy to obtain with our surroundings getting busier and noisier every day. There's this option to soundproof the interiors professionally, but it can be expensive. So, it is feasible for everyone.
However, it's a completely different story if we can soundproof our personal space with a few of the common household items. Although they won't have the same effect as professional work, you can still opt for this option if you don't want to spend lots of money or living temporarily in a rented place. Below are the 5 Household Items that Can Help in Soundproofing.
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How Does Soundproofing Works?
Sound travels via air and materials. The main purpose of soundproofing is to prevent the outside noise from entering the interiors. This includes avoiding noise from one room to another within the same house.
For soundproofing, thick materials are used to block the sound from traveling by absorbing it. Many houses have thin walls or doors that allow the noise to travel through. So, soundproofing begins with walls and doors. Floors and ceilings also play a major role.
1. Blankets or Quilts :
Blankets or quilts are a quick and easy way to prevent sound from traveling through doors and windows. Since the fenestrations tend to be thinner than walls, most of the noise we hear actually comes from them. So, you can spread the blankets and hand them to secure your doors and windows. You can also have them spread on the floor if you are living in a high-rise building.
2. Heavy Curtains :
A curtain is a household essential. There are soundproofing curtains available in the market, but if you don't want to buy them, then you can hang heavy curtains in their place. Although most households use lightweight and fancy curtains, they won't have much effect. So, heavy curtains may look a bit old-fashioned, but they get the job done.
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3. Carpets or Rugs :
If you live in a high-rise building, you must have been bothered by sounds coming from lower floors. Thick carpets and rugs are excellent soundproofing materials. Dealing with them is quite easy since you only have to lay them on the floor and nothing else.
4. Old Foam :
Foam is a very popular material used for soundproofing. Most of the affordable acoustic products are made using foam. You can stick the old foam on cardboard strips to make plugs for windows. The plugs can be placed in the cracks of windows to absorb sounds coming from the other side.
5. Bookshelves :
If there's a wall in your room that emanates sounds from the other side, it is extremely important to fix it. Installing a bookshelf is a very convenient and useful way to soundproof your home. The books arranged on the shelves further contribute to the soundproofing. Not only will it look aesthetically pleasing, but it is practical too.
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Ultimately, soundproofing a space with these common home items isn't a foolproof solution. Nevertheless, they can serve as a partial replacement with considerable effectiveness. Investing in competent acoustic solutions is the only way to avoid noise. For people who are not looking for a short-term fix, the previously indicated solutions are effective.