In close quarters, noise complaints are almost inevitable. Whether it’s you or your neighbors, dealing with loud, obnoxious noise is such a pain and hassle to deal with. Here are some helpful tips on how you can take control of what noise comes in and out of your apartment.
Carpeting and rugs
Carpet is a great way to absorb sound. They cover a large surface area, and they absorb sound much better than their wood and tile counterparts. If your apartment isn’t already carpeted, ask your landlord about adding carpeting to your unit.
If this isn’t an option, you can still control the noise level with area rugs. The more rugs you have and the larger they are, the more they’ll help reduce noise. Thicker rugs, like shag rugs, have a greater noise-absorbing effect. Remember that sound bounces off walls and bare floors, so the more “cushioned” you make your space, the less area noise will have to bounce off of.
Wall hangings and curtains
Speaking of walls, those are pretty bare, too. One way to prevent the transference of noise through walls is by effectively placing a few wall hangings or tapestries. This can make a big difference when it comes to reducing the amount of noise in your apartment, while also giving you the opportunity to add your own personal style.
What is one of the major problem areas that allow noise to transfer in and out with ease? Windows. Not to worry. Curtains and drapes provide an excellent solution. Remember, the thicker the fabric, the greater the noise barrier. If that’s not enough, you can combat this problem further by first hanging mini-blinds to your windows. For an added layer of noise protection, hang a valance, which is a decorative piece of fabric that sits at the top of the curtain rod.
Furniture placement
You can even reduce sound by how you place your furniture. If you can, place your television on a wall that is not adjacent to your neighbor. That would be the easiest solution to prevent the traveling of noise from your television set.
Another option is the use of speakers for your television set. By using speakers, you can direct where the sound travels. Direct the speakers away from problematic areas and towards furniture. That way, sound dissipates as it hits sound-absorbing elements in your apartment.
In regards to furniture, consider fabric-covered couches or chairs versus bare wood, leather, or vinyl. A few, larger upholstered pieces of furniture strategically placed near windows or doors work great at absorbing sound.
With these tips, now you’re able to rid of having to deal with noise complaints once and for all. Remember, you don’t need to go all out in your anti-noise efforts. Noisy neighbors can come from any direction—upstairs, downstairs, or next door. To be truly cost-effective, focus on the loudest areas of your apartment. There’s no limit to what you can do, and you’ll be surprised by how effective just a few simple steps can be in controlling noise in your apartment.
Last-update of the article: 06/30/2020.
