A peaceful home creates a peaceful mind. Many people associate peacefulness with tidiness, overlooking an important auditory factor: silence. Reducing noise pollution aids rest and concentration.
Those living on main roads are more likely to struggle with finding silence. Here are the simple ways to make your home more peaceful — no matter your location.
Weatherstrip doors & windows
Draughty doors and windows don’t just let in cold air; these sneaky gaps leak sound, too. The easiest way to soundproof windows is through investing in upgrades, like double glazing. However, adhesive weatherstripping is also an effective and cheaper solution.
Similarly, door sweeps can seal gaps in problematic entrances to prevent excessive noise pollution on a budget.
Use soundproof curtains & rugs
Minimalism trends hate to see them coming, but thick soundproof rugs and curtains could be a solution. The heavier your curtains, the more noise they will intercept. Reliant on flimsy shuttered blinds? It should be no surprise that you can hear a passerby so much as cough. Soundproofing your home is key for comfort.
Flat owners are often the most concerned about soundproofing ceilings. However, it’s something for all homeowners to consider, as removing hard surfaces (we’re looking at you, wood and tiles) helps to prevent bouncing sound waves. Thick rugs offer extra padding, absorbing sound and minimising echoing noise in rooms.
Add acoustic panels or wall hangings
Fancy getting even more strategic? Consider acoustic panels. These foam or fabric boards attach to your walls and make for an easy DIY project — stopping sounds from bouncing uncontrollably.
Bookshelves and tapestries are equally good ideas if acoustic panels appear too difficult to include in your aesthetic. Anything that adds sound absorption to your walls is a smart feature to invest in.
Insulate walls & garage doors
Insulation does more than reduce your energy bills; it’s the secret to creating peace and quiet in your home. To start from scratch, add insulation behind drywall for a seamless and hidden finish—an approach that also works well in enclosed structures like carports to enhance comfort year-round. Otherwise, spray foam insulation should be applied in problem areas, like garages or cracks.
Always prioritise targeting the most problematic areas; insulated garage doors effectively minimise noise in adjoining garages, while insulating a shared wall is beneficial.
Create a white noise barrier
Ever heard of white noise? This sound uses an equal measure of all audible frequencies to promote feelings of mental clarity and calmness. Truth be told, not all sounds can be eliminated — it might be a question of drowning out the ‘bad noise.’ It’s worth researching the colours of noise, as there are alternative options, but white is a popular starting point.
White noise machines, a speaker and Spotify, or even fans can create the desired effect. It’s not just a question of DIY; there are immediate solutions you can use today.
A peaceful home really is worth its weight in gold; which of these strategies will you be using to eliminate unwanted noise pollution?
