Your home should be a comfortable place where you can finally sit back and relax after a long day. However, this often is not the reality for many of us, as unwanted noises can rob us of the rest and relaxation we need from our homes.
And while some sounds and noises, of course, will be inevitable, there are methods you can pursue in your home to reduce excess, ambient noise.
From strategies like laying down more rugs or using felt tiles for walls throughout your space, you’d be amazed at how simple it can be to cut back excess noise and turn your home into a quiet, peaceful oasis.
Here, we’re taking a closer look at different ways that you can work to control the noise in your home. You don’t need to install extensive insulation or turn your favorite room into a soundproofed studio.
Instead, these are relatively simple (and affordable) ways to reduce unwanted noises in your home.
The Impact of a Noisy Home
We all have to live with the occasional unwanted noise from time to time. Whether at your home or the office, however, unwanted noise can quickly have a negative effect on your focus, concentration, and ability to simply sit back and relax.
Over time, studies have even shown evidence that excess noise in your home, office, or any space where you spend your time can have a negative impact on your physical and mental health.
Just as we wouldn’t want to live near somewhere dangerous or decorate our home with unsightly décor, we shouldn’t be forced to live with unwanted noise invading our homes.
Over time, the negative impacts of a noisy space may include:
· Poor concentration and focus.
· Anger and irritability.
· Anxiety and stress.
· Lack of creativity.
· High blood pressure.
· Heart disease.
· Stroke.
5 Ways to Control the Noise in Your Home
As you can see, unwanted noise can quickly become problematic for your home and can even lead to physical and mental health issues. Since most of us can’t simply pick up all of our things and move away when our homes or neighborhoods have become too noisy, we need to look at ways that we can all control the noise in our homes.
Luckily, many homeowners and renters are shocked to learn just how simple and easy it can be to cut back on unwanted noise. Whether it’s caused by noisy neighbors, outside construction, a busy street, or even your family’s own activities and habits, you can take steps toward controlling these unwanted sounds.
Once you do, you’ll be amazed at how much more peaceful, inviting, and even enjoyable.
Take a look at some of our tips for controlling the noise in your home:
1. Cover your hardwood and tile floors with rugs: while many homeowners and renters are quick to fall in love with the polished and upscale look of hardwood flooring, there can be a downside.
Reflective flooring (generally hard surfaces like hardwood flooring or tiles in your kitchen or bathroom) don’t absorb sound waves like carpet or padding, and thus, create more ambient noise.
To reduce these bouncing sound waves, which increases noise and also degrades the existing sound quality in your space, use rugs to absorb more of the excess noise. Adding a rug can also be a great way to add some color and texture to your space.
2. Cover windows with drapes: windows, especially thin ones, can be a common source of unwanted noise coming in from outside. Especially if you live in a crowded urban area, reducing sounds from the exterior of your home from creeping in should be a top priority.
To help reduce from your windows, use heavy drapes and curtains to cover up these spaces. Not only can this work to reduce noise from coming in, but it can also add a touch of elegance to your home and windows.
3. Place your furniture strategically: when designing the layout for your home, think about where you’re placing your furniture to reduce excess sounds.
This can be particularly effective if you live in a duplex or apartment that has a shared wall. Placing heavy furniture, like your couch, a bookcase, or an entertainment center can easily absorb incoming sound waves from your neighbors, helping you to create a more peaceful and quiet environment.
This may also be effective if you live near a busy street or intersection.
4. Invest in heavy doors: like your windows, any entryway with a door can also be a ripe spot for incoming noises from outside.
If you’re a homeowner, consider addressing this issue by investing in heavy doors. Doors made from solid wood with a good core will make a dramatic difference for your entryways.
5. Hang up felt tiles on your walls: if you’re looking for a quick, easy, and aesthetically-pleasing way to reduce unwanted noise, then you need to look into felt tiles.
Creating your own felt board in your space can quickly cut down on unwanted noise. Hang up as many of these versatile felt tiles on any wall in your home or office to create an eye-catching display that also naturally creates a quieter space.
The unique PET felt materials naturally absorbs excess sound waves, which not only makes your space quieter, but it also helps to improve the sound quality in your home. This means that felt tiles can also be perfect for your entertainment area.
5 Ways to Control the Noise in Your Home
After a long day, your home should be the one place that you’re guaranteed some peace, relaxation, and yes, a little bit of quiet.
Unwanted noises can lead to physical and mental health issues, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to pick up everything and move.
There are simply things you can do around your home, such as laying down rugs on hard flooring or hanging up felt tiles on your walls, to reduce excess noise so you can finally transform your home into that quiet oasis you’ve wanted.
