Living in an apartment has its perks—convenience, community, and shared amenities—but the one challenge many apartment dwellers face is noise. Whether it's the sound of footsteps from the floor above, a neighbour's late-night TV binge, or even your own work calls echoing through thin walls, noise in strata living can quickly become a source of frustration. Luckily, you don't have to break the bank to create a quieter, more peaceful space. Here’s a guide to soundproofing your apartment in a cost-effective way.
1. Use Rugs, Carpets, and Soft Furnishings
One of the simplest and most affordable ways to reduce noise in your apartment is by using soft materials. Sound travels easily over hard surfaces like tile or wood floors, but rugs and carpets can help absorb these sounds.
Examples:
Area rugs: A large, thick area rug can dampen sound coming from both within your apartment and from the unit below. Layering rugs on top of a carpet pad adds extra insulation.
Curtains: Heavy, floor-length curtains can reduce the amount of sound entering through windows and can help minimise echo within a room. Look for thermal or noise-reducing curtains which are designed specifically to block sound.
💡Budget tip: For an even cheaper solution, look for second-hand rugs or shop at discount stores. Thrift shops often have high-quality, affordable rugs.
2. Seal Gaps Around Doors and Windows
Noise often finds its way into your apartment through gaps around doors and windows. Sealing these gaps is an easy and inexpensive way to improve sound insulation.
Solutions:
Weatherstripping: Apply self-adhesive weatherstripping tape around the edges of doors and windows. This not only helps with soundproofing but also improves energy efficiency by keeping drafts out.
Door sweeps: Adding a door sweep (a long rubber or foam strip that attaches to the bottom of a door) can block sound from entering under the door. They’re easy to install and very affordable.
💡Budget tip: Door sweeps and weatherstripping are available at most hardware stores and can be installed DIY. Prices start as low as $10.
3. Install Acoustic Panels or Foam
Acoustic panels are highly effective at absorbing sound, and they don’t have to cost a fortune. These panels are typically made of foam or fabric and can be easily installed on walls to reduce noise.
Examples:
Acoustic foam panels: These are lightweight and designed to dampen echoes and reduce sound. They come in various sizes and shapes, so you can even create a visually appealing pattern on your walls.
Fabric-wrapped acoustic panels: These offer a more decorative look and can double as artwork while providing sound insulation.
💡Budget tip: For a DIY version, use thick blankets or canvas art pieces filled with foam as an affordable substitute for professional acoustic panels. You can find foam panels for as low as $20 online.
4. Rearrange Your Furniture
A cost-free solution to noise reduction is strategically rearranging your furniture. Large, bulky pieces like bookcases, wardrobes, and sofas can act as a barrier to block or absorb sound.
Tips for soundproofing with furniture:
Bookshelves against shared walls: Place a fully stocked bookshelf against the wall you share with a noisy neighbour. The books will absorb sound, reducing the amount that passes through the wall.
Upholstered furniture: Opt for fabric-covered sofas and chairs rather than leather or wood, as they absorb more sound.
💡Budget tip: No need to buy new furniture—just rearranging what you already have can make a big difference.
5. Use Soundproofing Mats or Underlays
If you live in an apartment with hardwood or tile floors, soundproofing mats can significantly reduce noise. These mats are typically placed under carpets or rugs to absorb impact sound (like footsteps) and airborne noise.
Examples:
Rubber or foam underlay: Available in rolls, these are easy to cut and install underneath area rugs or carpets. They help reduce the transfer of sound through floors, which is especially helpful if you have downstairs neighbours.
Soundproof floor mats: These mats are specifically designed to reduce noise from walking and moving furniture, perfect for home offices where chairs are frequently moved around.
💡Budget tip: Look for affordable options online. Sites like Amazon or home improvement stores often have deals on soundproof underlays for as low as $30 per roll.
6. Hang Soundproofing Curtains or Blankets
Another affordable option is using soundproofing blankets or noise-reducing curtains. These products are designed to block out noise from outside and prevent echoes inside the room.
Examples:
Soundproof blankets: Often used in recording studios, these heavy blankets can be hung on walls, doors, or windows to dampen sound. They’re also useful for soundproofing temporary spaces like a home office.
Noise-reducing curtains: Thermal and blackout curtains are excellent at reducing external noise and are available in a range of styles to suit any apartment decor.
💡Budget tip: Moving blankets can serve as a cheaper alternative to professional soundproof blankets. You can pick them up for under $20 at hardware stores or online.
Ultimately, a peaceful and quiet home makes a world of difference, especially in strata living where noise can be a common issue. By applying these cost-effective soundproofing techniques, you can transform your apartment into a more serene and comfortable space. However, soundproofing isn't just a personal responsibility—it’s also about community living. A proactive and experienced strata manager can help set the tone for a harmonious building.
At Compass Strata, we are dedicated to fostering peaceful and collaborative communities by enforcing by-laws, addressing noise concerns, and encouraging positive neighbourly relationships. If you're seeking a management team that prioritises your comfort and quality of living, contact Compass Strata today and discover how we can make your strata experience more enjoyable.
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