Derek Swalwell
Whether you live on a busy street or you have a home that seems to echo every footfall, there’s a few quick and easy ways you can reduce the noise you hear at home, without the need to renovate, replace windows or insulate.
1. Invest in indoor plants
Large indoor plants with luscious leaves and large pots can also reduce household noise. Put your plant in open-plan areas to reduce echoes and noise of foot traffic.
2. Purchase new products
Most manufacturers are now aware that noise is a problem in households, and as such many appliances now have reduced noise capabilities. If it’s tie to replace your fridge, washing machine or dryer, this is the route to take.
3. Upgrade your doors
Doors are generally made from 2.5mm shells and have a hollow inside. If noise is a genuine concern in your home, upgrade doors to 5mm-9mm of thickness.
4. Hang window furnishings
Heavy-weight curtains can help reduce some of the sound you hear from outside. Look for curations made from wool or velvet.
5. Strategic furniture placement
A fully stocked bookshelf piled with books can actually absorb some of the noise in a room and reduce noise transference between rooms. If you have a huge collection of books, it might be wise to put the shelf somewhere strategic. Similarly, furniture can absorb some noise, and those living in apartments, units or small homes with benefits from having furniture arranged against walls.
6. Use floor décor
A rug in a hose with floorboards and tiles can dull down the echoes and reduce the sound of footsteps. If you find your home needs some sound-proofing, try popping a rug on the floor in the troublesome area.
7. Check your seals
Loose window and door frames that rattle and let in a draught also let in outside sounds. Spend some time checking out your frames, and reapply sealant where required.
This article originally appeared on Better Homes and Gardens.
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