How to Reduce Noise in Apartments

Did you know that removing your bed from directly against the wall can help block out the noise?

Pull it out a little bit or add a functional headboard to create some depth between your head and the noise.

This will create a barrier for a lot of that unnecessary sound.

Same with your living room, move your couch just a touch away from the wall. This will also help in preventing minor scrapes on the wall caused by furniture.

BUY THICKER CURTAINS

Do you work the 3rd shift? Are you a big napper during the day? Invest in black-out curtains!

Not only will you never wake up early due to the sun shining through your windows, these heavy-duty curtains can also muffle any outside noises like traffic and the noises of a busy city. These curtains are worth the price tag.

You can pick these up at Bed Bath and Beyond or on Amazon.

USE POOL NOODLES

Here is one for the creative thinkers! Ever think pool noodles were meant just for swimming in the summer?

No way! Take that Styrofoam floatie and make it into a barrier at the bottom of your door!

Cut your noodle to size, use foam glue to conceal the Styrofoam with a fabric of your choosing, and then attach it to your door with Velcro strips, which make for easy removal and easy cleaning of the fabric!

This will aid in blocking out the hallway or common area noises as well as blocking out any extra light.

You can find noodles at almost any store, pool supply store, or Amazon.

ADD A STYLISH BOOKCASE

Have a noisy yappy dog or a neighbor with terrible taste in music?

Here is an easy way to create a barrier between you and the wall.

Create a wall full of art by placing multiple bookcases side by side and filling them with books, photos, and décor pieces.

Be sure to really pack them in, otherwise any gaps will counteract the effects!

Not only will you be cancelling the dog barking, but you will be adding a great focal wall to your living room or bedroom.

CORKBOARD THE WALLS

Need an easy way to reroute the noise in your home office? Here are a few ways.

Place corkboard on the walls of your home office. This will create a barrier between you and the noise on the other side of the walls.

You can do this as easy as adding a command strip to 4 corners of a large corkboard and sticking it to your walls for easy removal.

ADD A DROP CEILING

This home renovation project would need to be talked over with your landlord or a property manager, but creating a barrier between you and the pitter-patter of feet I am sure would be well worth the shot.

Add another layer to your ceiling by hanging panels with fishing line from your ceiling.

Create another layer to block out the noise as well as create a pretty cool artsy vibe in your home.

Remember: If you are renting your space, please consult your landlord or property manager before doing any kind of “construction” to your home.

ADD SOME RUGS!

Want to know how you can spruce up your place as well as aid in keeping the noise down for those below you?

Invest in rugs! Area rugs are beautiful and can hide not-so-pleasant flooring and can make your tootsies warmer than walking on hardwood floors.

The thicker and plusher the rug, the more of a barrier you will create between you and the floor. Therefore, the more distance between you and your neighbor below you.

Your neighbors will thank you as well as your feet for this tactic!

TAKE YOUR SHOES OFF

You may not realize it, but your shoes pounding on the floor probably sound louder to those below you.

Since it is good practice to remove your shoes as soon as you get inside, not only to stop the spread of germs in your home, but to also reduce the noise for your neighbors!

Taking this extra step before you take the next “step” will not only help put you in the mindset of relaxation after a long day but will lessen the pounding for your neighbors beneath you so they can do the same.

FINALLY, LET YOUR PROPERTY MANAGER KNOW

Hopefully, you can use these tips to help you reduce the noise in an apartment from a noisy roommate or neighbor.

If our list of tricks isn’t enough to block out the noise, maybe consider addressing your concerns with that neighbor.

Confrontation is never fun, but if done in the right way, you may be glad you had the conversation.

In most cases, your neighbors may not even be aware that their actions cause so much disturbance around them.

If common ground still cannot be found, consider moving into a better apartment building that can offer better assistance in handling noisy neighbors.

There are some apartments that establish “quiet hours” for all residents, so before renting at your next apartment, ask if these rules are in place and enforced by management.

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