10 Ways to Help Reduce the Noise in an Apartment

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

Pulling your bed away from the wall slightly or adding a functional headboard to create distance between your head and the wall is a quick way to solve noise issues.

This will create a barrier between you and sounds coming from your neighbor’s apartment.

The same thing goes for your living room— move your couch a touch away from the wall to reduce outside noise. A bonus of this is that it will also help in preventing minor wall scrapes that are caused by furniture.

BUY THICKER CURTAINS

Do you work the late shift and sleep when the sun’s out? Do you like to take naps during the day? Invest in black-out curtains!

Not only will you never wake up early due to the sun shining through your windows, but these heavy-duty curtains can also muffle any outside noises, like traffic and the noises of a busy city. They are worth the money and can be purchased at stores that sell home products.

USE POOL NOODLES

Here’s one for the creative thinkers! Did you think that 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.

This will aid in blocking out the hallway or common area noises, along with any extra light. You can find these foam noodles at almost any pool supply store or on Amazon.

ADD A STYLISH BOOKCASE

Does your neighbor have a noisy dog or bad 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 because gaps will reduce the effects!

Not only will you be canceling out the unwanted sound, but you will also be adding a stylish 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 ideas.

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 wall.

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

ADD A DROP CEILING

This home renovation would need to be talked over with your landlord or a property manager, but creating a barrier between you and the pitter-patter of upstairs footsteps could be worth it.

The trick is adding a layer to your ceiling by hanging panels with fishing line. Not only does it help to block the noise, but it can also be an artsy piece of décor.

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 decoration items and can hide unpleasant flooring underneath while also keeping your feet warm.

The thicker a rug is, the more of a barrier you will create. Therefore, the better the sound protection between you and your neighbor below.

Your neighbors will thank you, along with your feet!

TAKE YOUR SHOES OFF

You may not realize it, but your shoes hitting the floor create a louder sound than you think.

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

Taking this extra step after entering your home will not only help you move into a state of relaxation but will also lessen any noise issues for your neighbors beneath you.

FINALLY, LET YOUR PROPERTY MANAGER KNOW

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

Confrontation is never fun, but if done in a kind manner, you will 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 cannot be found, consider moving into a different apartment building that offers better assistance in dealing with 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.

If you’re looking for your next home in Lima, Ohio, please visit us at Northlake Village Apartments. We offer the city’s best 1, 2, and 3 bedroom floor plans, complete with double-galley kitchen layouts, shaker cabinetry, granite-inspired countertops, hardwood-style flooring, plush carpeting, and private entrances.

Schedule your tour today with one of our leasing specialists and discover why our residents choose Northlake Village.