Apartment living has its pros and cons, and the most common of the latter is noise; it could be a stiletto-wearing neighbor or a food stall on the corner just right outside your window.
Thankfully, there are ways to combat those unwanted noise and make your place as quiet as it can be. Here are some of the best tips from interior designers, contractors, and real estate brokers on how you can soundproof your apartment as reported by Trulia:
An empty apartment is a noisy apartment
It's the golden rule when it comes to soundproofing, and this means that the solution for your problem is to fill up your apartment to help absorb sound. But you don't just do it without being strategic; proper placement plays an important role. For instance, if the source of the noise is from your next door neighbor that you share a wall with, interior designer Brianna Weymouth of Weymouth I+D suggests that you place a large piece of furniture such as a bookshelf or a dresser that will help break and absorb the noise.
It's all about the acoustics
Acoustic tiles may also be your solution, and there are stylish panels and tiles that you can use to line your ceilings or walls without looking drab. These tiles can be made of wood wool, cement, cardboard, or even recycled paper. These simple materials and their ability to cancel sound make for an ideal way to not just soundproof but also decorate your space.
Try out a magic carpet
Cushioning the floors using carpets are proven to keep footsteps, pets, and inexplicable pitter-patter to a minimum. In fact, some lease terms even require a certain percentage of carpeting to cushion the floors and soften the sounds of paws and feet.
Add a window dressing
Windows play an important function when it comes to sounds that come in and out of your apartment unit. And if you want to minimize the amount of sound that go through your space, Georgeson and Weymouth suggest the use of heavy drapes such as elegant heavy velvet or a more utilitarian duck cloth for maximum insulation.
