Does your spouse like to practice the drums in the evening? Does your 

teenager like to play video games, with the volume turned up high? Are 

there other sources of noise you'd like to minimize? 

There are many ways to soundproof areas of your home to reduce noise. 

Here are some ideas: 

• Furniture placement. Surprisingly, where you place furniture can 

dramatically reduce incoming noise. For example, a bookshelf 

covering a third of a wall can muffle sound from an adjoining room by 

25%. 

• Noise harmonization techniques. Soft music, air fans, and other 

sources of rhythmic noises can actually reduce the unpleasantness 

of incoming sounds. 

• Area rugs. Adding an area rug, even on top of existing carpeting, 

can significantly reduce noise coming from the floor below. 

• Acoustic tiles and panels. These are special ceiling tiles and wall 

coverings that are designed to diffuse and reduce sound infiltration. 

There are some products on the market that are remarkably easy to 

install.