If you’re a renter, one of the things you’ll want to do is soundproof your apartment. Whether it’s your upstairs neighbors or the street traffic outside, unwanted noise can be a real annoyance.
Whatever the reason, it can be hard to concentrate or relax when you can hear every little thing going on in the apartment next to you.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to soundproof a rental apartment cheaply and easily.
In this blog post, we will discuss the different methods that you can use to soundproof apartments for rent.
11 Ways to Soundproof a Rental Apartment
The constant noise in the apartment can cause sleepless nights and concentration problems. It’s one of the worst things about living in a noisy rental apartment. But don’t worry, there are ways to soundproof your apartment and minimize the noise.
Below are 11 methods that will help you get started.
Talk with your neighbor or landlord
If you’re being kept awake by noise from your upstairs neighbor, the best thing to do is talk to them about it. Politely explain the situation and ask if they can add rugs or carpeting to help reduce the noise. Chances are, they’ll be happy to accommodate your request and you’ll both be able to enjoy a little more peace and quiet.
If talking to your neighbor doesn’t work, or if you don’t feel comfortable doing so, your next step should be to talk to your landlord. Explain the situation and ask if they can talk to the tenant or make any changes to the apartment that would help reduce the noise.
Weatherproof Your Doors & Windows
The sound coming from your door being closed shouldn’t be the only noise you hear. With big gaps around it, any conversation spoken near the door can easily travel through and disrupt your concentration.
To avoid this, seal these gaps with weatherproofing tape to prevent any sound from coming through. By doing this, you can be sure that no one else’s voice will slip past your door and disturb you.
The above method is applicable to your windows as well – By sealing the gaps around them, you can decrease the level of unwanted noise.
Hang Soundproof Curtains
Soundproof curtains are a great way to add an extra layer of protection against noise. These curtains add to the aesthetic of your home without compromising on quality. It is important to choose a heavy-weight fabric for your curtains in order to reduce noise levels.
The extra thickness of the fabric will efficiently reduce noise levels by blocking out vibrations. Also, make sure that the door curtains are of the right size that will fit your door because you don’t want any space through which noise can pass.
Hang a Soundproof Blanket Over the Doors
We have another way to soundproof the doors of your rental apartment and that is by using a soundproof blanket. This is a great way to block out noise from outside and make your apartment more peaceful. The best part about using a soundproof blanket is that you can easily install it and it doesn’t cost much.
There are many noises that can be heard through the door, but you will need to cover it up with a soundproof blanket. You don’t have to worry about the design and styles for your soundproof blanket as there are many designs and colors available in the market.
Embrace Sound-Absorbing Wall Decor
Most of the apartments have one common problem and that is thin walls. If you’re exploring a quick and budget-friendly method to soundproof a room for rent, consider tapestries!
Tapestries are not only great at absorbing noise, but they also add color and beauty to any space. There are plenty of tapestries to choose from, so you can find them according to the style of your apartment.
Reduce Reflected Noise
If you’re looking for ways to reduce the reflected noise that is bouncing around your home, consider using upholstered furniture. Upholstered furniture can help to reduce the amount of noise that is bouncing off of hard surfaces, as well as absorb sound. Ultimately, this can create a more peaceful environment in your home.
It not only decreases the outside noise but also gives a more homely look to your rental apartment. You can find upholstered furniture in many different colors and designs to match your apartment’s style.
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Get a Thick Rug Pad
Soundproofing the apartment doesn’t have to be an expensive option. In fact, one of the easiest and proven ways to reduce noise levels is to get a thick rug pad. The denser material of rug pads will help to absorb sound waves, making it less likely for noise to echo through the apartment.
If your apartment has hardwood floors, then you know how loud it can be when people are walking around or dropped something. Carpet will help to reduce the amount of noise that is reflected off of the hard surfaces in your home. In addition to reducing noise levels, a rug pad can also make walking on hardwood floors more comfortable.
As a result, a rug pad can be a fairly simple and effective way to soundproof your apartment.
Muffle Sounds with a Bookcase
As we discussed above, most rental apartments consist of thin walls. If you’re looking for a way to muffle the sounds that are coming through the walls, consider using faux built-in bookcases. You need to add the bookcase to the wall and make sure that there aren’t any air gaps from any sides. This will help to muffle the outside noise and you won’t hear any talking or walking around easily.
Make sure you add up some mass to the bookcase so that it will be more effective in absorbing vibrations. The more mass there is, the better it will be in absorbing noises. You can also consider adding some objects on top of the bookcase to make it more effective in absorbing the noise.
Consider Acoustic Panels
Soundproofing the ceiling is not as easy as it is for the walls because things like Acoustic panels can be difficult to attach to the ceiling. You might need someone to help you with this if you have limited abilities in this area. You can find acoustic panels that are lightweight so they will not be too difficult to install.
These types of panels will help to cut down on the noise from above. There are different forms of Acoustic panels, so you can easily select the one that will suit the style of your apartment. You can find ones that are made of different materials, like boards, foam and fabrics.
This is an excellent option to consider if you are looking for ways to reduce the noise in your home.
Use a white noise machine or earplugs
If you’re looking for easy ways to soundproof a rental apartment, consider using white noise or earplugs. White noise can help to mask the sound of outside noise, as well as any noise that might be coming from your neighbors.
If you have trouble sleeping, consider using earplugs that help to block out the noise from outside, as well as any noise that might be coming from your neighbors.
Add Window Inserts
We must say, window inserts are pretty nifty. Not only do they help keep outside noise from coming into your apartment, but they also provide an extra layer of privacy and still let you enjoy the view. These sheets are made of high-quality Acrylic and are designed to fit over your existing windows.
They work as a barrier between you and the outside world, making it less likely for sound to enter your apartment. Additionally, some types of window inserts are able to pop out, making them easy to access during ventilation sessions.
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The Bottom Line
So, there you have it – 11 methods to soundproof your rental apartment. We hope that this article has helped you to understand the basics of soundproofing a rental apartment and given you some ideas on how to get started in your own apartment.
While it is always best to consult with a professional, there are definitely some simple things that you can do yourself to make a rental apartment soundproof.