Hacks For A Quieter Home

Modern life can be pretty noisy, right? You just want to collapse on the couch and read a good book after a hard day at work, but everything from he neighbour’s dog to the motorbike three streets away, and not forgetting your own darling children, intrude on your peace and make it hard for you to chill out. You just have to grin and bear it, right? Wrong! There are tons of things you can do to quieten down your home environment, as you will see below.

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1. Opt for Plush Soft Furnishings

First up: cushions, rugs, and curtains—apparently, the fluffier they are, the more decibels they absorb. It’s almost as though your mum was right all along, urging you to put down a decent rug or two. Soft furnishings help dampen echoes, reduce footstep noise, and give your home the cosy vibe of a boutique hotel. Need an excuse to indulge in that massive velvet floor cushion? “Soundproofing,” of course! Just ensure you’re not weaving a labyrinth of plush items that trap any visitors who dare step inside.

2. Mind Your Doors and Windows

You know how in spy films, the supervillain’s lair always has those thick, sealed doors with futuristic locks? Well, you don’t need laser sensors (although that might be fun), but properly sealing gaps around doors and windows can be a total game-changer. Draft excluders might seem old school, but they’re brilliant for keeping out noise as well as cold air. And when it comes to windows, consider double glazing—it doesn’t just keep you warm, it also helps muffle that late-night party next door. If you’re into DIY, a bit of weatherstripping might do the trick until you’re ready to go full supervillain-lair mode.

3. Build a Bookish Fortress

If you needed one more reason to buy ALL the books, let it be noise reduction. Bookshelves—especially when jam-packed—act like tiny sound-absorbing ninjas, hindering noise from bouncing around your rooms. Line an entire wall with a shelf full of your favourite reads, and you’ve got a surprisingly effective barrier. Plus, this method doubles as a fun conversation starter when guests arrive. “Oh, that library? I built it to hush the racket from Steve next door. But, you know, also because I love reading.”

4. Get Friendly with Foam

Before you imagine giant lumps of industrial foam swallowing your décor, rest assured: acoustic foam comes in various shapes and sizes, including smaller, stylish panels that can blend into your walls like abstract art (or at least a conversation piece). Whether you put them in your living room, bedroom, or home office, they’ll soften all manner of echoes. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you could even transform a dedicated corner of your house into a mini recording studio. Instant quiet—and maybe a chance to drop that hit single you’ve been working on.

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5. Music to Your Ears (or Not)

We’ve all been there: your neighbours decide that Tuesday evening at 2am is the perfect time to practise on the drums. Spoiler alert: they’re not Phil Collins. Enter noise-cancelling headphones—an absolute godsend for those working from home, binge-watching your favourite series, or simply trying to concentrate on a puzzle without hearing “Rat-a-tat-tat” from across the street. While headphones can’t silence the entire house, they’ll buy you some personal, blissful quiet when you need it most—especially handy if your kids’ bedtime is always three hours later than you’d prefer.

6. Greenery Galore

Houseplants aren’t just Instagram darlings; they can also help soak up some sound waves. While we’re not suggesting you turn your home into an overgrown jungle (though that could be pretty cool), adding a few well-chosen plants can subtly help reduce noise levels. Think broad-leafed varieties like rubber plants or monstera. Bonus: they make your interiors look more vibrant and help clean the air. Who said interior design can’t be both pretty and practical?

7. Sneaky Sound Barriers

Room dividers, screens, and even big, decorative panels can work wonders for breaking up the path of sound waves. If your living space doubles as an office, or if you simply crave a little privacy in an open-plan layout, a stylish room divider can help define areas while keeping the din at bay. Bonus hack: line your divider with fabric or corkboard for an extra sound-baffling boost. Then you’ve got a place to pin up your to-do list (or those comedic doodles from your kids).

8. Consider a Quiet Appliance Upgrade

Ever felt like your washing machine is auditioning for the role of “Main Villain” in a sci-fi blockbuster? Appliances are often hidden culprits of everyday noise. Fridges humming like they’re singing the blues, dishwasher cycles that sound like a raging storm… if your appliances have reached the advanced age of “it’s time for retirement,” consider upgrading to quieter models. It’s not the cheapest solution, but it can drastically reduce background racket. Plus, eco-friendly appliances might even help slash your energy bills—double win.

Here’s to the peace and quiet you crave!