I live in an apartment and there's an unused inside door that connects to the neighboring unit. The sound really travels through this door, and even though it's locked, we can hear each other too clearly. Since I'm renting, I can't make any permanent changes to the door. I'm looking for tips or products I can use to help soundproof it or at least reduce the noise. I've heard about soundproof curtains but I'm not sure how effective they really are. Any suggestions? Thanks!
6 Answers
A lot of sound comes through the air, so sealing up the gaps around the door can help a ton. You can get roll putty at Home Depot for under 10 bucks. Seal those edges, and for the bottom part, think about placing something heavy in front, just don’t let it touch the door itself!
One simple idea is to attach some old comforters or bed toppers to the door and then put a curtain over it. If that doesn't cut it, you might want to invest in some sound panels.
You might also consider hanging mass loaded vinyl (MLV) on the door and then covering it with something decorative. That could be a good way to muffle sound without making it look bad.
That sounds interesting! I like that it’s a low-profile option.
There are also foam soundproofing panels from recording studios. They come in various sizes and can be cut to fit the door. If your door is solid-core, that’s even better for soundproofing, but you’d likely need your landlord’s permission to switch it out.
Do those foam panels block sound from both directions, or just keep sound from escaping?
Using a thick, heavy curtain over the door frame is another good option you can try. It can add some weight that helps keep the sound out.
Blocking off the door with a big bookshelf can really help, too. If you want, put some foam insulation in the door recess first and then the bookcase up against it. Just make sure to leave a little space away from the door if you can!
Good idea! My bed frame is already pushed against the door, so I need something that won’t stick out too much.
Thanks for the tip! I was already planning to get some sealing done around the edges.