How to Soundproof a Room: Expert Tips for Blocking and Absorbing Noise

Mr. Handyman explains effective ways to soundproof a room for peace and privacy. Seal gaps around doors and windows Add mass with heavy curtains or acoustic panels Install weatherstripping Use rugs and soft furnishings Consider double drywall or soundproofing materials

If outside noise keeps creeping in or your gaming setup keeps rattling the walls, it might be time to soundproof your space. Don’t worry—learning how to soundproof a room doesn’t require a full remodel. With the right combination of materials and techniques, you can block noise, improve acoustics, and finally get some peace and quiet.

This guide walks you through smart, effective solutions, from easy fixes like door sweeps and rugs to long-term upgrades like drywall layering or mass-loaded vinyl. Whether you’re keeping noise out or in, you’ll find steps that fit your space, goals, and budget.

Why Room Soundproofing Matters

Whether you have noisy neighbors or noise leaking in from the street, a loud room can make it hard to relax, focus, or sleep. That’s where room soundproofing comes in—done right, it can make your space quieter, more private, and a whole lot more comfortable.

Before we get into how to soundproof a room, it’s important to know what kind of sound control you actually need.

• Soundproofing a room means blocking sound from entering or leaving. This process uses materials like insulation, solid-core doors, or layered drywall to stop sound waves completely.
• Sound absorption focuses on reducing echo and improving acoustics inside the room, typically with foam, rugs, or soft furnishings that absorb sound rather than reflect it.

So, before you head to the hardware store, ask yourself:

• Are you trying to keep external noise out, or
• Prevent loud sounds from disturbing others?

Knowing the answer will help you choose the right materials and strategies and avoid wasting resources on fixes that don’t address your real problem.

Easy Ways to Block Outside Noise

Soundproofing a room starts with sealing off the outside, such as noisy streets, loud neighbors, or barking dogs. Many of the loudest distractions sneak in through thin windows, hollow doors, or small gaps in your trim. Here’s how to block them—without tearing your home apart.

1. Seal gaps around doors and windows. Soundproofing a room starts with closing the gaps. Use acoustical caulk around window and door trim—unlike standard caulk, it stays flexible and helps maintain a noise-blocking seal over time.
2. Add door sweeps and draft stoppers. Gaps under doors let in more noise than you’d expect. Install a rubber door sweep or use a weighted draft stopper to block sound and airflow at the base of exterior doors.
3. Hang heavy curtains or soundproof drapes. Thick, floor-length curtains absorb sound waves and reduce outside noise, especially at night. Soundproof curtains are designed to lie flat and block both vibrations and light.
4. Use window plugs or inserts. For a renter-friendly or temporary fix, window plugs made from acoustic foam or rubber mats can help. For a more permanent upgrade, try acrylic window inserts that create a tighter seal over existing panes.
5. Hang a soundproof blanket. Heavy-duty soundproof blankets can be mounted over windows or exterior doors to absorb vibrations and block noise. These are great for irregular schedules, overnight shifts, or shared walls.
6. Install a storm door. A storm door adds another layer of insulation and sound reduction. The air gap it creates between doors can significantly reduce traffic noise while improving your home’s energy efficiency.

Even minor upgrades like these can make a big difference. Whether you start with curtains or go all-in with window inserts, each layer of soundproofing builds a quieter, calmer room, without needing a major remodel.

How to Soundproof a Room from the Inside

Sometimes the problem isn’t noise coming in—it’s sound getting out. Whether you’re recording a podcast, gaming late at night, or just trying to be a good neighbor, soundproofing a room from the inside helps you control echo and reduce noise transfer through walls, floors, and doors.

Here are smart, effective ways to create a quieter, more contained space:

1. Add acoustic panels or soundproofing blankets to walls. Soft, dense materials absorb sound before it can bounce around the room. Use foam panels, moving blankets, or heavy curtains along shared walls or behind speakers and monitors.
2. Replace hollow-core interior doors. If your room has a hollow door, sound will pass right through. Replacing it with a solid-core door is one of the most effective upgrades for a soundproof room. It can make the whole space feel quieter instantly!
3. Layer floors with rugs or foam mats. Hard floors amplify sound. Cover them with a thick area rug and pad, or use rubber or foam mats in busy areas. This also helps with footsteps, dropped items, and general echo.
4. Seal interior door gaps. Use a door sweep and acoustical caulk around trim to help seal gaps that let sound escape. This is a small fix with big results, especially if you're combining it with other upgrades.
5. Soften the ceiling (if needed). If you have upstairs neighbors, attach acoustic foam panels or a soft rug to the ceiling to absorb impact noise.

Soundproofing a room from the inside is all about layers. So, even if you're not ready for a full renovation, combining these techniques can help you reduce noise, improve acoustics, and avoid noise complaints.

DIY Acoustic Panels and Budget-Friendly Fixes

You don’t need a full remodel—or a massive budget—to start soundproofing a room. With the right materials and a little creativity, you can improve acoustics and reduce noise using simple DIY acoustic panels. These panels work especially well for echo reduction, home studios, game rooms, or upstairs bedrooms.

DIY acoustic panels can be made from a variety of sound-absorbent materials. You can use:

• Acoustic foam (squares, wedges, or rolls)
• Old bath towels or thick blankets
• Carpet squares or felt pads

To build basic panels:

1. Cut your sound-absorbing material to size.
2. Mount it to a lightweight backing (like thin plywood or cardboard).
3. Secure with adhesive spray, soundproofing tape, or glue.
4. Hang panels across shared walls or behind sound sources.

Remember, you don’t need to cover every wall. Just focus on problem areas. Target:

• Shared walls with other rooms or units
• Corners (to absorb bass frequencies)
• Open, echo-prone spaces
• Floors over bedrooms or offices

DIY acoustic panels won’t block all noise, but when combined with earlier tips for better soundproofing and absorption, they can dramatically improve how a room feels and sounds.

Building a Soundproof Room: Long-Term Solutions That Last

If you’ve already tried rugs, curtains, and foam but noise is still leaking in, your next step is structural soundproofing. These upgrades involve adding mass, separating surfaces, and using specialized materials that physically block vibrations. They’re ideal for bedrooms near busy streets, media rooms, or shared walls in apartments.

1. Add a second layer of drywall. Fortifying your wall with a second layer of drywall is one of the best ways to soundproof a room. The added mass helps reduce both airborne noise and vibration transfer between rooms.

• Use 5/8-inch drywall for added density.
• Apply Green Glue or another damping compound between layers.
• Stagger seams and seal edges with acoustical caulk.

2. Line walls or ceilings with mass-loaded vinyl. Mass-loaded vinyl (MLV) is a heavy but flexible material that blocks sound without requiring major demolition. Install between drywall layers, beneath floors, or across ceilings. It’s especially helpful for:

• Apartment walls or condo ceilings
• Floors over home offices or bedrooms
• Rooms with shared walls or thin construction

3. Use soundproof wallpaper or paint. These products won’t block heavy noise on their own, but they can reduce echoes and sound reflection when layered with other techniques. Look for sound-dampening wallpaper or latex-based acoustic paint—great for finished rooms where drywall work isn’t realistic.
4. Combine and layer for best results. Permanent room soundproofing works best when multiple layers are used together—for instance, sealing gaps with acoustical caulk, adding rugs or curtains, and considering solid-core vs. hollow-core doors.

DIY vs. Pro Soundproofing: When to Call for Help

Not every soundproofing project needs power tools and extra drywall. In fact, some of the most effective upgrades, like sealing gaps or adding acoustic panels, can be done yourself with a little bit of time and elbow grease. But when the noise just won’t quit and the stakes are higher, it might be time to consider calling in a room soundproofing expert.

When to Consider DIY Soundproofing

For many homeowners, DIY soundproofing is enough to handle these situations:

• Reducing nuisance outside noise from windows or doors
• Controlling echoes in bedrooms, offices, or media rooms
• Renters in need of quick, reversible upgrades

For more serious sound issues, professional help can save you time, guesswork, and the headaches that come from inconsistent results.

When to Hire a Professional

When DIY efforts can’t mask the sound coming in or out, a trusted professional can make all the difference. Consider professional soundproofing measures when:

• You’re dealing with loud neighbors, ceiling noise, or shared walls
• The project involves drywall, framing, or any structural changes
• You want to install mass-loaded vinyl (MLV) or Green Glue correctly
• You need fast, clean, and lasting results without unnecessary trial and error

Let Mr. Handyman Help You Enjoy a Quieter Room

Whether you need help sealing door gaps or you're ready to install comprehensive soundproofing upgrades, your local Mr. Handyman^® team is here to make the process simple. From drywall to door replacements, we’ll help you create a quieter, more comfortable space that fits your needs.

Request service online, and let’s get started!

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Mr. Handyman is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact your local Mr. Handyman location for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.

FAQs About Soundproofing a Room

Mr. Handyman has been helping homeowners and businesses repair, maintain, and enhance their spaces for over 25 years! We are the one-stop solution for everything on your to-do list. This includes answering your questions about home repairs, maintenance, and improvements. Here are answers to some of your most frequently asked questions on soundproofing a room.

Can you completely soundproof a room?

Not entirely, unless you're building a soundproof room from the studs up. However, you can significantly reduce noise with room soundproofing techniques like sealing gaps and adding double drywall or mass-loaded vinyl. For most homeowners, a quieter, more controlled space is completely achievable.

What is the best way to soundproof a room?

The best way to soundproof a room involves combining multiple strategies:

• Seal doors and windows with acoustical caulk.
• Add dense materials like rugs, curtains, or blankets.
• Hang acoustic panels or foam on the walls.
• Install extra drywall with Green Glue or use mass-loaded vinyl (MLV).

Layering these solutions improves both sound blocking and absorption.

What materials are best for soundproofing a room?

Top soundproofing materials include:

• Mass-loaded vinyl (MLV): Creates a dense, flexible sound barrier
• Green Glue: Dampens vibrations between drywall layers
• Acoustic panels or foam: Absorb echoes and sharp sounds
• Solid-core doors, thick rugs, and curtains: Reduce sound travel

Use a mix of these materials to block, absorb, and control noise.

Does soundproof paint work?

Soundproof paint helps reduce echo but won’t block loud or low-frequency noise. It works best when used with other materials like acoustic panels, rugs, or dense curtains. Think of soundproof paint as a supplement to your soundproofing efforts, not a full solution.

What’s the difference between soundproof and sound absorbent?

Soundproof rooms feature materials and construction designed to block sound from entering or leaving a space (e.g., drywall, MLV, caulk). Sound-absorbent spaces are designed to improve acoustics within the room by reducing echo (e.g., foam, rugs, curtains). While these techniques complement each other, they are not the same and cannot be accomplished with the same materials. To achieve the best results for your space, use both techniques together.