How to Soundproof Your Bedroom for a Calm and Quiet Sleep Sanctuary

Our bedrooms are our sanctuaries but they rarely feel as peaceful as they should. Not only do we want to keep bedroom noises contained within the room, but most of us also prefer these spaces to be free of external noises as well—whether it’s a too-loud television, someone practicing a musical instrument, or the sound of traffic just a few feet from the front door.

While achieving total silence at home is pretty hard, there are plenty of ways to minimize the ruckus. Here’s how to soundproof your bedroom so it’s calm and quiet—and you can finally get some shuteye.

Why Is Your Home So Noisy in the First Place?

Even if you try to keep things quiet, today’s homes (to the frustration of many) are unfortunately designed in a way that amplifies sound. “Today, many houses use light construction materials, such as drywall and hollow-core doors, which allow sound to travel easily between rooms,” explains Faraz Tajik, luxury home developer and president of Crest Builders in Orange County, CA. “Additionally, bedrooms are usually located near shared walls, plumbing, or HVAC ducts, which allow noise to easily travel between spaces.”

Add in all the noise from outside (why does your neighbor always have to honk wildly at the crack of dawn?) and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a stressful, noisy abode. “External sounds—traffic, neighborhood noise, or even air—can also filter through windows and poorly sealed doors,” Tajik adds. “Hard floors and minimal soft surfaces contribute to the issue by allowing sound to bounce around and create echoes, which increases noise levels.”

How to Soundproof Your Bedroom

Now on to how you can lower the volume in your sleeping quarters so you can finally rest.

Add Insulation and Weatherstripping

According to Gene Voloshin, luxury home builder and president of Catalyst Development in Needham, MA, the best way to soundproof a room (technically) is before the walls are closed. “We like to add soundproof insulation to the walls and the ceiling,” Voloshin says. “You can further dampen the sound by applying an extra layer of blue board or Sheetrock. Next, I would focus on door weatherstripping and covering open holes and gaps with acoustic caulk.”

So, if you live in a really noisy home and you’re at your breaking point, you may want to consider opening up the wall to add soundproofing.

Choose Upholstered Pieces

If construction isn’t an option, that doesn’t mean you can’t get things a little more quiet. However, you’ll probably need to reconsider your furniture choices. If you really want a quieter home overall, it might be time to get rid of that giant wood bed frame.

“Upholstered furniture can help soften or dampen sounds,” says Aaron Kessler, on-air TV host and design expert at ShopHQ, a major home shopping network. “Furniture and materials commonly found in bedrooms, like wood floors, headboards, and dressers, don’t help to soften sounds as much as upholstered items.”

So treat yourself to a new headboard, add a chic bench to the foot of your bed, and accessorize with a soft lounge chair. Don’t forget to pick up plenty of plush pillows.

Rearrange Your Furniture

If you are on a limited budget and adding new furniture isn’t an option, you may be able to work with what you already have. “Even the placement of furniture can make a big difference,” Tajik says. “Bookshelves and wardrobes positioned against shared walls help block the noise from nearby spaces.” Move your bed to a wall that isn’t shared, and place a bookcase or dresser against the shared wall instead.

Lay Down a Rug

Having a plush rug underfoot not only feels nice when you step out of bed in the morning, but it’s also a great way to absorb sound. Invest in a quality rug—preferably one that is dense, thick, and covers most of the floor. Then opt for an extra soft or foam rug pad underneath.

Hang Drapery

Kessler says drapery is a great way to make a room quieter while also adding style—the thicker and heavier the drapery, the better. Those lightweight sheer curtains are unlikely to do much. However, if you prefer sheer drapes during the day to let more light in, consider installing a double curtain rod so you have both lighter and heavier shades. This will also give the space a sophisticated, layered look.

Accessorize with Plants

Who doesn’t love a touch of nature? “Plants are another great way to soften echoes and increase sound absorption in your bedroom,” Kessler says. You might need quite a few of them to truly buffer unwanted noise, but it means you’ll have a soothing, greenery-filled space.