Moving into a newly built apartment or home is an exciting experience, but it can quickly become a nightmare when you discover that the acoustics are less than ideal. With many modern buildings featuring open-plan designs and hard surfaces, noise can easily bounce around the space, creating a cacophony of irritating sounds. Fortunately, there are simple and fun ways to fix these issues and create a peaceful oasis in your home.
Photo by Kateryna Hliznitsova on Unsplash
Absorption is Key
Annoying sound reflections in a room can be reduced by using materials and surfaces that absorb sound. Soft textiles like curtains, pillows, and throws can all be used to make annoying sounds disappear. Consider using heavy fabrics with tight weaves like wool or velvet for maximum absorption. Bookshelves, upholstered furniture, and even green plants with large leaves can also help absorb sound and create a more pleasant acoustic environment.
Diffusion and Damping
Rather than absorbing sound waves, it's possible to use diffusion to break them up and spread them around. This can be achieved by using furniture and panels to create various barriers to the sound waves. Similarly, a room can be divided into smaller areas (acoustic zones) using the same method.
Identify Disturbing Sounds
It's essential to identify which sounds are causing the most disturbance in your home. Hard surfaces that emit echoes, slamming doors, footsteps, and the noise from appliances like fridges, freezers, and washing machines can all contribute to a poor acoustic environment. Once you know which sounds are most disturbing, you can focus on ways to reduce their impact.
Finding the Right Balance
It's important to find the right balance between sound absorption and sound insulation. A room that is sound-insulated too well can feel oppressive and uncomfortable. A combination of absorption, diffusion, and damping will help create a pleasant acoustic environment that is both comfortable and functional.
Fixing acoustics in your home doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. With a little creativity and some simple design tricks, you can create a peaceful oasis in even the noisiest of environments. Remember to identify the most disturbing sounds and focus on reducing their impact while finding the right balance between sound absorption and insulation. With these tips, you'll be able to enjoy your home in peace.