Have you ever tried to rest and ended up counting the footsteps of your upstairs neighbor? Or do you find it hard to concentrate because every honk from the street seems to sound inside your head? If this sounds familiar, it’s because you’re probably looking for ways to soundproof a room, and more importantly: know how much it really costs to soundproof.
The good news is that soundproofing is not just for recording studios. With a little planning, some proper materials and the right knowledge, you can transform any room into a haven of tranquility. This article is designed to explain everything you need to know in a clear, detailed and practical way. From the basics of soundproofing to the most effective home and professional solutions – and, of course, with up-to-date figures on what it really costs to soundproof in 2025.
Why would you want to soundproof a room?
The answer may seem obvious, but the motivation varies greatly from case to case. You may want to sleep better, work from home with more concentration, or record videos or music without interruption or disturbance to others. In most homes today, especially in buildings constructed without modern acoustic measures, noise leaks in surprisingly easily. It doesn’t just get in, it gets out.
Soundproofing is therefore an investment in mental health, productivity and quality of life. In many cases, it is also an added value for the home, since it also improves thermal insulation, reducing energy consumption.
Soundproofing and sound absorption: two concepts that must be differentiated
Before making decisions, it is important to understand that not everything that sounds like soundproofing means the same thing. There are two broad approaches:
- Soundproofing: consists of preventing sound from entering or leaving a space.
- Acoustic absorption: reduces sound bounce within the room, eliminating echo.
And what do you need? If the objective is to rest, avoid discomfort or to prevent your noise from spreading, you need soundproofing. If, on the other hand, you play an instrument, do live performances or record videos, you probably need both.
Aspects to consider before soundproofing a room
- Room size and structure: large rooms or rooms with high ceilings require more material.
- Type of noise: internal vs. external: conditions the strategy.
- Available budget and expectations: from economical solutions to professional installations.
How to soundproof walls effectively
Double partition wall with insulating material
One of the most effective solutions is to install a secondary structure with materials such as:
- Rock wool
- Acoustic foam
- Gypsum boards (acoustic plasterboard)
Plasterboard and cork panels
Multilayer plasterboard and cork are practical options that also provide thermal insulation.
Homemade shelving and paneling
Shelving filled with books, tapestries, pictures or acoustic paper can be an economical way to reduce noise.
How to soundproof windows without building work
No element lets in more noise than a poorly insulated window. If you live near a busy street, you will have noticed this. The best solution is double or triple glazing with PVC profiles, which offer much greater resistance than aluminum. The air space between panes acts as a sound barrier, drastically reducing noise transmission.
The best options for soundproofing a window are:
Thick curtains and weather-stripping
Velvet or thermal curtains along with rubber weatherstripping help to significantly reduce exterior noise.
PVC double glazing
PVC combined with double or triple glazing improves both acoustic and thermal insulation.
Solutions for soundproofing ceilings
Although often overlooked, the ceiling can be one of the main avenues for noise to enter, especially if you live in a building with neighbors above. Soundproofing this surface not only reduces the sounds of footsteps or shuffling furniture, but also greatly improves the overall acoustic comfort of the room.
Suspended ceilings with rock wool or foam
Ideal for reducing noise from the upper floor, although they require more investment.
Functional decoration: when style also insulates
Curtains, draperies, acoustical panels or filled paintings can make a big difference in reverberation.
How to soundproof the floor of a room
The floor is not usually the first area to be soundproofed, but it plays an important role, especially in older buildings. The best solution is to install a floating floor on a base of polyethylene insulating foam. This “decoupling” between structures prevents floor vibrations from being transmitted throughout the house. If the budget does not allow to change the floor, a valid alternative is to place one or several thick carpets. In addition to acoustic insulation, they provide warmth and reduce internal echoes.
And the doors, can they be soundproofed in a room?
Interior doors, especially hollow doors, are like speakers for sound. If you can, replace it with a solid door. If not, install weatherstripping on the frame and an insulating bar at the base. Even placing a carpet in front of the door can help reduce sound transmission.
Soundproof booths, an alternative option depending on the case
Ideal for remote work, music or digital content. Although their cost is higher, they offer total isolation and are modular.
Soundproofing a room is not as inaccessible as it seems. You can start by combining economical methods with more technical ones, always with a smart and realistic strategy.
Frequently asked questions about soundproofing rooms
Does egg carton work to insulate a room?
No. Although it helps to reduce reverberation somewhat, it has no real sound blocking capability.
Is it possible to soundproof without building work?
Yes, with solutions such as acoustic curtains, weather stripping, carpets and self-adhesive decorative panels.
Which option is better for very high ceilings?
Installing a false ceiling with rock wool is the best way to insulate high ceilings without major construction work.
How much does it cost to soundproof just one wall?
Between 300 € and 800 € approximately, depending on the material and thickness applied.
