Work hard in silence. Let success make the noise.
Working from home sounds like a dream, but noisy distractions can kill productivity and turn a great space into a frustrating one. Soundproofing your home office can improve your focus and eliminate embarrassments on video calls.
Whether you have kids, pets, loud appliances, or live near construction or a busy road, these tips can cut down on noise without breaking the bank.
There are many soundproofing products you can use when building your home, such as flooring underlayments and high quality insulation. However, we’ve chosen products that you can easily install without remodeling, so you can get back to work quickly!
First, you should know the difference between soundproofing and sound absorbing products. Soundproofing materials block sound waves – use these if you want to stop outside sound from entering your office. Sound absorbing materials absorb sound waves – use these if you want to prevent noise originating inside your office from echoing unpleasantly.
With these definitions in mind, let’s look at how you can soundproof your office from top to bottom!
Walls
Art Acoustic Panel
From low-cost foam panels, to larger, mounted versions, acoustic panels are a classic way to soundproof a room. But why limit yourself to one function, when you could turn your acoustic panel into a work of art? Soundproof Cow offers customizable art acoustic panels that look just like a canvas.
Sound Absorbing Paint
Acoustical Wood
Acoustic Partitions
Ceiling
Decorative Ceiling Acoustic Panels
Doors
Windows
Soundproof Windows
We love a home office that utilizes natural light but glass does not block sound well. Soundproof Windows can handle this problem with their soundproof window inserts. You don’t need to replace your existing windows or worry about a difficult installation. These inserts fit right over your existing window to provide an extra layer of soundproofing.
Soundproof Curtains
Every office worker knows the pain of a stiff neck and back. The human body wasn’t designed to sit all day, let alone crouch over a tiny screen. Thankfully, you can pick any type of furniture in your home office to suit your style. Size, storage options, color, you name it.
But don’t forget your own comfort! Sit-stand desks have exploded in popularity, like the Think Desk by Juniper. You can make height adjustments through Bluetooth! If you get sore from sitting, raising the desk’s height to stand for a period is easy. For comfortable seating, look for ergonomic chairs that allow you to customize height, back, and neck support. Avoid those afternoon headaches and restless legs!
Create a Pleasant Soundscape
Speaker with White Noise and Natural Soundscapes
Additional Tips
Here are a few extra tips to keep in mind as you design your office and arrange your new soundproofing products.
Stack furniture against the wall
Consider placing shelves and storage units against the walls that allow the most passage of sound. Books and files block sound quite effectively – think of libraries!
Don't leave the room bare
Fill your office with a reasonable amount of decor on the walls and within the room. Objects block and dampen the flow of sound, while a room filled with only the bare bones can enhance reverberations.
Choose materials that absorb, rather than reflect sound
Wood and upholstered furniture will absorb sound much better than metal or plastic objects which can create unpleasant echoes.
Don’t forget to add the soft stuff
Invest in a thick carpet, and consider a reading chair or love seat for the corner. Adding in some throw pillows or blankets will keep your space serene.
Best of luck creating your dream, quiet office! Reach out on our social media and let us know which tips worked best for you!
About the Author
Caylah Coffeen is a writer and editor sharing her insight on unique home products that help readers make their homes feel more like home. She also mentors fiction authors at her publishing company, Creative Cornerstones, based in Huntsville, Alabama.
