Living in an apartment is very different from living in a house. Apartments are part of buildings, so in one whole building, you have your own corner that you decorate according to your taste but also in accordance with the rules of the building where you live. Living in an apartment complex is actually living in a mini-community where everyone contributes in a certain way.

How does this environment affect the individual? In many cases, life in the building can be tiring due to excessive noise or other inconveniences. If you live in a building and you are not always comfortable, then read this article because we have prepared for you some tips on how to make it more bearable.

Sound Insulation

It is clear that we cannot turn to communal inspection for every activity. One of the possible solutions is the installation of sound insulation. The reason why sounds are easily transmitted through the air is the use of light materials for the construction of walls, which do not have the ability to stop the noise. Partition walls are generally made to be as thin and economical as possible, and not to insulate rooms well. It is known that stone wool is the most optimal material for different types of insulation, and the same is true for acoustic insulation. 

In addition to reducing the penetration of noise, it also neutralizes the sounds of everyday life – furniture moving, neighbors shouting… It is able to reduce noise transmission by 50 decibels. The disadvantage of this type of insulation can be the loss of space since the thickness, together with aluminum profiles and gypsum boards, can be anywhere from 6 to 8 cm. In addition, as the folks at Soundproof Geek cite, one of the most popular choices of soundproofing wall panels is foam, such as SoundAssured Soundproofing Acoustic Studio Foam, XIN&LOG Soundproofing Wall Tiles, and IZO All Supply Convoluted 2” Egg Crate Panels Soundproof Wall Tiles. One more good alternative can be cork, both because of the savings on the loss of space and because it is ecologically sound, completely natural, and reusable. A layer of 3mm pressed cork can reduce noise by 19 decibels.

Add Bookshelves

A sound barrier can be made reasonably well by stacking heavy books on numerous shelves. In fact, shelves and books act as a second wall for your flat by forming a dense barricade that sound has a difficult time passing through. This is a wonderful option if the source of your noise leaks is a neighbor’s shared wall.

If you decide to go with this alternative, acquire very tall bookcases with as many shelves as you can fit in them (at least 5). Although there are some unique bookshelves on the marketplace, a classic hardwood bookshelf offers the best sound absorption.

Add Carpet, Rugs, and Pads

Alongside decorative items, home furniture, and even houseplants, sound-absorbing materials like plush carpets, rugs, and pads can help reduce noise. Additionally, by reducing the echo and soaking sound, these materials minimize the sound of footfall and items falling inside the apartment. Your surroundings will be quieter, and your neighbors will like it too.

The capability of a carpet, rug, or wall hanging to absorb sound increases with thickness. Even wall hangings and rugs created expressly for soundproofing are now available. Both alternatives frequently have denser backings than ordinary carpets and tapestries, and they are frequently produced with rubber and felt.

White Noise

White noise, while not exactly insulating, is just wide noise signals broadcast continuously. Simply explained, white noise generators are able to block out nearby disturbances that could otherwise compromise your apartment’s level of noise.

White noise generators distract your focus by covering any disturbing external noise with a non-distracting kind of noise. White noise, though, isn’t for everyone, and if you add TV or music on top of it, your apartment could feel chaotic.

Soundproofing Panels or Curtains

Installing wall panels or soundproof drapes may help you make a room quiet. Although you will need to drill or hammer holes into the walls to install the panels, they will actually prevent the sound.

Although a cheap and simple choice, wall panels and curtains need to be installed properly and may need more material based on the design or visual preferences of your home. Although putting curtains up won’t cause any issues, no one wants to live in a cave, and they only function when closed.

Hopefully, this advice was helpful to you and that, with it, living in the building will be more bearable. Good luck!