How to Soundproof a Room Without Major Renovations

When I moved into my new place, I quickly realized the walls were paper-thin. 

I could hear my neighbor’s dog, their phone calls, even their TV at night. I knew I needed a fix—but I wasn’t about to tear into drywall or do anything that’d risk my deposit.

So I started figuring out how to soundproof a room without any major renovations. 

I wanted simple, renter-friendly solutions that actually worked. And after a bit of trial and error, I found some surprisingly effective ways to quiet things down.

Here’s everything I did—and what you can try too—if you’re craving more peace without ripping your place apart.

Add Thick Curtains or Soundproof Drapes

This was one of the first things I tried, and it made a noticeable difference.

Regular curtains helped a little, but when I switched to heavyweight blackout curtains designed for sound dampening, the space felt instantly quieter. 

They helped block street noise and absorbed a lot of the echo from inside the room too.

I hung mine just a little wider and higher than the window to cover as much wall space as possible.

Lay Down Rugs or Carpet

Hard floors reflect sound, which makes everything feel louder. 

I had hardwood in my bedroom, so I added a thick area rug with a dense rug pad underneath.

The rug absorbed footsteps, muffled voices, and kept things from bouncing around the room. If you’re in a high-traffic area, it also helps keep neighbors below you from hearing every step you take.

Seal Gaps Around Doors

You’d be shocked how much sound leaks through the tiniest cracks. I added weatherstripping to the edges of my bedroom door and stuck a draft stopper at the bottom.

Not only did it cut down on hallway noise, but it also made the space feel warmer and cozier.

This fix cost me less than $20 and took ten minutes.

Use Acoustic Panels (That Look Good)

I didn’t want my place to look like a recording studio, so I went for decorative acoustic panels in neutral tones. 

I found a few that were self-adhesive and mounted them behind my bed and along the wall that faced my neighbor’s apartment.

They helped soften the sound without ruining my room’s vibe. I’ve also seen people DIY panels using fabric-wrapped foam, which is budget-friendly and customizable.

Fill the Room With Furniture

Empty rooms are noisy. The more soft stuff you add, the more sound you absorb.

I leaned into this and brought in a big bookshelf, added a few throw pillows, and even hung a soft fabric tapestry on one wall. All of it helped cut down on echo and made the space feel calmer.

Soundproof the Ceiling (the Easy Way)

I had upstairs neighbors who liked to stomp. A lot. So I tried something a bit unconventional—I added thick foam panels to the ceiling above my bed, just in a square where the noise was the worst.

I used removable adhesive strips, so it didn’t damage the paint. It looked subtle and actually worked better than I expected.

If that’s not your thing, even hanging a ceiling-mounted canopy or fabric can help muffle sounds.

Try a White Noise Machine

Sometimes the best fix isn’t blocking noise—it’s covering it.

I started using a white noise machine at night, and it drowned out distant barking and hallway noise like magic. You can also use a fan or an app on your phone if you want a free option.

Block Noisy Windows

Windows are one of the biggest culprits. I added a layer of acrylic (plexiglass) over mine using magnetic tape and foam to seal it in.

It’s a trick I learned from someone in a city apartment, and it seriously cut the traffic noise. 

If that’s too much for you, stick to double-layering curtains or adding window inserts if you’re down to spend a little more.