Noise is any sound that disturbs people's rest, study, or work—essentially, sounds that are unwanted. Prolonged exposure to excessive noise can lead to irritability, nervous exhaustion, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, loss of appetite, and disturbed sleep, all of which can negatively affect both physical and mental health.
So, how can you keep these unwanted sounds out of your home? What other aspects of home design can help reduce the impact of noise? Let’s explore some practical solutions from furniture and materials used in the US and Australia.
**Doors and Windows:**
One of the most effective ways to block noise is by using plastic steel doors and windows, which offer excellent sound insulation. If you already have aluminum alloy windows, make sure the seals around the frames are intact. Aluminum alloy windows generally provide less soundproofing than plastic steel ones. A simple and effective addition is thick curtains, which can help absorb sound and create a quieter living space.
**Partition Walls:**
Many homes use lightweight hollow bricks for exterior walls, which aren’t very effective at blocking noise. If traffic or external noise is a problem, consider adding a layer of gypsum board to the wall facing the source of noise. Fill the space behind the board with sound-absorbing cotton, then cover it with wallpaper or paint for a finished look.
**Glass:**
Using insulating glass in plastic-steel windows is a highly effective way to reduce noise. High-pitched sounds, which are often the most annoying, travel in straight lines and are mostly reflected by regular glass. Insulating glass helps to absorb the remaining sound waves. However, be careful not to confuse untreated double-glazed glass with true insulating glass.
**Carpet:**
For mid-bass sounds caused by vibrations or friction, carpets can help reduce their impact on the interior environment. They add a soft layer that absorbs some of the noise and makes the space feel more comfortable.
**Flooring:**
To improve sound insulation between floors, installing a soundproof ceiling is recommended. These ceilings typically use 5cm thick plastic foam boards as sound insulation material. They can be directly attached to the existing ceiling. To enhance sound absorption, you can tie some irregular shapes (without puncturing) beneath the foam board. It’s also beneficial to leave a small gap between the foam board and the ceiling to further improve noise reduction.
By incorporating these strategies into your home design, you can significantly reduce noise pollution and create a more peaceful living environment. Whether through better window choices, added wall layers, or the use of carpets and ceilings, every small change contributes to a more comfortable and healthy space.
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