How To Soundproof A Room With Blankets: A Step-by-Step Guide

Is noise pollution from outside or within your home disrupting your life? Are barking dogs, loud vehicles, noisy neighbours, or rowdy roommates keeping you up at night?

Excessive and unwanted sounds can negatively impact your health, productivity, and quality of life. But you don’t have to keep tolerating it day after day.

There is an easy, affordable way to muffle irritating noises right in your own home – soundproofing with blankets.

Hanging thick, heavyweight blankets on walls, windows, and doors creates noise barriers that absorb vibrations instead of letting them pass through. This effectively blocks exterior ruckus and interior echoes from permeating the room.

Transform any noisy space into a peaceful oasis with simple DIY blanket soundproofing. Our step-by-step guide will show you how to use this budget-friendly technique to finally relax, focus, and reclaim quiet.

Benefits of Using Blankets for Soundproofing

Blankets are an affordable and effective way to reduce noise transmission. Here are some of the benefits of using blankets to soundproof a room:

• Cost-effective – Blankets are much cheaper than installing soundproof drywall or other permanent soundproofing solutions. They can make a big difference on a budget.
• Portable – Unlike fixed soundproofing methods, blankets can be moved and rearranged easily. You can soundproof different rooms or take them with you when you move.
• Quick installation – Putting up blankets is a simple DIY project. No construction or installation work is required. You can set them up in minutes.
• Effective noise reduction – Blankets absorb and block sound very well, especially high-frequency noises. Adding just a few blankets can noticeably reduce noise levels.
• Aesthetically pleasing – Blankets come in various colours and patterns. You can find options that fit your room’s décor.

Types of Blankets for Soundproofing

The most common and effective types of blankets for soundproofing are:

Moving Blankets

Thick, heavyweight moving blankets are specially designed to protect furniture and absorb sound. They block noises from transmitting through walls and windows. Moving blankets come in various sizes, typically up to 86″ x 96″.

Acoustic Blankets

Acoustic blankets feature sound-absorbing materials like fiberglass and foam between two solid fabric layers. The inner layer transforms noise into heat energy. Acoustic blankets provide excellent noise reduction and work best when mounted on walls.

Thermal/Insulated Blankets

Insulated blankets designed to retain heat also block sound very well. Options like heavy quilted mattress pads or insulated hunting blankets work great for soundproofing when hung like tapestries.

DIY Soundproofing Blankets

You can even make DIY soundproof blankets easily using quilt batting or foam. Just place the sound-absorbing material between the fabric and hang it on the wall as a tapestry or curtain. Add grommets to hang blankets easily from hooks or nails.

Try hanging blankets today to mute disruptive noises for a better quality of life.

How to Soundproof a Room with Blankets: Step-by-Step Instructions

Looking to reduce noise in your home or office on a budget? Installing blankets is an easy, affordable way to soundproof a room effectively.

Follow this detailed guide to transform any noisy space into a peaceful sanctuary.

Step 1: Cover Walls with Sound Absorbing Blankets

Start by hanging thick blankets on all walls to act as noise barriers blocking sound from transmitting through from other rooms.

Choose the Right Soundproofing Blankets

Look for dense, heavyweight blankets that will absorb vibrations rather than let them pass through:

• Moving blankets – Made from quilted materials that dampen noise. At least 1/4″ thickness is ideal.
• Acoustic blankets – Contain sound-dampening insulation like fibreglass or foam. Perfect for studios or very noisy spaces.
• Insulated blankets – Though meant for warmth, options like heavy quilts or hunting blankets also work great.

Avoid any thin, porous blankets as they won’t block sound effectively. The thicker and denser the blanket, the better the noise reduction.

Mount Blankets Securely on Walls

Use these techniques to hang blankets smoothly and securely:

• Adhesive hooks like Command Strips allow hanging blankets directly on walls without nails or holes.
• Blanket hangers or drapery clip rings can be attached to the wall then blankets are slid through them. Makes rearranging easy.
• Grommets added to blanket edges allow hanging on hooks, nails, rods, etc.
• Blanket bars installed on the wall provide a rod to neatly hang blankets.

Space hooks/hangers every 18-24 inches along the top and bottom edges for a smooth, tight hang. Blankets should lie flat against the wall.

Seal Any Gaps for Maximum Soundproofing

Completely sealing blankets is crucial to optimize noise blocking:

• Use painter’s tape along the edges to seal small gaps between walls and blankets.
• Fill larger gaps with acoustic caulk, putty or foam.
• Overlap layers and double-up blankets to prevent sound from leaking through.

Covering walls eliminates noise entry points into the room.

Step 2: Block Outside Noise by Covering Windows

Windows are a major source of noise entering a room. Cover them with blankets to significantly reduce exterior sounds.

Hang Heavy Blankets in Front of Windows

Using the same techniques as walls, hang thick blankets over window frames to dampen noise. Options include:

• Blankets with grommets/pockets on a curtain rod
• Adhesive hooks to hang blankets directly on windows
• Clip rings/bars above/below windows to hang blankets

Make sure blankets are larger than the window itself to completely cover and seal it off.

Add Blackout Curtains for Further Soundproofing

For even better results, add blackout curtains on top of the blankets:

• Energy-efficient blackout curtains contain insulation that helps absorb sound.
• Curtains lined with blanket material provide both noise reduction and light blocking.
• Close curtains fully with provided tabs, Velcro strips, ties, etc. to seal edges.

Using both curtains and blankets over windows greatly decreases outside noise entering the room.

Step 3: Soundproof Doors to Prevent Noise Leaking In

Stopping sounds that enter from hallways or other rooms is also very important. Sealing off doors helps prevent noise transfer.

Hang a Blanket Over the Door

Simply hanging a blanket over the door itself can make a big difference. Use thumbtacks, removable adhesive strips, or hook-and-loop tape to install a blanket without damaging the door.

For a more polished look, mount a rod above the door and hang a blanket from it like over windows.

Install Door Seals

Adding seals/sweeps provides further soundproofing:

• Door bottom seals – Adhesive seals fill the gap between the door and the floor beneath.
• Threshold seals – Threshold seals underneath block sound from under the door.
• Door sweeps – Dense rubber/foam sweeps compress against the floor for a tight seal.

Sealing a door’s edges with gaskets prevents sound leakage around the sides too.

Step 4: Incorporate Sound Absorbing Materials

Adding more acoustic treatments in the room helps absorb echo and reverberation for a quieter space.

Add Carpeting and Rugs

Laying carpets, area rugs or rug pads on hard floors adds a layer of sound dampening and absorption. The thicker and softer, the better.

Use Soft Furnishings

Upholstered couches, armchairs, ottomans, etc. absorb noise vibrations rather than reflect them. Cover hard surfaces with blankets or cushions too.

Place Houseplants in the Room

Potted plants help dampen resonating noises through their leaves, soil, and pots.

With blankets blocking noise entry points and additional sound-absorbing accessories, the room transforms into a peaceful, serene oasis, blocking out exterior noise pollution.

Take Action for Noise Relief

Hanging blankets is an easy, affordable DIY solution to soundproof any noisy space for quiet and tranquillity. Follow these simple steps to reduce distracting noises for greater privacy, focus and harmony at home or work.

Experiment with different blanket placements and layers to optimize noise reduction. Combine with acoustic treatments like rugs for maximum sound absorption.

You’ll be amazed how these basic techniques can effectively absorb echo, muffle disruptive sounds and create your own sanctuary.

Don’t tolerate excessive noise – take control with effective blanketing soundproofing. Your comfort and productivity depend on it!

Maximize Noise Reduction with These Blanket Soundproofing Tips

Covering walls, windows, and doors with thick blankets is an effective DIY method to soundproof a room. But you can further optimize the noise reduction with a few extra simple steps:

Use multiple layers of blankets for better sound-blocking

Hanging more than one blanket over noise sources improves absorption and density. The layers prevent sound from penetrating through any gaps. Experiment with 2-3 blankets layered on top of each other for maximum noise blocking.

Strategically place blankets to block sound entry points

Focus on covering air gaps where exterior noise enters the room. Position blankets directly over windows, walls bordering noisy areas, and doors first. Then add blankets to the other walls.

Seal edges with caulk or weatherstripping

Apply acoustic caulk or weatherstripping tape around the borders of windows, doors, and any cracks before hanging blankets. This seals gaps and prevents sound leakage around the blankets.

Add acoustic foam or panels to walls and ceiling

Supplementing blankets with sound-absorbing foam or panels captures excess noise within the room. The added acoustic treatments prevent reverberation and echo buildup.

With some small optimizations like these, simple DIY blanket soundproofing becomes even more effective at reducing unwanted noises. Try out these tips for the best noise cancellation and a serene private space.

What blanket absorbs sound?

Sound-absorbing blankets are specially designed to reduce noise levels by absorbing sound waves.

They are made of dense, fibrous materials, such as fibreglass or mineral wool, that can trap and dissipate sound energy.

Sound-absorbing blankets are often used in a variety of settings, including homes, offices, studios, and industrial environments, to improve acoustics and reduce noise pollution.

Other materials that can absorb sound include:

• Carpets
• Draperies
• Acoustic foam
• Mineral wool
• Porous ceiling tiles

Do wool blankets block sound?

Yes, wool blankets can block sound to some extent. Wool is a natural sound absorber, and thicker, denser wool blankets will be more effective at blocking sound.

However, wool blankets are not as effective at blocking sound as dedicated soundproofing materials, such as acoustic foam or panels.

FAQs

conclusion

Excessive noise in your environment can negatively impact your health, productivity, and quality of life. But you don’t have to keep tolerating irritating sounds disrupting your home.

With some simple DIY acoustic treatments like hanging thick blankets on walls, windows, and doors, you can effectively absorb noise and transform any space into a relaxing haven.

Follow the steps in this guide to soundproof a room using affordable blankets. Strategically cover noise entry points, use multiple layers, and incorporate other sound-dampening furnishings.

In just a short time, you can reduce unwanted echoes and exterior ruckus for a calm, tranquil ambience.

Don’t wait to reclaim the quiet comfort you deserve. Take control of your environment and ease noise distractions with simple blanket soundproofing solutions. Bask in the blissful silence as you relax, work, or create in your new peaceful sanctuary.