Renovating
How to Reduce Noise in Your Home
If you’re one of many who’d like to live in a quieter home, consider this expert advice for dampening sound room by room
Sensitivity to particular sounds is not uncommon. You might have young children and feel sleep-deprived; you could suffer from insomnia; you may have a diagnosed noise sensitivity, such as misophonia or hyperacusis, or perhaps your sensitivities around noise are linked to anxiety or a neurodivergent condition, age or illness. Sound sensitivity could also, of course, simply be down to living somewhere noisy.
“Urbanisation and population density contribute to higher ambient noise levels in residential areas,” says stylist and sensory home consultant Pippa Jameson. “With the rise of open-plan living spaces and the increasing use of technology and home automation systems, there’s also a growing concern about noise generated by appliances, electronic devices, and smart home gadgets.”
Read on to learn more and get noise-reducing ideas for every room to help you to enjoy a more peaceful home life.
Professional advice from: Pippa Jameson of Pippa Jameson Interiors & The Sensory Home; Abi Ford of Abi Ford Design; Nigel Burton, Director of Acoustics at Temple property consultancy
“Urbanisation and population density contribute to higher ambient noise levels in residential areas,” says stylist and sensory home consultant Pippa Jameson. “With the rise of open-plan living spaces and the increasing use of technology and home automation systems, there’s also a growing concern about noise generated by appliances, electronic devices, and smart home gadgets.”
Read on to learn more and get noise-reducing ideas for every room to help you to enjoy a more peaceful home life.
Professional advice from: Pippa Jameson of Pippa Jameson Interiors & The Sensory Home; Abi Ford of Abi Ford Design; Nigel Burton, Director of Acoustics at Temple property consultancy
What is life like for someone sensitive to sound?
“Everyday noises can be overwhelming and disruptive, leading to anxiety and difficulty concentrating or sleeping,” Pippa says. “What someone perceives as normal noise levels can feel magnified to others. Whether it’s the sound of the traffic outside, the television, or the dishwasher being unstacked, it can be crippling.
“The effect of this could result in physiological responses such as meltdowns or raised stress and anxiety levels,” she says. “This can be particularly challenging for young children or non-verbal individuals who are unable to communicate.”
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“Everyday noises can be overwhelming and disruptive, leading to anxiety and difficulty concentrating or sleeping,” Pippa says. “What someone perceives as normal noise levels can feel magnified to others. Whether it’s the sound of the traffic outside, the television, or the dishwasher being unstacked, it can be crippling.
“The effect of this could result in physiological responses such as meltdowns or raised stress and anxiety levels,” she says. “This can be particularly challenging for young children or non-verbal individuals who are unable to communicate.”
Find and hire a local interior designer or architect through Houzz.
How much can a professional help?
“Typically, we would provide assistance with the control of noise from outside, such as traffic, and sound insulation between dwellings,” says Nigel Burton, who is a member of the Institute of Acoustics (IOA) and a Board Member of the Association of Noise Consultants (ANC).
“Noise transmission between acoustically mismatched spaces – for example, commercial and residential spaces – is often a key consideration,” he says. Impact sound – ie, footfall on floors above – is also something Nigel deals with.
A newer acoustic challenge comes from the rise in installation of air source heat pumps. “They can be louder than conventional boilers,” he says.
Designers can also tackle noise from appliances, furniture, and general household activities. But what is the starting point? “[A designer] will need to understand who will be using the space and what the room’s functionality will be,” Pippa says. “They can then start to understand the potential noise output and think about minimising sounds through specialist materials, intelligent layouts, and specific design treatments.
“If the homeowners are already living in the space,” she adds, “it’s about finding the source of stress and working together to eliminate the noise pollution.”
“Typically, we would provide assistance with the control of noise from outside, such as traffic, and sound insulation between dwellings,” says Nigel Burton, who is a member of the Institute of Acoustics (IOA) and a Board Member of the Association of Noise Consultants (ANC).
“Noise transmission between acoustically mismatched spaces – for example, commercial and residential spaces – is often a key consideration,” he says. Impact sound – ie, footfall on floors above – is also something Nigel deals with.
A newer acoustic challenge comes from the rise in installation of air source heat pumps. “They can be louder than conventional boilers,” he says.
Designers can also tackle noise from appliances, furniture, and general household activities. But what is the starting point? “[A designer] will need to understand who will be using the space and what the room’s functionality will be,” Pippa says. “They can then start to understand the potential noise output and think about minimising sounds through specialist materials, intelligent layouts, and specific design treatments.
“If the homeowners are already living in the space,” she adds, “it’s about finding the source of stress and working together to eliminate the noise pollution.”
Is ventilation a significant factor after soundproofing a building?
“Absolutely,” Nigel confirms. “It needs to be taken into consideration as part of the soundproofing solution. For example, natural ventilation via open windows has the potential to undermine the otherwise high sound insulation performance of double glazing, so where sound insulation is important, an alternative ventilation solution may be required.”
More: How to Retrofit Healthy Ventilation into Your Home
“Absolutely,” Nigel confirms. “It needs to be taken into consideration as part of the soundproofing solution. For example, natural ventilation via open windows has the potential to undermine the otherwise high sound insulation performance of double glazing, so where sound insulation is important, an alternative ventilation solution may be required.”
More: How to Retrofit Healthy Ventilation into Your Home
Is all noise physical?
You might be surprised to learn that, particularly for those with sound sensitivities, it’s not all about the noise you can hear. “If there’s a lot of human traffic, bright colours, or even bad layouts, this can create psychological noise,” Pippa explains.
“This is where sensory design comes into play. In addition to addressing the physical noise, we can make a space ‘feel’ quieter through design factors such as ambient lighting and paint colour choices. These design additions will help to calm the mind, alleviate stress and allow individuals to regulate.”
More: Designing for Neurodiversity
You might be surprised to learn that, particularly for those with sound sensitivities, it’s not all about the noise you can hear. “If there’s a lot of human traffic, bright colours, or even bad layouts, this can create psychological noise,” Pippa explains.
“This is where sensory design comes into play. In addition to addressing the physical noise, we can make a space ‘feel’ quieter through design factors such as ambient lighting and paint colour choices. These design additions will help to calm the mind, alleviate stress and allow individuals to regulate.”
More: Designing for Neurodiversity
Room-specific tips for a quieter home
Kitchens “Sound waves bouncing against hard surfaces create echo,” Abi says. This can be particularly relevant in kitchens or extensions, where there may be lots of glass, tiling and stone or composite worktops. “Integrating acoustic ceiling materials into the design can really offset the effects of these,” she says.
Open-plan living can have a real impact here, as the sounds of appliances, clattering utensils and chatter flow out from the kitchen. “Look out for quieter appliances – almost all offer ‘quiet’ models,” Pippa says, as well as installing sound-absorbing materials and creating buffer zones between the kitchen and living areas.
Abi adds that cork is one of the best sound-absorbing materials. “It’s hardwearing enough to be used as a kitchen floor, and could also be used on walls,” she says. “Lino and vinyl also perform on sound absorption and often have an acoustic backing applied. Bamboo has the best sound-absorption qualities of all the woods, and wood in general absorbs more sound than a tiled or stone surface.”
Kitchens “Sound waves bouncing against hard surfaces create echo,” Abi says. This can be particularly relevant in kitchens or extensions, where there may be lots of glass, tiling and stone or composite worktops. “Integrating acoustic ceiling materials into the design can really offset the effects of these,” she says.
Open-plan living can have a real impact here, as the sounds of appliances, clattering utensils and chatter flow out from the kitchen. “Look out for quieter appliances – almost all offer ‘quiet’ models,” Pippa says, as well as installing sound-absorbing materials and creating buffer zones between the kitchen and living areas.
Abi adds that cork is one of the best sound-absorbing materials. “It’s hardwearing enough to be used as a kitchen floor, and could also be used on walls,” she says. “Lino and vinyl also perform on sound absorption and often have an acoustic backing applied. Bamboo has the best sound-absorption qualities of all the woods, and wood in general absorbs more sound than a tiled or stone surface.”
Utility rooms and cupboards “These can be hives of noise, with plumbed-in dehumidifiers and loud appliances,” Abi says.
Pippa advises vibration isolation pads and suggests soundproofing walls and doors. And, as with kitchens, it’s worth looking out for quieter appliances.
“Specify an acoustic wall lining,” Abi suggests. “An acoustic door, such as a fire door, can also combat sound transference from the outset.” She adds that acoustic wall coverings can be fitted retrospectively, along with acoustic baffles fixed to the inside face of cupboard or utility doors.
If you’re renovating, try to locate the utility room away from living spaces if possible. In particular, Pippa says, “Ensure the utility room doesn’t sit underneath the bedroom of anyone with sound sensitivities, so they’re not kept awake by a spinning washing machine or tumble dryer.”
Pippa advises vibration isolation pads and suggests soundproofing walls and doors. And, as with kitchens, it’s worth looking out for quieter appliances.
“Specify an acoustic wall lining,” Abi suggests. “An acoustic door, such as a fire door, can also combat sound transference from the outset.” She adds that acoustic wall coverings can be fitted retrospectively, along with acoustic baffles fixed to the inside face of cupboard or utility doors.
If you’re renovating, try to locate the utility room away from living spaces if possible. In particular, Pippa says, “Ensure the utility room doesn’t sit underneath the bedroom of anyone with sound sensitivities, so they’re not kept awake by a spinning washing machine or tumble dryer.”
Bedrooms Trying to sleep with bothersome noise can be impossible – whether that’s airborne sounds or impact noise from footsteps, or the source is structural, such as plumbing or HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems. Alarm clocks, snoring and heavy rain can also be problematic for many.
“Considering the layout of the rooms on the plot aids in the acoustic design,” Abi says. “Someone who struggles with sleep would benefit from a quiet, garden-facing bedroom. If the plot is on a noisy road, try to create a buffer with the transient spaces, such as stairs, hallways and utilities.
“Again, incorporating acoustic ceiling materials could alter sleep quality by absorbing any noise from outside as well as echoes from a snoring partner,” she says.
“The use of triple glazing can be invaluable if there are bedrooms – or, indeed, primary living spaces – adjacent to busy roads, but it doesn’t have to be used throughout the home,” Abi says.
“Clever use of planting in the front garden can also act as a buffer between a busy road and the home,” she adds, suggesting planting trees and shrubs is a good idea generally for creating a sound buffer around your home.
“Considering the layout of the rooms on the plot aids in the acoustic design,” Abi says. “Someone who struggles with sleep would benefit from a quiet, garden-facing bedroom. If the plot is on a noisy road, try to create a buffer with the transient spaces, such as stairs, hallways and utilities.
“Again, incorporating acoustic ceiling materials could alter sleep quality by absorbing any noise from outside as well as echoes from a snoring partner,” she says.
“The use of triple glazing can be invaluable if there are bedrooms – or, indeed, primary living spaces – adjacent to busy roads, but it doesn’t have to be used throughout the home,” Abi says.
“Clever use of planting in the front garden can also act as a buffer between a busy road and the home,” she adds, suggesting planting trees and shrubs is a good idea generally for creating a sound buffer around your home.
Pippa advises sealing windows and adding sound-absorbing materials to walls and ceilings. Abi suggests wall coverings made from felt, jute, wool or recycled polyester. “These can also be visually stunning, adding a nice twist – think a feature wall [either in a] bedroom, home office or play space.”
“Consider your soft furnishings, too,” Pippa says. “The fabrics we choose for our window dressings are integral for getting a good night’s sleep. Layering your curtains will create a natural sound barrier. Opt for thick materials to help with sound absorption. Thick-pile carpets, rugs, and lots of cushions and throws will also contribute to sound absorption.”
“Consider your soft furnishings, too,” Pippa says. “The fabrics we choose for our window dressings are integral for getting a good night’s sleep. Layering your curtains will create a natural sound barrier. Opt for thick materials to help with sound absorption. Thick-pile carpets, rugs, and lots of cushions and throws will also contribute to sound absorption.”
Open-plan living spaces Pippa explains it can be challenging to make these areas quieter due to the lack of physical barriers to contain noise and the potential for echo.
If you’re pre renovation or extension, brief your architect to come up with a design that isn’t fully open-plan, or one with flexibility built into the layout. Let them know noise is a significant issue, so they can build this consideration into the project from the earliest stages.
“Acoustic design starts with the space itself at the initial concept stage,” Abi agrees. “Open-plan living is here to stay, but by zoning the space with an interesting footprint, a kink or pop-out, a dropped ceiling or change in level, it enables a large family to inhabit the space together, as a child with sensory needs can find a quiet nook yet still feel part of the activity going on around them.”
If you’re post-renovation, there are still measures you can take. “Sound waves can be diffused by the fittings and furniture we place in the space – an empty room will naturally have more of an echo,” Abi says.
She also suggests house plants. “They have the added benefits of decreasing stress levels, improving mood and increasing our attention span,” she says.
If you’re pre renovation or extension, brief your architect to come up with a design that isn’t fully open-plan, or one with flexibility built into the layout. Let them know noise is a significant issue, so they can build this consideration into the project from the earliest stages.
“Acoustic design starts with the space itself at the initial concept stage,” Abi agrees. “Open-plan living is here to stay, but by zoning the space with an interesting footprint, a kink or pop-out, a dropped ceiling or change in level, it enables a large family to inhabit the space together, as a child with sensory needs can find a quiet nook yet still feel part of the activity going on around them.”
If you’re post-renovation, there are still measures you can take. “Sound waves can be diffused by the fittings and furniture we place in the space – an empty room will naturally have more of an echo,” Abi says.
She also suggests house plants. “They have the added benefits of decreasing stress levels, improving mood and increasing our attention span,” she says.
Home offices Whether it’s distraction from household activities, noise from others working in the same space, or traffic or building work drifting in from outside, noise can seem amplified when you’re trying to focus and need silence to do so.
“Garden offices are becoming more popular,” Nigel says. “They [can] allow acoustic privacy from the rest of the property and reduce the likelihood of family noise [interfering with video] calls.”
Abi says the thoughtful placement of fitted or freestanding bookshelves can work well. “A wall of books is a great absorber of sound,” she says. As in bedrooms, sound-absorbing materials and acoustic panels are another option for walls.
“Garden offices are becoming more popular,” Nigel says. “They [can] allow acoustic privacy from the rest of the property and reduce the likelihood of family noise [interfering with video] calls.”
Abi says the thoughtful placement of fitted or freestanding bookshelves can work well. “A wall of books is a great absorber of sound,” she says. As in bedrooms, sound-absorbing materials and acoustic panels are another option for walls.
Hallways and landings “Issues in these spaces include hard flooring, human traffic, and general clutter leading to psychological noise,” Pippa says.
Solutions include installing carpeting or rugs, “especially to reduce footfall noise when walking past someone else’s bedroom,” Nigel says. Extra underlay is a good idea, too, Pippa adds. She also suggests thick curtains over the front door and adding acoustic panels or wall coverings.
Solutions include installing carpeting or rugs, “especially to reduce footfall noise when walking past someone else’s bedroom,” Nigel says. Extra underlay is a good idea, too, Pippa adds. She also suggests thick curtains over the front door and adding acoustic panels or wall coverings.
Communal entrances and staircases Door slamming and conversations echoing in shared spaces can be troublesome for those in flats.
Part E of the Building Regulations covers this, so – in theory – those in new-build homes should have good levels of protection. “[The regulations] cover ‘reverberation in common internal parts of buildings containing flats or rooms for residential purposes’ and [they] promote the use of acoustically absorbent treatment to reduce noise build-up in these areas,” Nigel says.
And if you’re in an older property? Freeholders or those in a position to club together with neighbours or make requests to landlords could look at installing heavy-duty doors with seals and opting for sound-absorbing stair materials to combat noise.
“Floorings are important in communal spaces, as its not only about sound transference and absorbency, but the noise created by the impact of hurried feet,” Abi says. “A hard floor will create more sound than a soft covering, such as a dense carpet. A cork or rubber floor could also work well in a communal space if it needs to be more hardwearing.”
Part E of the Building Regulations covers this, so – in theory – those in new-build homes should have good levels of protection. “[The regulations] cover ‘reverberation in common internal parts of buildings containing flats or rooms for residential purposes’ and [they] promote the use of acoustically absorbent treatment to reduce noise build-up in these areas,” Nigel says.
And if you’re in an older property? Freeholders or those in a position to club together with neighbours or make requests to landlords could look at installing heavy-duty doors with seals and opting for sound-absorbing stair materials to combat noise.
“Floorings are important in communal spaces, as its not only about sound transference and absorbency, but the noise created by the impact of hurried feet,” Abi says. “A hard floor will create more sound than a soft covering, such as a dense carpet. A cork or rubber floor could also work well in a communal space if it needs to be more hardwearing.”
So whether or not you have particular sound sensitivities, this is all sensible advice for us all. As Abi says, “Acoustic design has the potential to maximise the positive encounters in our homes, boosting our wellbeing and creating a sanctuary from the pressures of the outside world.”
Tell us…
Are you sensitive to sounds in your home? Let us know which solutions have inspired you in the Comments.
Tell us…
Are you sensitive to sounds in your home? Let us know which solutions have inspired you in the Comments.
“Your home should be a place where you feel calm, that offers positive sensory connections and does not contain unwanted stimuli,” says Pippa, whose autistic daughter is sensitive to certain sounds. “[It should be] a place where you can relax, sleep, work and socialise without being disturbed by unwanted noise. Effective sound insulation enhances overall quality of life and promotes wellbeing.”
Architect Abi Ford also has a special interest in what’s known as sensory design. “My daughter has suspected ADHD and dyslexia, which affects her confidence at school. She’s a talented artist and when she’s creating, I see her confidence grow, yet she needs the right environment, a quiet haven with no distractions. Currently, she creates that bubble by putting on headphones.” Abi is in the middle of redesigning her home accordingly.