Ever wondered why some recording studios often have egg cartons on their walls? Or why medieval castles, with their thick tapestries, have a surprisingly quiet vibe within? The principles behind sound management haven’t changed much since then—we’re still using mass, absorption, and diffusion to tame unwanted noise.
Indeed, with some acoustic know-how, ordinary household items can be transformed into remarkably effective sound control solutions. We’ve spoken to Mike Jones, Manager at SimplyUnderlay.co.uk, to find out more…
The Science Of Silence
Sound waves behave like water, seeking out any available path and bouncing in unexpected patterns. Professional soundproofing targets four elements: mass, damping, decoupling, and absorption. Household items can effectively replicate each of these principles when used strategically.
Unexpected Acoustic Heroes
Bookshelf Acoustics
Books create what acousticians call a ‘diffusion gradient’—multiple surfaces of varying densities that scatter and weaken sound waves. The secret lies in deliberate disorder. Skip the perfectly aligned shelves and instead mix up book sizes and positions. Hardbacks next to paperbacks, tall art books beside slim novels—this variety might look chaotic, but it optimises sound diffusion.
Strategic Curtain Design
Most curtains hang flat against windows, severely limiting their acoustic potential. Creating a 10-15cm air gap transforms them into serious sound barriers. This buffer zone works similarly to double-glazing, trapping and dissipating sound waves. Hanging curtains in a convex curve away from the wall increases their effective surface area and prevents direct sound reflection.
Multi-Layer Textile Engineering
Medieval tapestries worked because they combined different fabric densities and weaves. Modern equivalents might pair dense moving blankets with lighter decorative fabrics. Each layer targets specific frequencies—lighter fabrics handle high frequencies while denser materials control lower ones. This multi-layer textile engineering not only enhances the acoustic properties of a space but also provides an opportunity for innovative design and aesthetic appeal.
Advanced DIY Methods
Corner Bass Management
Bass frequencies congregate in room corners, a phenomenon known as ‘bass traps’. Transform old duvets or pillows into triangular columns for corner placement. Adding rigid backing (old cupboard doors work well) enhances their effectiveness at controlling low-frequency resonance.
DIY Membrane Absorbers
Sound-induced vibration can work to your advantage. A tightly stretched bed sheet across a wooden frame, with an air gap behind, creates an effective membrane absorber. These target mid-range frequencies particularly well and can be disguised as wall art.
Advanced Window Treatment
Create secondary glazing using heavy-duty clear plastic sheeting and magnetic strips. The key is achieving an airtight seal—even small gaps dramatically reduce effectiveness. This method can rival professional solutions at a fraction of the cost.
Innovative Material Use
Cork Engineering
Cork’s cellular structure makes it an acoustic powerhouse. Wine corks, sliced lengthways and arranged in patterns, create effective modular wall panels. The uneven surface diffuses sound while the material itself absorbs mid-range frequencies.
Foam Transformation
Old mattress toppers become acoustic art when cut into geometric patterns. Different angles scatter sound waves while the foam provides absorption. Planning the design with cardboard templates ensures professional-looking results.
Strategic Placement Science
The 38% Solution
Room acoustics follow predictable patterns. In rectangular spaces, sound absorption is most effective when placed 38% of the room’s length from either end. This corresponds to standing wave formation points—critical for controlling room resonance.
Vertical Space Utilisation
Stripped-down lampshades, hung at varying heights, create excellent sound diffusion while maintaining visual interest. The varying shapes and heights break up sound waves more effectively than flat wall treatments alone.
Specialised Problem Solving
Impact Noise Control
Create a floating floor effect using old yoga mats under rugs. Arrange them in a grid pattern with small gaps between mats—these isolation zones reduce impact transmission. The gaps prevent the mats from acting as a single surface, improving overall effectiveness.
For a more permanent solution, quality carpet underlay is remarkably effective – dense rubber or foam underlay doesn’t just make carpets feel luxurious, it significantly reduces impact noise transmission. Look for high-density rubber underlay marketed specifically for sound reduction—it’s one of the few purpose-built soundproofing materials that’s both relatively inexpensive and remarkably effective. Even under hard flooring, a layer of good underlay can reduce impact noise by up to a third.
Pipe Vibration Management
Wrap noisy pipes in neoprene (old mouse mats or yoga mats work well), secured with cable ties. This dense, flexible material absorbs vibrations before they transfer through building structures.
The Bottom Line
The most sophisticated soundproofing solutions often emerge from understanding both acoustic physics and space characteristics. Document your modifications with sound meter readings—objective measurements often reveal improvements that might be subtle to the ear.
The pile of old blankets in your airing cupboard, those wine corks you’ve been saving, even that forgotten foam mattress topper – each has genuine acoustic potential when used with understanding and purpose, leading to a life lived less noisily when done right,
