We all yearn to enjoy moments of peace and quiet in the comfort of our home, where we can relax with our favourite book or enjoy an exciting film. However, in our daily lives, cars, city noise and other outside noises can disrupt this bliss. In this article, we are ready to share some basic secrets and useful tips to help you create peace and comfort in your home. The best part is that most of these recommendations can be implemented in just a few hours and do not require a large financial outlay.
Windows
One of the main sources of noise in an urban flat is windows, through which external sounds enter through unnoticeable gaps. But don't despair; there is a solution to the problem. First and foremost, it is advisable to replace the windows with new double-glazed windows with improved soundproofing properties. The thickness of the glass is decisive: a combination of 8 mm and 4 mm glass is recommended for best results. Even for old wooden windows, 5-6 mm thick double-glazed windows will do the trick and replace the thin panes. In addition, don't forget high-quality fabric curtains, which also play an important role in soundproofing. Preference should be given to curtains made from natural materials, such as linen.
Balcony
If you have an open balcony, we recommend that it should be glazed in as soon as possible. This will not only increase sound insulation in the flat but will also give you more square metres of space. A glazed balcony is also a good place to put your storage space: there are a range of shelving units to help you do just that. You could even create a lounge area with a cushioned sofa and a floor lamp to create a unique atmosphere. If you work from home, why not set up a good office on your balcony? Remember to insulate the floor and walls anyway.
Doors
If you are woken up every morning by the voices of your neighbours in the stairwell then you may want to think about modernising your front doors. Doors should not have any gaps or openings to achieve a better level of sound insulation. Above all, make sure that the door leaf fits snugly against the frame. If this is not the case, the use of sealing strips, which can be rubber or foam rubber, is recommended. Place the tapes on the door itself and on the sides of the door - you will immediately feel a significant difference.
Technique
In addition to street noise, household appliances can also be a disturbance in the home. When choosing appliances, look for modern, quiet models that can provide you with peace of mind. We recommend replacing your bulky hoover with a compact, quiet robot hoover. Trust us, it'll be just as handy as you are. Electrical outlets are also worth checking, as they can be a major source of noise in your home. If you notice noise coming from the socket, you can move it to another room or replace it with an overhead socket. Alternatively, you can put a sound insulating plug of mineral wool inside the socket itself.
Furniture
Moving furniture around on the floor can disturb your neighbours, but it can also damage the floor covering. It is advisable to use furniture leg pads, such as those for chairs, sofas and armchairs, to prevent this. You should also pay attention to carpets, which, in addition to protecting the floor from mechanical damage, will also improve the soundproofing of the flat. Choose rugs with geometric or floral prints so they blend in with the room's décor.
Decor
You can also achieve better soundproofing in your flat by decorating, which may seem surprising. With the right wall decoration you can achieve dramatic results. Textile elements and soundproofing panels can help. They are easy to install and will add bright and colourful accents to an interior. Also consider the furniture: installing door closers on the drawers ensures that they open and close smoothly.
Now that you know these secrets and tips, you can make your home a quieter and cosier place to relax and unwind. Most of the tips can be implemented in just a few hours and without much expense.
