What are creative ways to soundproof a home office in a noisy apartment for better remote work?

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I work remotely from my apartment, and the noise from neighbors (thin walls!) and street traffic is seriously impacting my concentration and call quality. What are some creative, effective, and ideally budget-friendly ways to soundproof a home office area without major renovations?

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Anonymous 21 May 2025
Good quality noise-cancelling headphones are essential for calls and focus time, even if you can't fully soundproof the room. They create your own quiet bubble. For calls, get one with a good noise-cancelling microphone so your colleagues don't hear your background noise.
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T.Y. 16 May 2025
Acoustic foam panels are relatively inexpensive and can be attached to walls (or even put on a stand). They won't block sound completely but can reduce echo and dampen some frequencies, making your space quieter and improving call audio. Look for higher density foam for better results. Some even look quite stylish these days.
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Joanna Bober 18 May 2025
Use a white noise machine or app. It doesn't 'soundproof' but it can mask distracting inconsistent noises with a constant, unobtrusive sound, making it easier to focus. There are lots of options, from simple fan sounds to more complex soundscapes. I use one all the time.
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Jordan Lewis 19 May 2025
Weather stripping around your door and windows can help block surprisingly lot of noise, especially if there are gaps. You can also get a door sweep for the bottom of the door. These are cheap DIY solutions that make a difference for airborne sound.
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Anonymous 21 May 2025
If you have a specific noisy wall, consider placing large furniture like a wardrobe or a tall bookshelf against it. The mass helps to block some sound transmission. Not exactly 'soundproofing' but a practical use of furniture.
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Accepted Answer · 2025-05-16T14:30:00+00:00

Soft surfaces are your friend! Thick rugs on the floor, heavy curtains or drapes over windows (even if you also have blinds), and fabric wall hangings or tapestries can absorb a surprising amount of sound. Bookshelves packed with books along a shared wall also help dampen noise. Every little bit helps.

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