Sound-proofing ideas?

Virginia S.
by Virginia S.
My old Victorian house is over 150 years of age and I love it, but noise carries easily through the floors, walls, and even doors. Does anyone have any ideas on how to sound proof the house? Thanks in advance.

  8 answers
  • Lynn Lynn on Mar 05, 2018

    There is a sound proofing you put in between the walls just like you would insulation we purchased it at Home Depot

    • See 1 previous
    • Lynn Lynn on Mar 06, 2018

      It was an unfinished laundry room so was very easy for us to install. Then we dry walled over. I think it did help but wished we had done the ceiling. I’ve also seen people take foam mattress pads pant them and attach to wall to absorb sound for a music room.

    • Virginia S. Virginia S. on Mar 06, 2018

      Thanks, Chas. There are a lot of good tips on soundproofing in that article. I am really hesitant to take down plaster walls, though. Do you think the acoustic panels, if hung on doors, would help? I think most of the noise is coming through the doors.

  • Emily Emily on Mar 05, 2018

    do you have any idea why this is? Our house is not that old but we have no problems like this. Are there many children? An old house would have solid doors, wood floors, lath and plaster walls, and more walls a/c no open concept. Maybe if you describe more what the problem is we can help.


    • Virginia S. Virginia S. on Mar 05, 2018

      The walls are lathe and horse hair, pretty thick, but the floors are just wood with joists, no insulation. I am hoping to do something, especially to the doors to deaden the sound. I don't want to open up the walls or floors if it can be avoided. Has anyone tried acoustic panels? I am wondering if they can be applied to the doors and if it would help at all. Thanks!

  • Cindy Hagemann Cindy Hagemann on Mar 05, 2018

    Use area rugs in each room, putting artwork on the walls, and curtains on the windows will help too. You can replace the doors with solid doors and even add more insulation to the walls if none of these other ideas help.

  • Emily Emily on Mar 06, 2018

    You could try carpeting, draperies, insulation in cellar under floors, maybe hang more doors in doorways. Good luck. Maybe you could cover insulation or sound board with a pretty fabric and hang it on the wall as a decoration.

  • Chas' Crazy Creations Chas' Crazy Creations on Mar 06, 2018

    Yes, I think that could help. If you want to do a temporary check before making an investment you can try putting up egg cartons on the back of a door. I know it sounds weird but I direct a dance program in town and we have dividers that close one big studio to make it into 2 for classes. We have egg cartons installed on our ceiling as a less expensive fix for sound. You could give that idea a test run before spending money on the acoustic panels and see if it helps or not... just an idea :)

  • Virginia S. Virginia S. on Mar 07, 2018

    Thanks for everyone's input. I think I am going to try the acoustic panels on the doors and some walls. Today I bought door sweeps, which may help a little. I also may try having an additional door installed at the top of the stairs. It's so nice having such a knowledgeable group willing to help others!