How can I improve the acoustics in a room so it is less noisy?
by
April L Kerr
+8
I have been thinking about how to reduce the amount of noise that bounces from wall to wall in our Sunday school room. It can get so loud. I thought about cork board panels but that is costly. Can you help me find quiet time?
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You could hang decorative blankets or quilts on the wall. Throw pillows and rugs as well. Most Sunday School rooms I have seen are metal chairs and metal & wood tables which just bounce it around, as you mentioned. So anything "material" would help to absorb the sound. It will depend on the age of the occupants on how much success you would have (kids vs adults) in leaving items in place.
Hang curtains and put down a rug if it has a tile or hard-surface floor.
Hi April, unfortunately there will be a cost to do this. Here are a few ideas. A thick carpet or rug really dampens noise. Any fabrics hanging on the walls like tapestries or curtains can reduce sound as well. Then there are other more expensive ways like opening up the walls and adding insulation or getting completely different drywall. Or like you said adding cork board panels. I think your best bet that will give you the greatest impact is a rug though assuming there isn't one. Good luck!
Have you considered room dividers with cloth panels, that would at least section off whatever sized area and contain the noise. These tri-fold frames are usually at flea markets or second hand stores. They are not that hard to construct either.
https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/easy-folding-screen-room-divider-project-tutorial-229840
Even if you could find old shutters, that would work.
I would ask the people who go to your church if they have any cork boards they want to donate, then you can cover them with pretty fabrics.
An area rug would make a good sound absorber!
I agree with area rug or room dividers! We had the same problem in our Sunday School room.
These foam soundproof panels were cheap I fond them, for my office at amazon here is the link https://amzn.to/38et9zc
Rugs and long curtains help.
Hang longer curtains and pictures on the walls that will help with sound pillows will to and a rug
Heay draperies with many folds better absorb sound, as will a better quality wall to wall rug, and upholstered furniture rather than all wood or metal.