How to Improve Your Living Room Acoustics for Softer Sound

Do loud noises make you wince? Does the sound of someone chewing drive you crazy? For those with auditory sensory sensitivities, everyday sounds can be overwhelming and uncomfortable. The one place you should feel at peace is in your own home, yet many homes aren’t designed with soft acoustics or sound comfort in mind. Living rooms often have hard surfaces like walls, windows, and floors, which can cause sounds to echo and create a harsh auditory environment. Luckily, improving the acoustics can help soften sounds, reduce echo, and create a more calming space. Here are some tips on how to make your living room more acoustically friendly.

1. Add Soft Textiles to Absorb Sound

• Rugs and Carpets: Hard floors, such as wood or tile, reflect sound. Adding thick rugs or carpets can significantly reduce echo. Opt for high-pile rugs, which absorb more sound compared to low-pile options.

• Curtains and Drapes: Heavy, thick curtains can help dampen sound, especially with large windows. Look for soundproof or noise-reducing curtains designed to block out sound.

• Throw Pillows and Upholstered Furniture: Soft surfaces absorb sound better than hard ones. Adding plush throw pillows, upholstered chairs, or a fabric-covered sofa can help soften the acoustics.

2. Use Acoustic Panels to Reduce Echo

• Fabric-Wrapped Panels: These are versatile and can be easily mounted on the walls. Fabric-wrapped panels consist of sound-absorbing material covered in fabric, which comes in various colors and patterns to match your decor. These panels absorb mid-to-high frequencies, reducing reverberation.

• Foam Acoustic Panels: Made from sound-absorbing foam, foam acoustic panels can be cut into different shapes and placed strategically around the room. They are effective at softening the acoustics but may have a more utilitarian appearance.

• Wooden Acoustic Panels with Felt or Fabric Backing: If you prefer a more decorative approach, consider wooden panels with sound-absorbing felt or fabric on the back. These can double as wall art while improving acoustics.

• Bass Traps: If low-frequency sounds are an issue, adding bass traps to the corners of your living room can help. These thicker panels are designed to absorb low-frequency sound waves that tend to accumulate in corners.

Tips for acoustic panels:

• Reflection Points: To maximize their effectiveness, place acoustic panels at “reflection points,” where sound bounces off surfaces before reaching your ears. These include walls directly opposite speakers, behind seating areas, or along sidewalls.

• Ceiling Panels: If you have high ceilings, installing acoustic panels on the ceiling can reduce sound bounce, making the room feel cozier and less echo-prone.

3. Install Sound-Diffusing Elements

• Bookshelves or Decorative Wooden Panels: Instead of absorbing sound, diffusers scatter sound waves, reducing echo and creating a more balanced sound. Placing bookshelves with irregularly placed books or using wooden sound-diffusing panels can add visual interest while improving acoustics.

• Furniture Placement: Strategically placing furniture, like sofas or chairs, can help break up sound pathways. Arranging furniture to form cozy, enclosed spaces can reduce the sound that bounces around the room.

4. Seal Gaps and Use Sound-Blocking Materials

• Door Sweeps and Weatherstripping: If external noise is an issue, sealing gaps around doors and windows can help reduce incoming sound. Adding door sweeps or weatherstripping can block noise from entering.

• Soundproof Paint or Wallpaper: Specialized soundproof paint or thick textured wallpaper can help reduce the amount of sound that penetrates the walls, adding an extra layer of sound absorption.

Final Thoughts

Improving your living room’s acoustics can significantly improve the experience for individuals with auditory sensory sensitivities. You can create a more comfortable and soothing auditory environment by incorporating soft textiles, using various types of acoustic panels, and strategically placing sound-diffusing elements.

A sensory-friendly space reduces overwhelming noise and promotes relaxation and well-being.