Garden parties, barbecues and outdoor entertaining are part of summer’s charm – but they’re less welcome when you’re retreating indoors to escape the heat, whether that’s to work, read or sleep.
Noise from neighbours can be surprisingly disruptive, and often feels impossible to block out without resorting to a pair of headphones. But according to experts, there are a few simple, stylish tricks that can help soften unwanted sound – no major renovation required.
From acoustic wall panelling to layered rugs, these are the expert-approved ways to make your home feel calmer, quieter and more restful this summer.
More privacy ideas:
- 7 plants that block out neighbours better than a fence
- 10 stylish privacy window treatments to keep out nosy neighbours — without losing light
- 7 clever ways to block out neighbours and make your garden feel more private this summer
1. Layer up with rugs, curtains and upholstery
Soft furnishings are one of the easiest and most effective ways to absorb noise in the home.
‘One of the biggest misconceptions around noise at home is that you need expensive structural work to make a noticeable difference,’ says Olly Cavner, operations director at Essential Living. ‘In reality, soft furnishings can have a surprisingly strong impact.’
Hard surfaces like wooden floors, bare walls and large windows bounce sound around a room, whereas layered textures help absorb it. Thick rugs, upholstered furniture and full-length curtains can all instantly soften acoustics while making a room feel warmer and more inviting.
Sue Jones, co-founder and creative director at OKA, agrees: ‘Thick floor coverings, scatter cushions and upholstered furniture will help muffle echoes and absorb noise to create a calming space.’
2. Choose carpet in high-noise areas
When it comes to reducing impact noise, flooring matters more than many people realise.
‘Carpet naturally helps absorb impact noise such as footsteps, movement and general day-to-day activity far better than hard flooring alone,’ says Johanna Constantinou, interior trends expert at Tapi Carpets & Floors.
Bedrooms, upstairs landings and living rooms are all ideal places to introduce softer flooring underfoot. Even a large area rug paired with a quality underlay can noticeably reduce echo and walking noise.
3. Add a bookcase against shared walls
Bookcases aren’t just decorative, they can also help buffer sound between neighbouring homes.
‘Bookcases are one of the most underrated solutions for noisy neighbours, especially when placed against a shared wall,’ says Johanna. ‘A fully styled bookcase packed with books, decorative objects and storage creates density, which helps muffle sound transfer.’
4. Seal gaps around doors and windows
Sometimes, the smallest fixes make the biggest difference.
‘Noise can travel surprisingly easily through door gaps, floorboards and poorly sealed windows,’ says Johanna.
Simple additions such as draught excluders, thicker curtains and sealing gaps around doorframes can all help minimise sound leaking through the home without spending a fortune.
5. Invest in acoustic wall panelling
Acoustic wall panelling has become one of the biggest interiors trends in recent years, and for good reason.
‘In an increasingly busy and noisy world, making your home a peaceful haven can be tricky,’ says Charlie Farrar, creative product manager at Naturewall. ‘But with acoustic wall panels, you can relax in peace and quiet. Plus, they hit all the right notes aesthetically too.’
Modern slatted wood panels backed with acoustic felt help absorb sound while adding warmth, texture and a boutique-hotel feel to bedrooms, home offices and media rooms.
‘Acoustic panels will absorb unwanted sounds and reduce background noise while also offering a sleek, modern look,’ Charlie explains.
6. Use fabric wall hangings and textured decor
Softening sound isn’t just about floors – decorative wall features can also help reduce echo.
According to Johanna, ‘fabric wall hangings, oversized canvases and textured wall decoration’ all help reduce the hollow feeling some homes can have by breaking up sound waves around the room.
Upholstered headboards placed against shared walls can also help soften noise in bedrooms while adding a cosy, layered look.
7. Think in layers
Ultimately, the key to a quieter home is layering multiple soft materials together.
‘Homes that feel visually soft usually sound softer too,’ says Johanna. ‘Combining tactile flooring, layered fabrics and textured finishes creates spaces that are not only more peaceful but also feel much more considered from a design perspective.’
Rather than trying to completely eliminate noise, these small but thoughtful design choices help soften its impact, creating a home that feels calmer, quieter and more comfortable overall.
