Living in Queens comes with many perks—great food, diverse communities, and convenient access to NYC. However, if you live in an apartment or an attached house, noise from neighbors, traffic, and city life can be a real challenge. Whether you’re dealing with loud footsteps from the unit above, music from next door, or street noise, here are some practical noise-proofing tips to create a quieter, more peaceful home.
1. Seal Gaps Around Doors and Windows
Noise travels easily through small openings. Sealing gaps around doors and windows can make a big difference in reducing outside sounds.
✅ Weatherstripping: Use adhesive weatherstrips around door frames and window edges.
✅ Door sweeps: Install a door sweep at the bottom of doors to block sound from hallways.
✅ Caulking: Apply acoustic caulk around window frames to reduce sound leaks.
2. Use Soundproof Curtains and Blinds
Heavy soundproof curtains can block street noise from buses, trains, and traffic.
✔ Look for thick, multi-layered curtains designed for sound absorption.
✔ Cellular shades or heavy blinds can also help dampen outside noise.
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3. Add Rugs and Carpets to Absorb Sound
For those living in apartments with hardwood floors, sound can easily bounce around. Adding soft surfaces helps absorb noise.
✔ Area rugs with thick padding can reduce footstep sounds.
✔ Wall-to-wall carpeting can provide even more noise reduction.
✔ Consider carpet tiles if you’re renting and want an easy, removable option.
4. Soundproof Shared Walls
If you’re in an attached home or an apartment, noise from neighbors can be a problem.
✅ Bookshelves & Furniture Placement: A full bookshelf against a shared wall can absorb noise.
✅ Acoustic Panels: Install decorative fabric-wrapped acoustic panels or foam panels for added insulation.
✅ Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV): A thin, dense material that can be installed behind drywall for more serious noise issues.
5. Upgrade Doors for Better Sound Blocking
Most interior doors are hollow-core, meaning they don’t block much noise.
✔ Replace with solid-core doors for better soundproofing.
✔ If replacing isn’t an option, use weatherstripping and door sweeps to reduce noise leaks.
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6. White Noise Machines & Sound Masking
Sometimes, masking the noise is more effective than blocking it entirely.
✔ White noise machines can help drown out street sounds or noisy neighbors.
✔ Fans or air purifiers can also create consistent background noise for a quieter environment.
7. Insulate Ceilings (For Loud Upstairs Neighbors)
If you’re dealing with noisy upstairs neighbors, consider:
✅ Acoustic ceiling tiles or panels to absorb sound.
✅ Adding a drop ceiling with soundproof insulation for long-term solutions.
Living in an apartment or attached house in Queens doesn’t mean you have to tolerate constant noise. With a combination of DIY fixes and more advanced solutions, you can create a much quieter living space. If noise remains a major issue, you might want to consider talking to your landlord or neighbors about possible building-wide solutions.
Need help finding a quieter apartment or adding sound proofing to your property in Queens? Contact us for some expert advice!