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If you’re anything like me, most of the time you spend at home is spent in the bedroom.
Either laying in bed watching Netflix or working on my side hustles at my bedroom desk – if my house has a bedroom, you’ll find me in it.
But if you’ve got noisy neighbors or you live on a very noisy street, the thought may have crossed your mind: how can I soundproof my bedroom windows? It’s not like you can just divide your bedroom in two and give someone else the noisier one closer to the road!
Let’s take a look.
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Quick Links
- What causes sound to come through a window?
- How does soundproofing windows work?
- How to soundproof a bedroom window
- Closing thoughts
- Frequently asked questions
What Causes Sound to Come Through a Window?
Outside noise comes through a window due to the relatively thin surface most windows have.
If you think of a brick wall, these are usually quite thick (about 10cm or so), and when additional plaster or boarding is added too, this only gets thicker.
Walls and ceilings therefore are able to prevent more of the soundwaves from passing through them, resulting in lower noise levels on the other side.
With windows, you’ve also got the issue that about 90% of the surface is not only thin but made of glass, which is not a great material at all for stopping sound passing through it.
According to soundproofcentral.com, glass only absorbs sound at around 400Hz. Any sound waves outside of this frequency are either reflected off the glass or pass through as vibrational waves.
How Does Soundproofing Windows Work?
The aim of the game with soundproofing in general is to cause the sound wave to lose power, and this is no different for your bedroom windows.
The answer then is to use materials that will absorb or reflect the soundwaves.
This is easier said than done for windows, as there is a requirement for windows that other surfaces like walls and ceilings don’t have – you need to be able to see through them.
As obvious as this sounds, it is useless to have a soundproof window that you can’t see out of. At this point it pretty much ceases to be a window.
How to Soundproof a Bedroom Window
Assess the Current State of Your Window
The first step in this process to assess the existing state of your bedroom window(s). Look for any gaps, cracks, or areas where sound may leak through. Any damage, however small, is going to be an issue and allow noise to pass through.
If you do find any gaps or cracks around your window, use a quality acoustic sealant or caulk to seal them shut.
You’ll have the added benefit of improving the energy efficiency of your home, so it’s a win-win!
Install Soundproof Curtains
One of the first places I’d recommend for soundproofing your bedroom window is installing beautiful soundproof curtains.
These specialized curtains are made from dense and thick materials that both absorb and dampen incoming noise, with the idea being that even if the noise gets through the window, it won’t get past these curtains.
When buying these curtains, ensure they are long enough to cover the entire window and extend beyond the edges. It may be a good idea to opt for curtains that touch the floor.
Use Plexiglass
Moving on to the window itself, a cheap option we like to recommend for preventing sound from coming in is simply adding a layer of plexiglass to the inside.
This isn’t to make your window a thicker surface, as plexiglass is just thin acrylic sheets, so not much thickness will be added.
Instead, plexiglass works by adding an extra gap (or void) between the window and your bedroom, helping to dampen the noise. This is exactly the same principle used in double-glazing (which we come on to later).
Adding a sheet of plexiglass can be extremely effective at reducing the noise, and it’s also incredibly easy to do. Just attach some small Velcro strips to the corners of your window frame and the corners of the plexiglass sheet, then simply press them together!
Invest in Double Glazing
The last option we suggest is of course double glazing.
Double glazing works by using two panes of glass separated by a layer of trapped argon gas to absorb and dampen the transmission of sound waves.
Double glazing can be highly effective at soundproofing a bedroom window. In fact, some estimates suggest that it can reduce the sound passing through it by 20-65%, which will really make a difference.
Wrapping Up…
A tranquil bedroom is essential for restful sleep and overall well-being. By implementing some of these soundproofing techniques, you can significantly minimize the level of noise coming in through your bedroom window, creating a quiet, peaceful bedroom you actually want to spend your time in!
Remember to tailor the chosen methods to suit your specific needs – we’ve laid out options for both those on a budget and those that are willing to make an investment to soundproof their room.
With a little effort and the right techniques, you can transform your bedroom into a peaceful haven free from the intrusive sounds of the outside world.
Sweet dreams!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Soundproof Room From Outside Noise
Soundproofing a bedroom is all about blocking the outside noise from coming in. If you’re living on a busy residential street, there’s going to be much more outside noise coming in than there is inside noise getting out.
Quick tips to soundproof your room from outside noise include thick sound-reducing curtains, and then plexiglass (if you’re on a budget), or double glazing (if you’re prepared to make an investment).
We talk about each option in more detail in the article above.
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[…] Maximize the natural light coming into your room by keeping windows unobstructed. You’ll also want to avoid heavy curtains or blinds that block light (the same ones that people often use to soundproof their room). […]