Chic vs. Geek: Soundproofing your bedroom

I’m very sensitive to noise, so it’s hard for me to get a full night’s sleep. Any suggestions on what I can do to make my bedroom a more quiet space?

CHIC (PEARL)

I have a client who is very sensitive to noise. She can't sleep with any auditory distractions. We’ve been looking for a condominium or townhomes away from busy streets and airplane zones, and separated from any underground parking entrances and exits. It has been challenging for her to find a home that meets her most important need. Here are some suggestions I offered to her: Cheap, hollow doors are a frequent culprit when it comes to intrusive sounds; switch to a solid door to dampen noises. Additionally, door sweeps and weather stripping can seal the deal when it comes to blocking out airborne sounds.

GEEK (KEVIN)

The goal here is to mute annoyances like the hiss of traffic, loud neighbors, or, in our case, two cranky felines who beg for meals at unreasonable hours. A high-pile floor rug with a dense rug pad underneath, along with thick curtains, can dampen the acoustics and also absorb sounds coming from outside. Another trick is to add a small desk waterfall to generate natural sounds that distract you from the noise of planes, trains, and automobiles. There are costlier measures like soundproofing window inserts or mass loaded vinyl padding. The investment may be higher, but the return — a full night’s sleep — is priceless.