A soundproof closet is a room or space that has been designed to reduce the amount of sound that can enter or exit. This can be done through the use of special materials and construction techniques.
Soundproofing a closet can be useful for many different applications, such as reducing the noise from a home theater system or blocking out unwanted sounds from outside the home.
There are many reasons why people soundproof their closet. If you plan on using your walk in closet as a place where you can practice drumming or simply do your weekly podcast recording, then finding ways to reducing noise coming in and out of the closet is a great way to prevent noise transmission.
In this blog post, we will go over 9 different DIY techniques on how you can soundproof your closet and turn it into a personal music studio that is perfect for practicing any time of day.
Ways on How to Soundproof a Closet
Soundproofing a closet can be a challenge, but there are a few things you can do to make it more effective. Here are a few tips to help you soundproof your closet:
1. Install A Layer Of Drywall
This method is highly effective for a walk-in closet. An additional layer of drywall can make a considerable difference where soundproofing is concerned.
While the method is costly, it is effective and worth every penny in the long run.
Drywall is a construction material used to create walls and ceilings. It is made from panels of gypsum board which are mounted onto metal or wood studs using screws, nails, or adhesives.
It’s a popular choice for many homeowners and builders because it is relatively inexpensive, easy to install, and fire resistant as well as soundproof.
Most modern homes have a layer of drywall in the closet.
However, the single-layer might not be as effective in keeping sounds in or out.
When adding the extra layer of drywall, it’s important to sandwich green glue soundproofing sealant or something like mass loaded vinyl in between the layers.
This will enhance the soundproofing ability while ensuring that the two layers stay in place just like you want.
2. Add Acoustic Panels
If you are looking to add sound quality to your closet, DIY acoustic panelling alongside a layer of drywall.
Acoustic panels are an important part of any recording studio, live music venue, or home theater. They can help to improve the sound quality of your recordings and make your music sound better when played back through speakers.
They are also easy to install, and you do not need to hire a professional to help you.
The market offers a variety of acoustic panels, so you are sure to find one that will match your décor and suit your personal taste.
There are even fabric-wrapped panels that will transform that dull closet into a small haven.
Acoustic foam panels are highly effective in sound absorption, and make at the top list of my most recommended noise absorbing products .
By sound absorption, they don’t block sound transmission inside or outside a room where they are installed.
Instead, the help absorb sound waves from being reflected on the walls, hence effective in absorbing echoes and reverbs.
As such, you get high quality audio recordings and clearer sounds when you have the foam panels installed.
I have previously written a detailed guide to help you hang the acoustic panels without damaging the walls.
3. Install Mass Loaded Vinyl
Mass loaded vinyl is a common soundproofing material that is used in a variety of applications. It is made up of a vinyl barrier that is loaded with mass, typically lead shot, barium sulfate, or other materials.
The vinyl barrier helps to block noise from passing through, while the mass loaded within the vinyl helps to absorb sound. Mass loaded vinyl can be used in a variety of applications, such as walls, ceilings, floors, and doors.
The material is thick, durable, and easy to install and it’s impregnated with tiny metallic particles that help increase the mass.
All you need is to cut it to size and spray some adhesive before installing it. The only downside is the industrial smell which can be too much for people with medical conditions.
If smells trigger your allergies, then I would highly suggest you check out these mass loaded vinyl alternatives.
4. Use Bass Traps
Bass traps are an essential tool for any home studio, and can make a huge difference in the quality of your recordings.
But what exactly are they, and how do you build them?
They are devices that are designed to absorb low frequency sound waves. These waves are the ones that are responsible for the “boomy” or “muddy” sound that can often plague recordings.
By absorbing these waves, bass traps can help to clean up your sound and make it much more clear and accurate.
Unlike panels that need installation, bass traps do not.
You just drop them on the corners of your house and you are guaranteed remarkable results.
You are free to move them around until you get the desired results. If your is a small closet, you can still hang the bass traps using hanging strips.
Bass traps are also great when you want to block bass noise from transmitting to your neighbors.
5. Soundproof The Closet the Door
Most of the sound getting into your space likely comes through the door. Your door may have gaps and cracks, or it may be too light.
To solve the problem, hang a soundproofing blanket on the door.
You can hang it on the outside or inside, depending on whether or not you are concerned about aesthetics. You can also add a cute soundproofing curtain by the door.
Just install a rod above the door so it easy to hang and draw the curtain as needed.
Sound-blocking curtains are pretty affordable, making them a great choice if your budget is tight.
They are also available in different colors and styles, so you can also turn them into décor pieces.
Both soundproofing blankets and curtains take care of cracks, gaps, and thin doors.
They are perfect if you want to soundproof your closet without having to spend too much time making improvements.
If you’re on a budget, it won’t hurt trying to soundproof the closet door with household items.
6. Replace The Door
Sometimes it is cheaper to replace that paper-thin door than trying to fix it. If you notice that most of the noise gets in through the door, just make plans to replace it.
You should also consider getting a new door if your current one is cracked or the gap below and above the door is too big.
A solid core door will do your closet a lot of good.
These doors come in different styles and prices, and if you take your time to compare, you will find one that fits your home and matches your budget.
7. Seal All Cracks
See all those cracks and gaps on doors, windows, and walls? They are notorious for letting sound out.
Use acoustic sealant or weatherstripping to seal them. Here is my detailed guide on my most recommended acoustic sealants on the market.
A standard sealant may work for a short time, but because it cracks and shrinks over time, you are better of with the acoustic sealant variety if you are looking for a long-term solution.
Foam tape is also good for sealing cracks and gaps. It is easy to use, comes with its own adhesive, and you can cut it to whatever size you want using scissors.
8. Use A Carpet On The Floor
That hard floor in your closet could be contributing to the echo and awful acoustics.
A carpet on the floor is one of the many different methods to soundproofing a floor on budget.
Carpeting your closet floor will add some warmth in addition to soundproofing it.
The good thing with carpets is that they come in a variety of colors and textures, so you will be spoilt for choice when you go shopping.
You can also choose an area rug to fit the floor as opposed to installing wall-to-wall carpet. Soft tiles also do a good job of blocking noise and reducing echo.
9. Add Reflection Filters
Reflection filters work by absorbing sound waves before they can bounce off of surfaces and be reflected.
This absorption helps to reduce the overall level of noise in your recording, making it sound more clear and professional.
There are a variety of different reflection filters on the market, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. So, how do you choose the right one for your needs?
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
The size of the filter: Larger filters will be more effective at absorbing sound, but they can also be more expensive and difficult to transport.
The material of the filter: Different materials will absorb different frequencies of sound. So, if you’re trying to reduce reflections in a specific frequency range, make sure to choose a filter made of a material that absorbs well in that range.
10. Don’t Forget The Ceiling
If you live in an apartment block, you must not forget the ceiling while soundproofing. Most materials used on the wall and floor also work for the ceiling.
You can read a detailed guide on this by reading my article on ceiling soundproofing without construction.
You can add a drywall layer with an air gap in between.
For enhanced soundproofing, add some fiberglass insulation inside the gap.
You can also use acoustic panels on the ceiling. This job may take some climbing and an extra pair of hands to help with the fixing.
11. Soundproof Paint and Acoustic Wallpaper
If you’re converting your closet to a recording studio or drum room, then I would highly recommend you take care of echoes and reverbs.
Soundproofing paint also known as acoustic paint is a water based, thick latex paint that’s formulated with sound absorbing fillers and ceramic microspheres.
Check out my guide on acoustical designed paint to find out how it works, it’s effectiveness as well as it’s applications.
Sound wallpaper is also a great sound absorber that works similarly as the soundproofing paint.
Sources:
https://producelikeapro.com/blog/diy-bass-traps-you-need-these-in-your-studio/
https://soundproofliving.com/soundproof-closet/
Meet Mike O’Connor, (a DIY enthusiast), living in Cincinnati, a city ranked as the noisiest in the USA.
As a work from home dad, I have a first hand experience of how noise can truly affect your well being.
Soundproofing isn’t something that should be taken as a hobby, it should be a skill that every homeowner should be equipped with.
Most of the work documented on this blog comes from purely first hand experience, and the products recommended work as indicated.