How to Make a Quiet Interior

Carpet

• Not only does carpet serve as a barrier to outside noises, it also provides a cushion to insulate inside noises. Friendly conversation between two people often echoes when the conversation takes place on wood or tile floor. Carpet can soak up those extra noises making even the most animated of conversations seem hushed and muted. If you are in love with your wood or tile floors, place area rugs underneath dining or coffee tables to help absorb sound waves.

Curtains

• Curtains control both the amount of light and noise that filters into a space. Drapes or panels hung on street-facing windows muffle external noises, with the soft material serving as a barrier to outside sounds. Don't fuss over what type of fabric to use. The panels don't have to be plush or heavy. Cotton-lined or polyester panels will do the job just fine.

Color

• Color has a magical way of setting the mood in a space. Certain colors can be loud and obnoxious simply because of their look and feel. Choose an interior color palette that invites peace and quiet. Warm neutrals, soft whites or pastel blues and greens create interiors that exude a feeling of tranquility. Paint the walls in soft, muted tones to help create a calming effect within the space.

Furnishings

• Like window treatments, upholstered furniture can calm the noise simply by serving as additional insulation for sound waves. Wood, glass or wrought iron furniture are playgrounds for bouncing echoes and irritating noise. Soft, plush fabrics in the form of upholstery or even throw pillows and accent blankets create perfect sound barriers. Cozy fabrics also create a warm welcoming environment, unlike cold hard surfaces, which seem empty and scarce.