How to soundproof a bedroom cheaply, for better sleep

Cheap ways to cut noise in a bedroom without building work, in the order that makes the biggest difference, and what to do about the rest.

By the Vespré team Updated 3 min read
A calm bedroom with heavy curtains, a thick rug and a bookcase on the wall

The short answer

To soundproof a bedroom cheaply, seal the gaps first: a draught strip and door sweep on the bedroom door and weatherstripping on the window. Then add soft mass: heavy curtains, a thick rug, an upholstered headboard and a full bookcase on the shared wall. Real soundproofing needs building work, so for sound that still gets through, earplugs made for sleep are the cheapest final step.

True soundproofing means building work: extra layers of plasterboard, new windows, isolated walls. Most people renting or on a budget are not doing that. The good news is that a few cheap changes make a real difference, and they work best in the right order.

Where does noise get into a bedroom?

Sound travels through air and through structure. Air gaps are the easiest route: under the door, around the window frame, through vents. Hard surfaces then bounce it around the room. So the cheapest wins come from sealing gaps first and softening the room second.

How do I soundproof a bedroom cheaply?

  • Seal the doorA door sweep or draught excluder under the door, and foam strips around the frame. Often the biggest single improvement.
  • Seal the windowWeatherstripping around the frame closes the gaps street noise slips through.
  • Heavy curtainsThick, floor-length curtains soften sound from the window and block light too.
  • A thick rugHard floors bounce sound. A rug with an underlay absorbs it, and helps downstairs neighbours too.
  • Soften the shared wallA full bookcase, a wardrobe or an upholstered headboard against the wall your neighbour is behind.
  • Move the bedIf you can, put your head away from the noisiest wall or the window.

Seal the gaps first. Soften the room second. Then deal with what is left

Does soundproofing work against snoring or neighbours?

Against a neighbour through a wall, softening that wall helps a little. Against a partner snoring in the same bed, no amount of room treatment will help, because the sound is right next to you. That is where earplugs come in. There is a full guide on how to stop snoring, including what helps the person listening.

What is the cheapest way to block noise while sleeping?

Earplugs made for sleep. They cost less than a set of curtains, work in any room, and deal with the sound that gets past everything else. They will not make the room silent, and most people still hear their alarm, but they take the edge off traffic, neighbours and snoring. Comfort is what decides whether you keep them in all night, which is why a soft shape that sits low in the ear matters. See which earplugs are best for sleeping.

Questions people ask

How can I soundproof my bedroom without renovating?

Seal gaps around the door and window, add heavy curtains and a thick rug, and put soft, heavy furniture against the noisiest wall. For what still gets through, use earplugs made for sleep.

Do blackout curtains reduce noise?

Heavy, thick curtains can soften some noise from the window, especially higher-pitched sounds. They are not true soundproofing, but they help and they block light too.

How do I block out noise from neighbours at night?

Soften the shared wall with a bookcase or wardrobe, move your bed away from it if you can, and wear comfortable earplugs to take the edge off what still gets through.

Does a door sweep help with noise?

Yes. The gap under a door is one of the easiest routes for sound, so sealing it is one of the cheapest improvements.

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