Living in the heart of a bustling city like Dhaka means constant exposure to sounds, honking traffic, construction drills, and noisy neighbours. While these are often unavoidable parts of urban life, they shouldn’t disrupt your comfort at home. A peaceful, calm environment is essential for focus, sleep, and overall well-being.
The good news? You don’t have to live in silence or redesign your entire home from scratch. With a few thoughtful and stylish interior tweaks, it’s entirely possible to reduce indoor noise while maintaining your home’s beauty.
Why Are Our Homes So Noisy?
Most apartments and buildings in Bangladesh are constructed with dense materials like concrete and brick, while sturdy, these surfaces tend to reflect sound rather than absorb it.
Here are a few reasons your space might be noisier than you’d like:
- Large, open windows that let in both air and outdoor sounds
- Thin interior walls between apartments
- Minimal soft furnishings to absorb echoes
- Lack of acoustic treatment in construction
But all of these issues can be addressed, often with small changes that make a big difference.
Interior Fixes That Dampen Sound, and Look Good Doing It
1. Use Heavy Curtains or Acoustic Drapes
Thick, layered curtains can do more than block sunlight; they can also significantly reduce outside noise. Look for blackout or sound-absorbing curtains made from materials like velvet or thermal suede. For something more local and breathable, try layered cotton or linen blends.
Available at markets like New Market or Elephant Road, these options are both functional and affordable.
2. Layer Your Floors with Rugs
If you have tile or concrete flooring (as most Bangladeshi homes do), sound can easily bounce off the hard surfaces and amplify noise.
Adding area rugs or dhurries, especially in living rooms and bedrooms, can help reduce echo.
Natural materials like jute or cotton are great for the climate and add texture to your space.
3. Add More Soft Furnishings
Upholstered furniture, cushions, throws, and fabric headboards all act as mini sound absorbers. They soak up internal sound, soften sharp acoustics, and help prevent the feeling of an “echo chamber” in your rooms.
Go for locally made options; they support the community and offer authentic design value.
4. Install Soundproof Glass on Windows and Doors
For homes near busy roads or bazars, upgrading to double-glazed or laminated soundproof glass can make a significant difference. They reduce traffic noise, construction sounds, and even loud conversations outside.
Use these especially for balcony sliding doors or large living room windows. Aluminium or uPVC frames complement the sleek aesthetic and hold up well in our weather conditions.
5. Seal the Gaps
Gaps under doors or around windows may seem small, but they allow in a surprising amount of noise.
Install rubber door stoppers, draft blockers, or weatherstripping tape to reduce sound infiltration. This is especially useful in bedrooms or studies where silence is essential.
6. Go Vertical with Acoustic Panels
You don’t need a full wall renovation to reduce noise. Installing a few fabric-covered acoustic panels can absorb sound and double as wall art. You can even DIY them using foam, jute, or canvas.
For a more finished look, opt for professionally made wooden slat panels that serve both style and function.
7. Use Bookshelves as Sound Barriers
Have a wall that’s shared with a noisy neighbour? Place a full-height bookshelf against it. Books, especially dense ones, absorb and scatter sound waves.
Style it with baskets, décor items, and layered lighting, and you’ve got both function and flair.
What to Avoid
Avoid design choices that amplify sound or leave rooms feeling harsh and echoey:
- Bare floors and walls, go for layered textiles instead
- Glass-heavy décor without curtains
- All-metal or plastic furniture
- Hard surfaces with minimal soft accents
A Peaceful Home Is Possible
Soundproofing doesn’t mean sacrificing style. With smart interior choices, many of which are available locally and budget-friendly, you can turn your home into a more restful retreat, even in the heart of a noisy city.
At Sheraspace, we believe thoughtful design should always consider how your space feels, not just how it looks. Whether you need help choosing the right curtains, laying out a quieter bedroom, or installing acoustic panels, our expert team is here to help.
Need help soundproofing your home in style?
Visit sheraspace.com or call +8801738174440 to consult with our interior experts today for any interior solutions!
Read this blog in Bengali.
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