We try to work on every detail when we build our homes.
We try to take care of the little things that we think will become our source of peace and comfort.
Even if we do not own a place of our own and live there temporarily, we want our nest to be a perfect living place.
Closets, especially walk-in closets, are an essential part of our homes.
They look beautiful.
We organize them with our hearts according to the weather and ongoing trends.
They are the little hiding places for us to get ready in a relaxed environment.
But if we get disturbed by the sounds of the outside environment, we’ll be unable to focus on what we are doing and planning for our day.
With the help of some cheap yet modern accessories, we can now get this job done.
We cannot only soundproof the closets, but they can also serve other purposes, like a studio or a recording room.
Why soundproof your closet
There can be many reasons you would like to have a peaceful soundproof closet; for example
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For music and recording purposes
If you are into music and recording, a soundproof closet will serve your purpose the best.
It will play the role of a soundproof music studio where you can do the recordings without mixing the surrounding sounds with your original melody.
But also, you will be able to think about the lyrics and compositions in a peaceful environment.
People living in the surroundings will also have no objections to your work as mostly the neighbors or family members get sick of the loud noises from a music studio.
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To get a place to work from home
Mostly, people living in tiny houses or with big families don’t get a separate peaceful place in their own homes where they can work from home.
In modern times, where the internet and technology have advanced, people mostly work from home. Many people are freelancing, doing jobs like content writing, data entry, or selling products for amazon, etc.
Some are working as social media professionals on websites like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, etc.
All these jobs need quiet, hassle-free environments to appropriately perform a person’s tasks.
So if you have a big walk-in closet that is also soundproof, it will be the best place to enjoy your work.
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To avoid unwanted surrounding noise
You may not have to do anything special. May not be doing something important related to your work or making music.
Still, sometimes you want solitude to relax and focus. To think, to reflect.
For this purpose, you have to have some corner where you are away from the surrounding noises from the neighbors or inside the house.
In your soundproof corner, you can sit silently to read a book, talk on the phone, or watch TV.
In short, this is your place to relax.
Preparations for making a closet soundproof
There are certain measures to be taken beforehand to make a closet soundproof.
In some homes, there are big walk-in closets.
But even if there aren’t any, the smaller ones also do the purpose for a single person.
So first of all, you have to decide about the suitable one.
Then, empty it altogether.
It may have carried much of your stuff, or maybe not that much.
But the first step would always be to empty the space.
Because working in between the mess isn’t possible.
Extra metal rods, shelves, etc., also should be removed.
Check for the electricity supply in that area.
It’s necessary.
If there aren’t any, then install one or two needs accordingly.
Ways to soundproof a closet
There are many ways to soundproof the closet. Some are basic and temporary, whereas some are professional technical and expensive.
Temporary methods mostly work for rented places where you want to invest less.
Permanent methods are technically sound, as well as expensive in nature. When you own the place, you don’t hesitate to invest in them.
Let’s go into the details of some of them.
Sealing the cracks
The very basic step towards soundproofing a closet is to identify its cracks and holes.
There may be unseen, ignored holes or cracks in the walls or fittings through which airflow is possible and sound too can cross.
Firstly, identify such places and then cover them with either weatherstripping or sealant.
Once these holes and cracks are properly covered, you can notice a clear difference in the amount of noise.
Sealing and blocking of the door
Closet doors are mostly made up of light and hollow materials.
These hollow closet doors are the main culprit in creating noise, as sound can easily pass through them.
But don’t worry. This problem can be easily handled with some thick but lightweight blanket, with which this door should be covered. Instead properly sealed.
This method works 100 percent. The closet door is sealed, and the noise is remarkably decreased.
Use of acoustic panels
Acoustic panels are specifically designed to absorb sound waves and reverberation.
They cannot stop the transfer of sound from one place to another. Or you can say from one room to another.
But they dampen the sound waves and absorb them within the room. Thus the impact of noise decreases.
Acoustic panels are easily available, soft in texture, and can absorb unwanted echoes.
They come in different colors, thus enhancing the beauty of the room.
They are effective in making big or small places soundproof if used properly.
Installing studio foam bass traps
Bass traps are energy absorbers that absorb low-frequency sound waves and convert them to heat energy.
These low-frequency sound waves otherwise create the bass in the room.
The bass traps are installed to reduce low-frequency resonance in the room. They are essential in delivering good quality sound.
If you need a clear and accurate sound, you should install an appropriate number of these bass traps in all corners of your closet.
Wall-to-wall carpeting of the closet
This is another easy yet effective remedy for making your closet noise free.
The floor of the house, made up of marble or tiles, is hard surfaced. So is the floor of the closets.
When the sound touches that floor, it bounces back, creating an even high-pitched echo.
Wall to wall carpeting or a heavy thick rug can serve the purpose.
It absorbs the sound waves and refrains them into even higher sounds.
Installing a new layer of wall
This is another good but lengthy and expensive method to soundproof your closet.
This may seem like a big project, but it is one of the most effective.
Especially if you are the house owner and want to renovate on a larger scale, it will be a very good idea to benefit from this opportunity.
Experts say that adding another layer of drywall to the existing wall and filling the space in between with sound-absorbent material will drastically reduce the noise. Also, it will enhance the sound quality within the room.
Adding layers means adding mass to the existing material. This is the basic soundproofing principle.
In this way, less and less vibration is created, and the transfer of sound waves is easier.
So these were some simple and basic ideas to help you soundproof your favorite closet in your home.
In this regard, always remember the ceiling also.
If you live in an apartment set up, never forget to soundproof your ceiling.
All the above-mentioned soundproofing methods can work for the ceiling also.
Now let’s quickly look at how we can benefit from having a soundproof closet turned recording room.
Turning the walk-in closet into a recording room
If you plan to use your walk-in closet as a recording room or have drumming and jamming sessions with your partners, this little place will work best.
In this regard, you can also use reflection filters.
These tiny gadgets manage the sound frequency and make the recordings clearer.
They absorb sound around the mic, so only required sounds are recorded, not the surrounding sounds.
Conclusion
With all the above discussion, we have learned that the basic principle of soundproofing is absorbing sound waves.
When we use softer and absorbent materials in our spaces, we eventually lower the noise.
The same case is with our walk-in closets, which can be great hiding places for us to do whatever we want.
We can create some great stuff in isolation and tranquility. And one soundproof closet can greatly help us achieve this purpose.
Some basic techniques like filling up the closet’s cracks and holes really help contain the noise.
Installing soundproof materials is also greatly effective.
In this way, you can have huge benefits in fewer expenses.
FAQs
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Why would I want to soundproof a closet?
There are many reasons why you might want to soundproof a closet.
For example, if you use the closet as a recording studio, a soundproofed closet will help keep out external noise and prevent sound from leaking out.
If you have a noisy air conditioning unit or water heater in the closet, soundproofing can help reduce the noise and make your living space more comfortable.
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What materials do I need to soundproof a closet?
There are many materials you can use to soundproof a closet, including acoustic foam, mass-loaded vinyl, fiberglass insulation, and soundproof curtains.
The specific materials you choose will depend on your budget, the size of the closet, and the level of soundproofing you need.
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Can I soundproof the closet myself, or do I need to hire a professional?
Soundproofing a closet is a relatively straightforward DIY project that most homeowners can do themselves.
However, if you’re not comfortable with DIY projects or if you’re looking for a higher level of soundproofing, you may want to hire a professional.
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How do I install acoustic foam in a closet?
Acoustic foam can be attached to the walls and ceiling of a closet using adhesive or Velcro strips.
Be sure to measure the dimensions of your closet before purchasing the foam panels, and consider using a combination of the pyramid and wedge-shaped panels for optimal sound absorption.
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What is mass-loaded vinyl, and how do I install it in a closet?
Mass-loaded vinyl (MLV) is a heavy, flexible material that can help block sound transmission.
To install MLV in a closet, you’ll need to measure the dimensions of the closet and cut the MLV to fit the walls, ceiling, and door.
The MLV can be attached to the closet using adhesive or staples, and you can then cover it with drywall or another material.