11 Ways To Soundproof A Bathroom Using Household Items(2023)

Soundproofing a bathroom may seem like a task best left to professionals.

However, you’ll be surprised to learn that household items can be effectively utilized for this purpose.

With proper techniques, these everyday items can significantly reduce the noise escaping from your bathroom.

This process is not only efficient but also cost-effective.

In this article, we are going to walk you through valuable tips and tricks.

Brace yourselves for some interesting insights into the world of DIY soundproofing.

Ways To Soundproof A Bathroom Using Household Items

1. Install a Dense, Heavy Bathroom Door

One of the most effective and important ways to soundproof your bathroom is by installing a dense, heavy bathroom door.

The type of door you choose can significantly impact the amount of noise that enters or leaves your bathroom.

Dense and heavy doors often have more mass, and the greater the mass, the better it is at blocking sound.

In the world of soundproofing, mass is crucial – the more mass, the less noise.

In support of this, the theory of sound transmission elaborates that sound waves can more easily penetrate lightweight materials. Hence, denser materials with greater mass have proven to be more effective at hindering sound wave transmission.

Additionally, dense and heavy doors also have fewer air gaps, which are another big culprit of sound transmission.

While the process of installing a new door can be somewhat involved, it’s a necessary step if you’re serious about soundproofing your bathroom.

Not all doors are created equal when it comes to blocking sound. Opt for a solid core door instead of a hollow one as it has more mass and is more efficient at blocking noise.

Even if you’re on a budget, don’t skimp on the quality of your door. It might be tempting to go for the cheapest option, but remember that the effectiveness of your soundproofing efforts largely depends on this.

For a more visual guide on how to install a dense, heavy door, the above tutorial video can be of great assistance. The video provides step-by-step instructions and handy tips that can simplify the installation process.

Moreover, the video will teach you how to determine the type of door you currently have and the tools needed for replacement. This can be invaluable information for DIY enthusiasts aiming to soundproof their bathrooms.

The difference a dense, heavy door can make is considerable, particularly if your bathroom is directly adjacent to a living or sleeping area. By installing a dense, heavy bathroom door, you’re taking a significant step towards creating a more peaceful and noise-free environment in your home.

Remember that soundproofing is all about reducing the ways that sound can escape your bathroom. Properly installing a dense, heavy door can significantly decrease any unwanted noise.

2. Apply weather stripping around the door.

Applying weather stripping around the bathroom door is another efficient and cost-effective method to soundproof your bathroom.

Weather stripping is a versatile material traditionally used for sealing gaps around windows and doors.

It has the added function of reducing noise transmission when applied to the bathroom door.

This method does not require any special tools or skills, making it an ideal option for DIY soundproofing.

Weather stripping can be cut to size with a regular pair of scissors and sticks to the door with an adhesive back.

When applied properly, the weather stripping will form a seal around the door when it is closed, blocking any gaps through which sound could escape.

This is especially effective as door gaps are often a primary source of sound leakage.

The dense material of weather stripping serves to absorb the audio vibrations, reducing the overall level of noise.

There are various types of weather stripping available, such as V-strip, door sweeps, or foam tape, all of which can be used for soundproofing your bathroom door.

The type you choose will depend on the size of the gap around your door and your personal preference.

It’s highly recommended to apply the weather stripping not only at the bottom of the door but around the entirety of the door frame for the best noise reduction.

Repeated usage of the bathroom door can loosen the weather stripping over time.

Therefore, it’s important to check the condition of the weather stripping regularly and replace it when needed to maintain its soundproofing effectiveness.

If noise continues to leak, consider using additional soundproofing measures, like thick door curtains, along with the weather stripping.

Remember, every gap closed, every sound absorbed adds to the overall soundproofing of your bathroom.

So, always ensure that every effort made to soundproof your bathroom is not only practical but also thoroughly done.

3. Use thick shower curtains.

While a bathroom, by nature, is a hard-surface room with tiles, mirrors, and porcelain fixtures that can amplify sound, a simple affordable strategy to help mitigate this is by using thick shower curtains.

The thickness of the material serves to absorb sound, reducing the noise coming from the bathroom.

Since most bathrooms often contain showers, it’s a good idea to get a thick curtain that does double duty, serving as both a practical and aesthetic addition to your bathroom and a sound barrier.

The curtains work by hindering airborne noise from traveling straight out of your bathroom, changing the path of the sound waves and making it more difficult for them to escape.

Supporting this idea, a heavy or thick curtain helps reduce echo, which is a common problem in bathroom spaces because of the room’s hard surfaces.

This solution is not only one of the simplest, but it can also be one of the most effective depending on the type and quality of material you choose for your shower curtain.

Materials such as vinyl and heavyweight polyester or premium terelyne are especially beneficial for sound absorption

This related video will give you visual demonstrations of various sound deadening materials in action, including shower curtains.

It might help you choose a curtain material that best suits your needs and matches your personal aesthetic.

Another option to consider is a double-layered curtain or a curtain paired with a heavy liner for added effectiveness.

You can also complement the use of the curtain with other strategies in this guide like hanging dense or sound-absorbing curtains, which could allow you to maximize the sound blocking potential of your bathroom.

Again, when considering ways to soundproof a bathroom using household items, a thick shower curtain proves to be a valuable asset.

It’s an affordable and accessible option that can make a considerable difference in reducing noise transmission.

Remember, while one method alone might not completely soundproof your bathroom, a combination of several can substantially lower the noise levels.

4. Put rugs on floor to absorb sound.

One incredibly effective and convenient method of soundproofing your bathroom is by using rugs on the floor.

Using rugs as a soundproofing measure is optimal because they are not only functional, but they can also add an aesthetic appeal to your bathroom space.

You might wonder exactly how rugs help in reducing sound.

Basically, rugs work by absorbing sound waves and preventing them from bouncing around the room, thereby reducing noise.

This happens because sound waves get absorbed by materials that have a high density and thickness, which rugs often possess.

The more plush and dense the rug is, the better it will be at absorbing sound.

Furthermore, interrupting sound paths with the use of rugs can drastically lessen the amount of sound that can pass through the space.

Apart from their sound absorbing properties, rugs also play a vital role in blocking sound transmission from the floor below, which is a common problem in multi-story residences.

People often overlook the importance of covering the floor when trying to soundproof a room, focusing instead on walls and windows.

But in fact, addressing the floor can be a game-changer when it comes to reducing noise from footsteps, falling objects, or echoing within a closed space such as a bathroom.

Choosing the right rug also contributes to the overall effectiveness of this soundproofing method.

Rugs made of natural fibers such as wool or cotton are known to have excellent sound absorption properties, as opposed to synthetic alternatives.

It’s also important to consider size and coverage – larger rugs with an increased surface area will provide better sound absorption compared to smaller ones.

Bear in mind that while a rug on the floor won’t provide complete sound isolation, it’s a simple, budget-friendly, and effective step in the journey towards a peaceful, noise-free bathroom experience.

5. Hang Heavy or Sound-Absorbing Curtains

While many may overlook the effectiveness of heavy or sound-absorbing curtains in the process of soundproofing a bathroom, it is a tried and tested method.

Utilizing such curtains doesn’t just offer privacy but also aids in reducing noise transmission.

These curtains work the same way as any other soundproofing material would, they absorb and diffuse echoes and sounds.

The heavy fabric of these types of curtains is designed specifically to absorb sound waves, preventing them from bouncing off walls and creating an echo effect.

Silence, improved by the use of heavy or sound-absorbing curtains, can provide an enhanced sense of relaxation and sanctuary within the bathroom.

Should you use regular curtains, the effectiveness may decrease as these materials are not optimized for soundproofing.

Investing in specialized sound-absorbing curtains can make a noticeable difference in reducing echo and dampening sounds.

Fortunately, these thermal and sound-absorbing curtains are readily available in the market, offering different designs that can match any décor.

It is ideal to couple this method with other soundproofing techniques to maximize the noise reduction potential.

However, if you can’t invest in soundproof curtains, you can improvise using heavy fabric or moving blankets.

You can hang these makeshift curtains from the curtain rod or other points above the door or window and notice a substantial decline in noise levels.

This DIY approach can offer not only a cheaper alternative but also gives the freedom to pick the design and fabric based on your personal preference, while also achieving soundproofing.

The flexibility of this choice offers opportunities to blend functionality with aesthetics, without compromising on either.

By taking a moment to watch the video, you will glean actionable tips regarding the installation of our soundproof curtains.

This video shows you, in an easy-to-understand manner, how to properly install these curtains, enhancing their soundproofing capabilities.

6. Put Fabric or Towels Along Walls

One effective way to soundproof a bathroom using household items is to put fabric or towels along the walls.

This might sound surprising, but fabric and towels are great at absorbing sound.

They can help reduce the echo and noise common in bathrooms, creating a more peaceful and quiet environment.

To achieve this, you will need some fabric or thick towels and something to attach them to the walls.

You can use adhesive hooks or even thumb tacks to hang the fabric or towels onto the bathroom walls.

It’s important to note that the thicker the fabric or towel you use, the more sound it will be able to absorb.

You might want to consider using old towels or fabric, or even purchasing some cheap but thick material from a local store.

Whilst this method might not be the most visually appealing, it’s a cost-effective and practical solution for soundproofing your bathroom.

This solution not only works by absorbing sound, but also helping to reduce the amount of sound that is reflected off the hard surfaces in your bathroom.

As a result, it can create a calmer and more tranquil space in what is often one of the busiest rooms in the house.

Even though it might not be the most aesthetically pleasing solution, it’s a practical and easy-to-implement answer to your noise problem.

You may decide to cover just the walls that are causing you trouble, or you could opt to cover all the walls in your bathroom for maximum sound reduction.

If covering your entire bathroom in fabric or towels doesn’t appeal to you, consider using this method in combination with some of the other ideas outlined in this article.

Once you’ve installed the fabric or towels, the difference in the acoustic quality of your bathroom should be immediately noticeable.

Whether you’re trying to keep your bathroom activities private or just trying to reduce the overall noise in your home, this solution could be a perfect fit.

Besides, if you’re ever in a need of a towel, you’ll know exactly where to find it!

7. Hang Tapestries or Quilts on Walls

Whether for its eye-captivating patterns or its auditory benefits, having a medieval-esque tapestry or a thick, cosy quilt on your bathroom wall is a fantastic method for increasing the level of sound absorption in your bathroom.

Both tapestries and quilts are made of materials that are particularly good at soaking up a variety of sound frequencies, even the most stubborn ones.

Due to their intricate weaving, these materials consist of small pockets of air, which are excellent at absorbing sound waves.

The essence of soundproofing lies in the vibrational energy getting dispersed, rather than bouncing back into the room.

Sound energy gets trapped in the fabric’s small pockets, which minimises the impact of sounds bouncing off hard surfaces like the bathroom walls.

This phenomenon greatly contributes towards ensuring a quieter and more relaxing bathroom experience.

There is also another crucial aspect when it comes to hanging these items for soundproofing purposes and that pertains to their placement.

It’s important to hang the tapestries or quilts flush to the wall, covering as much surface area as possible to optimize effectiveness.

Moreover, the thicker the material, the better it will work at absorbing sound.

However, hanging such items might seem a bit daunting for some since it requires a little patience and accuracy.

But it need not be a hassle. In fact, there is a simple way to add these beautiful, functional pieces to your space as shown in this useful tutorial.

By taking the time to view the tutorial, you will not only learn the correct way to hang these items but also some valuable tips to ensure a sound secure hold.

Due to their dual functionality, a tapestry or quilt can add a unique touch to your bathroom décor while significantly decreasing the sound levels.

In a nutshell, incorporating tapestries or quilts into your bathroom provides you with a stylish, budget-friendly option for soundproofing that can potentially elevate the overall aesthetics of your room as well.

Remember: every little step towards creating a quieter environment in your bathroom contributes to making your space more enjoyable and peaceful.

8. Use Bookshelves Filled with Books

In your quest to soundproof your bathroom using household items, an often overlooked item that can make a significant difference is a bookshelf filled with books.

While it may not be the most common item in a bathroom, a bookshelf can perform more than one role.

Not only does it improve the aesthetics if chosen and arranged smartly, but it can also serve as a sound-absorbing structure.

When placed strategically, your bathroom can benefit from sound damping effects depending on the type and volume of books used.

Bookshelves are essentially irregular surfaces and the process of soundproofing relies heavily on ‘diffusing’ or dispersing sound waves.

Books come in different sizes, shapes, and materials, which helps create a non-uniform surface for diffusing sound waves.

This non-uniformity increases the effectiveness of soundproofing by making it harder for sound waves to bounce off the surface.

The gaps in between the books also trap sound waves, preventing their transmission through the wall behind it.

Moreover, the paper in books also has sound-absorbing properties.

It will especially be more effective if you can fill your bookshelf with varying sizes of books for better diffusion of sound waves.

In addition, the angles and positions at which books are arranged can indirectly influence the path and reflection of sound waves.

To maximize this, arrange your books in a random order, alternating between large and small, thick and thin books.

Not only is this decorative, but it also creates different angles for sound waves to diffuse on.

While this may not eliminate all the sound, it will considerably dampen the level of sound that comes from your bathroom.

With the available tools, you can experiment with various arrangements until you find the one that suits your preferred style and soundproofing needs.

Regardless of your choice, adding a bookshelf filled with books remains a useful and cost-effective strategy for soundproofing your bathroom with household items.

The beauty of this strategy lies in its dual functionality— namely storage and aesthetics– on top of soundproofing.

So, transform your bathroom, reduce noise, and enjoy some aesthetic pleasure by including a well-stocked bookshelf.

However, make sure it isn’t exposed to water or moisture to maintain its soundproofing efficiency.

9. Cover Walls with Egg Cartons

When soundproofing a bathroom, an unconventional but surprisingly effective method to consider is covering your walls with egg cartons.

Many people may not believe in this concept, but egg cartons have quite a few properties that make them useful for soundproofing.

Egg cartons are designed to cushion delicate eggs and their unique shape helps distribute energy, making them surprisingly efficient for sound dampening.

This quote explains their special shape, particularly a significant feature that helps to absorb and muffle sound.

This, combined with the material they’re typically made of, often some form of foam or recycled paper, provides a decent level of sound absorption.

Applying egg cartons to your bathroom walls can be a little tricky, but it’s definitely doable with some patience and the right materials.

How Cheap Egg Cartons Actually Work For Sound Deadening!

By giving the video embedded above a watch, you will gain a much deeper understanding of how cheap egg cartons can work for sound deadening.

With the video, you can view a practical demonstration of it. This visual example will better illustrate the effectivity.

In terms of attaching the egg cartons to your walls, you’ll likely want to use a strong adhesive, preferably one that won’t damage your walls when you decide to remove the cartons.

This might not be a permanent solution, but it can certainly help in the short-term, or until you can find a more robust soundproofing method.

Not only is this method cost-effective, but it’s also a great way to recycle these cartons if you tend to go through a lot of eggs.

You can even paint over them to help them better fit in with your bathroom’s decor, making them not as noticeable.

While this method might not work as well as professionally installed soundproofing measures, it can make a noticeable difference if used correctly.

So, if you’re looking for an easy and cheap soundproofing option for your bathroom, then covering your walls with egg cartons can certainly be worth a try.

10. Install Foam Tiles on the Ceiling

One unconventional but highly effective method of soundproofing that might not immediately spring to mind when considering how to soundproof a bathroom is the usage of foam tiles on the ceiling.

This method has several advantages, minimal interference with your regular decoration being one, assuming you choose appropriate designs for your tiles.

Foam tiles are known for their sound-absorbing characteristics.

They are a cost-effective material that can help to lower the intensity of sound waves.

Furthermore, installing foam tiles on the ceiling can prevent echo within the room, as the foam absorbs any bouncing sound waves, thus reducing the echo effect.

This is especially useful in bathrooms where surfaces like tiles and mirrors allow for easy bouncing of sound.

It is crucial to remember that foam tiles can be found in a variety of thicknesses and designs, allowing for flexibility based on your personal preference and requirement.

Foam tiles with more thickness offer better soundproofing, although they might be a little more expensive.

Installation of these tiles on your bathroom ceiling is quite simple and does not require any professional assistance.

You can attach these tiles using adhesive, or, for a less permanent arrangement, you can use double-sided removable tape.

The ease of installation allows you to consider this method as a suitable and cost-effective way of optimizing your bathroom space for minimal sound emission.

Given their easy installation and removal, these foam tiles can also be used in rented apartments without the fear of losing your security deposit for causing structural changes.

While foam tiles effectively absorb sound, it’s worth noting that they also have some insulation properties.

They can thus help keep the bathroom warm, contributing to a comfortable and cozy ambiance.

However, ensure you choose tiles that are resistant to moisture and mildew, as bathrooms often have high humidity.

This caution will prolong the longevity of the tiles while maintaining the soundproofing quality.

Therefore, installing foam tiles in your bathroom ceiling is not just for aesthetic appeal but also functions as a practical solution to manage unwanted noise and echo.

It is a creative technique that fits comfortably within the theme of this article, that is, soundproofing a bathroom using easily available household items.

11. Fill unused space with furniture.

Soundproofing a bathroom is often a challenge due to the unique acoustics and materials used in these spaces. Filling unused space with furniture presents an affordable and effective method to help to reduce noise.

Many people may not realize that the vacant spaces in a bathroom can contribute to noise transmission. When the sound waves come into contact with hard surfaces, they tend to bounce around, creating echo and—in extreme cases—amplifying the sounds. By using furniture to occupy empty spaces, you can create barriers that interfere with this echo effect.

The choice of furniture plays a significant role in determining how effective this method will be. Denser furniture, like solid wood or upholstered items, can absorb more sound waves than lighter, more streamlined pieces.

One innovative way to use furniture for soundproofing is to repurpose old pieces. For instance, an unused bookshelf can be filled with a hodgepodge of items, including books, which have been found to absorb sound waves effectively.

Cabinets and vanities also provide opportunities for soundproofing. These pieces typically have hollow spaces that can amplify sounds. Filling these spaces with towels or clothes ensures that fewer sound waves escape into the room.

“Even the strategic placement of floor coverings and mats can contribute to sound reduction.”

This is because dense materials like rugs can both absorb and break up sound waves, limiting the amount of noise that reverberates through the space. Additionally, by placing a rug under a piece of hard furniture, you can reduce the amount of noise that is generated by the furniture itself.

One possible concern about this method is that filling a bathroom with furniture might create a cramped or cluttered look. However, with careful planning, and keeping in mind the overall layout of your bathroom, this can be avoided. The key is to maintain a functional and unobstructed flow while strategically placing furniture to reduce sound.

Soundproofing with furniture does not require any specialized skills or extensive resources. Therefore, it is an excellent method for those looking for a simple, do-it-yourself solution.

Soundproofing A Room (It's Easier Than You Think)

For further elaboration on this topic, make sure to check out the above video. It provides practical demonstrations and more detailed explanations on how furniture can be used for soundproofing. You will also gain insights on additional household items that can double up as soundproofing materials in your bathroom.

The Bottom Line

Overall, there are numerous methods to soundproof your bathroom effectively.

These strategies range from replacing your bathroom door with a heavier, denser version, applying weather strips, to using thick shower curtains.

Essential measures also include adding rugs on the floor, hanging heavy or sound-absorbing curtains, and using fabrics or towels along walls.

Tapestries, quilts, bookshelves filled with books, and egg cartons can also be used to dampen noise significantly.

Installing foam tiles on the ceiling and filling unused space with furniture are other effective soundproofing methods.

All these small changes can contribute to a quieter and more peaceful bathroom experience, adding both privacy and comfort.

Therefore, investing time and resources in these changes are certainly worth considering.