Is your home office a peaceful place to work? Is it quiet enough for video meetings, phone calls, and concentrating on your job?
If not, you may need some noise reduction strategies. After all, noisy work environments are proven to reduce motivation and productivity. Too much noise can make you feel miserable.
An HR Magazine study shows that 52% of office workers feel noise hurts their productivity, and 42% report feeling “noise rage” from an overly loud environment. Noise can factor in someone’s overwhelming desire to work remotely from a home office.
Yet when they get home, many people discover their home offices are just as loud. The noise comes from other sources like barking dogs, lawnmowers, construction equipment, loud neighbors, children running around, and more.
Here’s how to cut the noise and start enjoying your home office.
Pinpoint the Noisemakers
Take note of all distracting noises in your office. Some will be big and noticeable, like trucks roaring by on the road outside. Others, like a ticking clock or a dripping faucet, will be smaller and easier to overlook.
Address each indoor source of noise one by one. Remove or repair annoyances. Use foam or weather-stripping tape to seal cracks that are allowing outdoor noise to seep inside.
After you’ve eliminated these pesky little noise sources, it’s easier to take on the rest of the room.
Layer Carpet and Rugs
Carpeting has excellent noise absorption. One study found standard broadloom carpeting reduces sound by 35% or up to 70% with an underlayment beneath the carpet.
For added sound control, layer a thick wall-to-wall rug on your home office carpeting. This increases the absorption of sound waves in the room and gives the entire space a softer, more muted atmosphere.
Add Heavy Curtains
Thick, heavily textured draperies will help dampen the sound coming from outside the windows. Install a double curtain rod with two layers of noise-dampening curtains made of bulky tapestry.
If you’re worried about losing too much light, the innermost curtain can be made of gauzy white material. This will deflect sound waves somewhat while still allowing light to shine through, and you can pull the heavier layer closed when you need more silence.
Block Noise With Built-Ins
Tall, sturdy, built-in furniture helps block and muffle ambient noise. Line the entire room with bookcases and vertical storage cabinets for an instant barrier between yourself and your noisy neighbors.
Many types of office hacks and features have the side benefit of sound reduction. Here are some of our favorite built-in features offering a combination of office organization and noise control:
- Fabric-lined wall organizers and cubbies
- Wall panels with hooks and clips
- Oversize cork boards and eraser boards
- Open shelves lined with thick woven baskets or bins
- Closed shelves with drawers or slide-out doors
Contain Noisy Equipment in a Closet
Is a particular appliance or piece of equipment bothering you? You may work near a rumbling water heater or HVAC unit. Printers and other office equipment can also be distractingly loud.
Contain the noise with a built-in closet or cabinet. A custom closet builder will take measurements and create something that muffles the sound while matching the style and decor of your home. They’ll also account for special equipment needs, like needing an air vent or allowing proper clearance.
We Can Help You Upgrade Your Home Office!
You deserve a serene, welcoming home office so you can focus on your work. Diplomat Closet Design has extensive experience creating beautiful and functional home offices to meet our clients’ needs.
Set up an appointment today and share your desire for a peaceful home office. We look forward to showing you what we can do!
If you live in Montgomery County in towns such as Collegeville, Conshohocken or Valley Forge, contact us today.
