How to Sound & Light Proof Your Bedroom for Ultimate Sleep

Your bedroom should be a haven—a quiet, restful place where you can rest at the end of a long day. But as many of us know, reality doesn’t always align with that ideal. But not to worry. We spoke with Courtney McLeod, principal of New York City-based Right Meets Left Interior Design (http://www.rightmeetsleftdesign.com), who gave us tips on how to sound- and light-proof your bedroom so you can get better sleep. Happy decorating!

Tips on Soundproofing

Rugs One of the most important ways to help reduce sound? Rugs. “People often underestimate the power of a good rug pad,” says McLeod. “It can transform an inexpensive rug to feel much more plush and luxurious. It also acts as a great sound barrier.” She tells us that wall-to-wall carpet is the most effective, but that might not be a good option for many renters. A good alternative is a room-size area rug. Size it to fit with approximately 12 inches of exposed flooring around the perimeter of the room. For those on a budget, she recommends searching for affordable products on Rugpadusa.com. Consider Upholstered Furniture Consider adding as many “soft surfaces” as possible, which will naturally dampen sound. A thick duvet on the bed, an upholstered, end-of-bed bench, and a decorative quilt or blanket hung on the wall are good examples. McLeod suggests Urbanoutfitters.com as a source for stylish and inexpensive wall tapestries. Consider Upholstered Walls or a Headboard If the budget allows, having walls upholstered is a highly effective sound barrier. For a mode budget-friendly option, you also can consider a ceiling-height upholstered headboard. “The fabric on an upholstered headboard can help absorb excess sounds,” says McLeod. Renters whose bedrooms share a wall with another renter might appreciate this option. As an added bonus, they also look super stylish. For renters, consider an oversized headboard to provide additional sound proofing.

Tips on Light Proofing

Add Blackout Curtains “My favorite trick is to use stationary curtain panels plus blackout roman shades,” says McLeod. “This effectively solves the problem of light seepage on the sides of the window and also dresses the window very nicely. Ikea makes great inexpensive curtain panels and blinds.com is a good resource for budget-friendly blackout shades.” Second, use thick window treatments to dampen outside noises and control light. Look for blackout lined curtains in a heavier weight fabric like wool, cotton flannel, or velvet. She advises heading to Ikea for the store’s heavy velvet curtains and blackout liners that can be added to existing curtains. Bed, Bath & Beyond also sells inexpensive, lined curtains in a variety of colors. Check the Seal Around Your Windows Strips of insulated foam can be purchased from the hardware store and used to fill any large gaps, thereby reducing areas for sound and light to make it indoors. If your bedroom could use even more sprucing up, consider these five easy ways to decorate your space https://www.forrent.com/blog/decor-for-the-home/easy-bedroom-upgrades.