If there’s any old caulk on the window, be sure to strip it off with a putty knife before applying new caulk. This is an inexpensive option, and you can do it all by yourself at home—no professional required. It’s also doable regardless of where you live (in a house or rental).
While weatherstripping tape is designed to stop rain from leaking into your home, it’s also great for plugging air holes and general insulation.
Alternatively, sound bounces off hard furniture when placed in front of the window. You could use a bookshelf or wardrobe to block sound, but you would lose that window’s natural light. [4] X Research source
Blackout curtains are also a good option for reducing noise and light since they help you get a good night’s sleep.
Alternatively, roman fabric shades can dampen sound and add a pop of color to the house. While they’re typically flat (as opposed to honeycomb), their dense fabric allows them to block sound. You can also pair up soundproofing treatments. For example, layering blinds with soundproof curtains offers even more sound dampening in your home. Some rentals come with blinds pre-installed, so you may have to check with your landlord before trying this option.
Vinyl film is effective because it minimizes vibrations on the glass panes of your windows, which in turn reduces noise. You also have a range of options for window film, as it comes in colored, transparent, opaque, and frosted varieties.
Panels typically come equipped with grommets (built-in loops for hanging), so they’re easy to hang up on your own.
Inserts can be costly—typically between $300 and $500 per window—but overall, they’re less expensive than replacing all of your windows with soundproof or double-pane glass. Though they need to be installed with screws, inserts can still be possible for renters. Make sure to check with your landlord before buying them!
Unfortunately, this may not be an option if you live in a rental—especially on an upper floor. However, you can always bring this up with your landlord if noise is a problem.
You can alternatively install triple-pane windows, which further drowns unwanted noise. Soundproof windows are another viable (but expensive) option, cutting out 95% of outside noise when replacing your old windows. Ultimately, installing double-pane windows is the landlord’s decision if you live in a rental. Talk to your landlord; they may agree if nothing else has managed to mute the noise in your apartment.
