What Kind of Rug Is Best for Soundproofing?

Noise pollution very often finds its way into our homes in the form of electronic noise, people talking, dogs working, and a host of other sounds. You can reduce noise through simple measures such as choosing suitable rugs. But what kind of rugs are best for soundproofing? 

Thick, cut-pile rugs are best for soundproofing. Wool and jute rugs are better at absorbing sound compared to other materials as they’re thicker. You should also look for carpets made with felt or soft, fluffy materials. 

This article explores the types of rugs best for soundproofing. It also considers other ways to soundproof your room, including using felt mats, draperies, and stuffed furniture. 

Which Rug Will Help With Soundproofing?

Cut-pile rugs will help with soundproofing. They’re best at absorbing sound as they offer more surface area to pick up sound. Rugs made from wool, jute, fur, and felt will also capture sound. More oversized rugs will cover more surface area, allowing them to absorb more sound. 

Selecting the right rug for sound absorption helps to understand the science behind it.

How Do Rugs Absorb Sound?

Rugs can absorb sound because they have plenty of fibers and an open-cut weave. Each fiber absorbs sound, so the more fibers a rug has, the more sound-absorbent it’ll be. 

Additionally, rugs provide an extra layer between a bare floor and a room, adding more barriers for the sound to travel through. 

For more information, check out the most ideal flooring for home recording studios.

What Are the Best Rugs for Absorbing Sound?

Some of the best rugs for absorbing sound are the Koeckritz Cut Pile Indoor Rug, the nuLOOM Rigo Hand Woven Jute Rug, the Lochas Luxury Velvet Shag Rug, and the Safavieh Hudson Shag Rug. 

We’ll talk more about these rugs in detail below. These rugs are all available to order online from Amazon.com. 

Koeckritz Cut Pile Indoor Rug

The Koeckritz indoor rug is a thick cut pile rug that you can place in different areas to add comfort and reduce sound. Here are some of the pros of this rug: 

• Budget-friendly option. 
• Comes with a bound edge, making it more durable. 
• Features a stain protection coating, making it easier to clean. 
• The manufacturer offers custom cutting, so you can select the direction of rugs. 

Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

nuLOOM Rigo Hand Woven Jute Rug

This jute rug is excellent for absorbing sound and adds a warm touch to any room. Here are some of the stand-out features of this rug:

• Made with natural, renewable materials that are non-toxic. 
• Comes in a wide variety of sizes and shapes; you can choose a round, rectangular, oval, or square rug. 
• Not as thick as other sound-reduction rugs, so it doesn’t add extra weight or warmth to a room. 

It’s essential to vacuum this rug regularly to keep it clean, but putting it in a vacuum machine can damage its fibers. 

Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Lucas Luxury Velvet Shag Rug

The Lucas Luxury Shag Rug is a thick, cut pile rug available in various colors. Because it is made of thousands of fibers, it is excellent at absorbing various types of sound. Here are the pros of this rug: 

• Comes with non-slip dots that allow it to adhere to a range of surfaces. 
• Made with synthetic materials which stop it from shedding. 
• Easy to clean and lift stains. 

Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

SAFAVIEH Hudson Shag Rug 

This is a plush, versatile rug that will suit a variety of rooms. Here are the stand-out features of the Safavieh Hudson Shag Rug: 

• Features 2-inch (5 cm) pile fibers that can capture and stop sound. 
• You can select from a range of different designs to suit your home’s decor. 
• The manufacturer offers virtual consulting, which will help you choose the style of rug that best suits you. 

Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

For more information, check out the most ideal rugs for recording studios.

Other Ways You Can Soundproof Your Room

If you don’t want to swap out your current rugs, you can make them more effective at soundproofing by placing a rug mat under your rug to absorb sound. 

You can also use overstuffed furniture or draperies to reduce sound. You may also try using spray foam to fill gaps sound is moving through. 

Use Rug Pads

Rug pads are placed under rugs and provide an extra layer of sound absorption. The best rug pads for sound reduction are thick pads made from memory foam.

You can also find rug pads made with eco-friendly materials that are excellent for sound absorption. 

There are several other reasons you should consider installing a rug pad: 

• They add weight to your rugs, making them more comfortable to walk on. 
• They prevent rugs from slipping. 
• They can act as an extra layer of protection for your floors. 

The best rug pads from Amazon.com for sound absorption are: 

• Gorilla Grip Extra Plush Felt. This plush felt mat is designed to reduce sound. It’s compatible with a range of different rug sizes and shapes. 

Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

• Puroma Non-Slip Area Rug Pad. This is a budget-friendly rug pad built to both protect floors and absorb sound. 

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Use Bean Bag Chairs or Overstuffed Furniture

If your rug doesn’t trap the noise, the furniture can act as the next barrier to sound. Couches and chairs which are stuffed with soft materials like foam and batting will absorb sound well. You may even place bean bags in areas in the room where sound is most likely to travel. 

Draperies 

Draperies or heavy curtains placed at windows can stop noise from traveling upwards. They’re made from heavy materials like velvet, satin, and polyester. These curtains will also reduce the number of echoes and noise within a room. 

However, it’s important to remember that it may also add more heat to a room when a curtain is heavier. 

Here are some of the best curtains to reduce and absorb sound from Amazon.com:

Nicetown Grey Full Shade Curtain Panels

These curtain panels are made with heavy polyester. Their weight and shape make them highly effective at absorbing sound. 

Here are the pros of the Nicetown curtain panels: 

• You can hang them in different styles using different curtain hooks. 
• They’re machine-washable and are easy to maintain. 
• They have triple weave technology, which offers 90% blackout. 

Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Rutterllow Blackout Curtains

Made with polyester, these pocket-friendly blackout curtains block out noise, sound, and UV rays. Here’s what you should know about these curtains: 

• Easy to install, easy to maintain, and machine-washable. 
• Triple weave fibers, which add to their blocking effectiveness. 
• Available in a range of colors and sizes. 

Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Linen Blackout Curtains

If you want sound-absorbing curtains but are looking for natural materials, try these linen blackout curtains. Here are the stand-out features of these draperies: 

• Designed to reduce noise, light and block out UV rays. 
• Effective at keeping warm air in a room during winters and out of a room during summers. 
• Available in various colors and lengths, letting you match them to your room’s decor. 

Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Use Spray Foam 

Spray foam is an excellent insulator but may also absorb sound. Closed-cell spray foam can effectively absorb noise, especially when you use it to fill small cracks and gaps. You can use spray foams on walls and floorboards. 

A popular spray foam is the Loctite Tite Foam Insulating Sealant from Amazon.com, as it’s a closed-cell and has UV protection. 

Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Conclusion 

The best rugs for soundproofing are cut-pile rugs made with thick, plush material. Thick rugs contain a larger number of fibers that can trap sound. 

However, if you don’t want to swap out your current rugs, you can use rug pads, place heavy furniture in your room, or use heavy draperies. These will still help keep sound in your room to a minimum. 

Sources 

• Forbes: Quiet, Please! How To Cut Noise Pollution At Home
• Informit: Interior Design: Renovate, Detonate or Techorate?
• New York Magazine: How to soundproof a room 
• Rug Laundry: Do Rugs reduce sound?