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. 

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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.Opens in a new tab. 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 roomOpens in a new tab., adding more barriers for the sound to travel through. 

For more information, check out the most ideal flooring for home recording studiosOpens in a new tab..

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 RugOpens in a new tab.

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 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

nuLOOM Rigo Hand Woven Jute RugOpens in a new tab.

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. 

Sale
nuLOOM Rigo Hand Woven Farmhouse Jute Area Rug, 5x8, Natural Opens in a new tab.
  • 100% Jute, made in India
  • The perfect combination of style and durability, our jute rugs bring home effortless...
  • Sleek and functional 0.35” thickness allows for convenient placement in entryways, underneath...

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Lucas Luxury Velvet Shag RugOpens in a new tab.

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. 
Sale
LOCHAS Luxury Shag Area Rug 5x8 Feet Geometric Plush Fluffy Rugs, Extra Soft Carpet Moroccan Rugs for Bedroom Living Room Dorm Kids, High Pile Shaggy Floor Rug Decor, Champagne/Brown Opens in a new tab.
  • Extra Soft Area Rug: The area rug is incredibly soft and features a top layer of fluffy material...
  • Large Size and Modern Design: Our generously sized rug is 5 feet x 8 feet and provides excellent...
  • Thousands of Non Slip Dots: Our fluffy carpet is back with thousands of non slip grip dots that help...

Last update on 2024-03-29 / 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. 
SAFAVIEH Hudson Shag Collection Area Rug - 6' x 9', Ivory & Grey, Moroccan Design, Non-Shedding & Easy Care, 2-inch Thick Ideal for High Traffic Areas in Living Room, Bedroom (SGH376A)
  • [NON-SHEDDING]: Expertly machine-woven from enhanced soft synthetic durable fibers that have a...
  • [PLUSH & COZY]: Features a 2-inch thick pile height for just the right amount of cozy cushioned...
  • [TRENDY STYLE]: Design beautifully enhances any room of the home, from the living room, dining room,...

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

For more information, check out the most ideal rugs for recording studiosOpens in a new tab..

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 FeltOpens in a new tab.This plush felt mat is designed to reduce sound. It’s compatible with a range of different rug sizes and shapes. 
Gorilla Grip Felt and Natural Rubber Stay in Place Slip Resistant Rug Pad, 1/4” Thick, 5x7 FT Protective Padding for Under Area Rugs, Cushioned Gripper Pads, Carpet Runners, Hardwood Floors Protection Opens in a new tab.
  • THE ORIGINAL CUSHION + GRIP: unlike other brands that only have felt, our rug pads also feature a...
  • SLIP-RESISTANT NATURAL RUBBER BACKING: ultra durable natural rubber underside helps prevent rug...
  • THICK AND SOFT CUSHIONING: thick cushioning adds extra comfort helping to make rugs cozier and...

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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 PanelsOpens in a new tab.

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. 
NICETOWN Light Reducing Curtain Panels Window Draperies - (Grey Color) 52x84 inch, 2 Pieces, Insulating Room Darkening Drapes for Bedroom Opens in a new tab.
  • READY-MADE: Set includes 2 curtain panels, each panel measuring 52" wide x 84" length with 7 back...
  • SERVE WELL: Impedes 90% of light and UV rays (Dark color curtains work better). Due to the...
  • ENERGY SMART: Triple weave fabric balances room temperature by insulating against summer heat and...

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Rutterllow Blackout CurtainsOpens in a new tab.

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. 
Sale
Rutterllow Room Darkening Blackout Curtains for Bedroom 2 Panel,Grommet Top(42x63 Inch, Black) Opens in a new tab.
  • Package Includes: Sold as 2 panels, measures 42” wide X 63” long each. Total 84” x 63”.
  • Grommet Top Design: RUTTERLLOW grommet blackout curtains have 6 shiny grommets, 1.6” inner...
  • Functions: RUTTERLLOW blackout curtains can block out 50%-95% sunlight due to different colors (Dark...

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Linen Blackout CurtainsOpens in a new tab.

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. 
H.VERSAILTEX Linen Blackout Curtain 96 Inches Long for Bedroom/Living Room Thermal Insulated Grommet Linen Look Curtain Drapes Primitive Textured Burlap Effect Window Drapes 1 Panel - Ivory Opens in a new tab.
Opens in a new tab.
16,013 Reviews
H.VERSAILTEX Linen Blackout Curtain 96 Inches Long for Bedroom/Living Room Thermal Insulated Grommet Linen Look Curtain Drapes Primitive Textured Burlap Effect Window Drapes 1 Panel - Ivory Opens in a new tab.
  • STANDARD SIZE: Sold per single panel in package, panel measures 52 inches wide by 96 inches long,...
  • LIGHT BLOCKING: This elegant window panel passed GLOBAL RECYCLED STANDARD certificate, crafted from...
  • ENERGY EFFICIENT: This magic window covering is perfect on thermal insulated, energy saving and...

Last update on 2024-03-29 / 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 SealantOpens in a new tab. from Amazon.com, as it’s a closed-cell and has UV protection. 

Sale
Loctite Tite Foam Gaps & Cracks Spray Foam Sealant, Polyurethane Expanding Foam Insulation - 12 fl oz Can, Pack of 1 Opens in a new tab.
Opens in a new tab.
18,184 Reviews
Loctite Tite Foam Gaps & Cracks Spray Foam Sealant, Polyurethane Expanding Foam Insulation - 12 fl oz Can, Pack of 1
  • Expands To Fill: Loctite Tite Foam Gaps & Cracks fills, seals, and insulates effectively around gaps...
  • Premium Durability: Polymer foam based on purified and concentrated ingredients withstands harsh UV...
  • High Density Foam: Offers high density with a uniform cell structure for durability and overall...

Last update on 2024-03-29 / 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 

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Vinnie

I'm Vinnie, and I'm here to support you to create your own studio at home, whether it’s for photography, recording audio, podcasts, or videos!

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