Soundproof Acoustic wallpaper? The versatility and convenience expected can always sound too good to be true. They are not only wallpapers to beautify your apartment but also help to dampen sound from coming in and out of the room. It is the need for peace of mind, privacy and of course aesthetics that are currently diving up the popularity of soundproof wallpapers.
Does Soundproof Acoustic Wallpaper Work?
It is a fair question to ask before spending money on the idea. Frankly, the thought that some paper can transform your room into a library-like or studio-like atmosphere sounds farfetched. Experts will tell you that no type of paper can have that effect.
Nonetheless, soundproof wallpaper is not just any kind of paper. Its primary function apart from adorning your walls with a touch of modernity is to block ambient noises coming from outside. Soundproof wallpaper delivers, at least by a difference significant enough to warrant your consideration.
Acoustic wallpapers will shield you from very low to mid-level sound frequencies. These noises include loud neighbors, high volumes on TV/radio and noisy drunken neighbors. If these noise frequencies that prevent your comfort, you can block them effectively using some type of acoustic wallpaper.
How Does Soundproof Wallpaper Work
This type of wallpaper comprises of layers, as opposed being made with a single sheet of paper. The multiple layers help to disrupt and weaken sound waves as it travels through the walls. Between the layers, there is an insulation sheet that further dampens the sound.
So yes, if you purchase good quality soundproof wallpaper, you will not be disappointed. Nonetheless, there are limitations to this expectation. The wallpaper will keep out all outside low-level noise conversations but not loud noises. You may find that you still hear your neighbor’s blasting music or traffic uproar.
With a set of realistic expectations, you will find that soundproof wallpaper also has irresistible conveniences. For starters, it is the most cost-effective way to soundproof your home. It’s a budget saver and can give you peace of mind from most acoustic disturbances from outside.
Additional Functionalities of Soundproof Wallpaper
Apart from the fact that you get to soundproof your interior walls without breaking the bank, you will also love the stylishness. Most soundproof wallpapers are designed to add warmth and color to your home. It is free and purposeful decoration, and your walls will look chic and modern without any further embellishments.
Installation of such acoustic wallpaper is usually a breeze. This type of sound deadening wallpaper typically come with a peel and stick adhesive at the back. It is a matter of pasting and sticking just like when working with any other wallpaper. It might take under an hour to finish a single room.
Another perk is that the best soundproof wallpapers are designed to be fire and smoke resistant. That goes to say that these installations as well bolster the safety of your room and what it houses.
What is Soundproofing Wallpaper Made of?
Usually, soundproof wallpaper comprises of an artistically designed wallpaper lined with foam, latex or any other insulating sheets. In other cases, manufacturers don’t use paper at all. Instead, they use closed cell foam- this material is useful at dampening and insulating incoming and outgoing sound waves.
The texture of the acoustic wallpapers is usually smooth. In light of that, people looking to circumvent the costs of adding a finish to their walls choose to use a high-quality acoustical wallpaper to cover them entirely.
Unlike paint or any other sound insulation material, soundproof wallpaper is easy to clean — the gaps inside the foam help to decouple sound waves, interrupting them from passing through the wallpaper.
The foam used to make the wallpaper also plays a vital role in absorption. The absorbent qualities of the soundproof wallpaper material help to improve the audio quality of a room. That means that you will have a better acoustic experience (high sound quality) when listening to music or watching a movie on the stereo.
Cellulose
Apart from the latex and foam insulation materials, cellulose is the main component here. These wallpapers are ideal for walls that need to breath such as bedrooms and dining rooms. You can easily find cellulose soundproof wallpapers at any home decor store.
Vinyl
Specifically, mass loaded vinyl is a common material used in the manufacture of soundproof wallpaper. This material is made of PVC infused with calcium carbonate, making it excellent at attenuating sound. Vinyl soundproof wallpaper is readily available in many colors and patterns.
Non-woven materials
Soundproof wallpaper can also be made from a combination of synthetic and natural fibers. These wallpapers are breathable with high porosity and therefore a great choice when you need to dampen sound. The materials are also eco-friendly and user-friendly.
Fiberglass
Apart from the sound insulation materials, soundproof wallpapers can also be made of fiberglass. Fiberglass soundproof wallpaper is durable and very strong. Their fire resistance is also next level
Bamboo
Just like regular wallpaper, soundproof wallpaper can be made of bamboo in addition to the acoustic insulation inner layers. Bamboo is environmentally friendly, but the wallpapers are not easy to clean. The good news is that bamboo has an antiseptic characteristic.
Textile wallpaper
Sound absorbing wallpaper can be made from cotton, linen or raffia among other high-end materials, with an additional layer of insulation including rubber and foam. Fabric materials make the best soundproof wallpaper because it not only blocks noise from the other side of the wall; it also absorbs sound and reduces echo with a room.
What’s the Difference Between Regular Wallpaper and Acoustic Wallpaper?
From first glance, you wouldn’t be able to tell the differences between regular wallpaper and acoustic wallpaper. Visually there are no significant differences, but in terms of design and functionality, there are clear cut differences between the two.
Absorbing and dampening qualities
According to the laws of physics, the only way to absorb sound in the home is to soften the hard wall surfaces. When out in a hall or a church, you will notice that there are usually many echoes when you speak. The reverberations result when sound bounces off one solid wall to another and gets amplified in the process.
The acoustic foam materials used in soundproof wallpaper are effective wall softeners. When you cover your walls with the surface of the wallpaper to the surface, you will be successful be dampening the sounds.
Blocking qualities
In the surrounding where there are a lot of ambient sounds from the outside, it can be stressful to sleep at night or work at home during the day. The good news is that the acoustic foam used in soundproof wallpaper does a great job at blocking sound waves.
Even though the material is not as thick as the other sound insulators, the wallpaper will still have a considerable amount of sound blocking qualities. That is especially true for low spectrum sounds.
Materials
The raw materials used to make regular wallpapers are many, including heavy cotton, wood pulp, ground coatings, laminates, and solvents. Even though acoustic wallpaper also features these materials, the inner layers comprise of latex or foam to achieve sound absorbent and sound blocking properties.
The outer layers comprise of traditional wallpaper materials.
Thickness
Acoustic wallpaper is a little heavier than standard wallpapers. Soundproofing demands that the materials be heavier to stop sound from passing through. The inclusion of latex and foam, which are materials with dense molecules makes the acoustic wallpapers thicker than the standard wallpaper.
Standard wallpaper does not have any sound blocking or absorption capabilities because their material density is too low. The sound waves pass through with ease.
Design
Regular wallpaper is thin sheets of paper that only serve as decorative layering. Their design is made up of single layers of the materials earlier mentioned. The acoustic wallpaper is made with particular layers meant to dampen the noises. The multiple layers within the wallpaper improve their soundproofing qualities.
Does Soundproof Wallpaper Block or Absorb Sound?
Soundproofing (blocking) and sound absorbing are terms that get used interchangeably. These two concepts have slight differences though, and a material used for one might not be percent for another.
Sound absorption refers to the dampening sound waves to reduce resonance, echoing and amplification within a room. You will need to use sound absorbent materials to get a better experience with your audio system at home, or a recording studio.
Soundproofing refers to the isolation or blocking of sound from entering or leaving a room. It is typical for sound to travel through walls in and out of a home. Soundproof wallpaper can come in handy to maintain the privacy of your room and to minimize the noises coming in through the walls.
In an apartment where your neighbor plays loud music or complains of your TV noises passing through to their room, acoustic wallpaper can help to minimize the problem, but only to the extent of course.
Latex soundproof wall liner dampens sound, especially those noises in the lower frequency ranges. They also help to create a peaceful space free from sound pollution such as noisy neighbors, busy main roads and the blare of aircraft overhead.
It is particularly useful when used to prevent sounds from entering your home or office, for example from noisy neighbors or traffic noise. If on the other hand, you may wish to stop sound from escaping from a loud area the soundproof wallpapers might deliver beyond your expectations.
How Much Does the Soundproofing Wallpaper Cost?
Even a beautiful home can be an unhappy place to live when there is noise pollution coming through the walls. It could be noises from the street below, trains or airplanes.
It might also be your one teenager that likes to play drums just when you settle down to sleep or watch something. The good news is that you do not need a big budget to make your room soundproof. You can block all the low frequency to mid-frequency sound waves at the cost of between $10 and $100.
Unlike other soundproofing methods, acoustic wallpaper has no additional cost for you to shoulder. You will get to save on labor costs by quickly sticking the wallpaper. You don’t need to hire an expert to do the installation. The project has minimal or no interferences with the structure of the walls.
Where to Buy Soundproof Wallpaper?
Buying soundproof wallpaper is easier than you think. You can visit your local home decor shop, or shop from the comfort of your home. When purchasing online, you can often request a sample of the wallpaper before making the final purchase. That means that when the product gets to you, you are allowed to feel it and test before paying for it.
If you are looking for unique soundproofing wallpaper, there are many online stores that you can try. Usually, each seller has a different price for each distinct design, color, patterns, and prints.
- Amazon – Amazon is an ideal place to start for any types of wallpapers and other home décor products. You will find different designs, patterns, and colors to choose from on the e-commerce site. Different merchants sell these wallpapers, all at varying prices. (Click here for current Amazon Prices for Soundproof Wallpaper)
- Lulu & Georgia – This site is known to be a destination for all matters home décor. They have an extensive selection of soundproof wallpaper. You will be exposed to endless pages of different designs to choose one.
- Etsy – When it comes to home makeover products, Etsy has everything. You can search for soundproof wallpaper on their site and select from the endless options. You will get removable soundproof wallpaper options and permanent ones as well.
The bottom line
Soundproof wallpaper has an acceptable level of sound blocking and sound absorption. These wallpapers are a cheap option for those looking to soundproof their home without having to pay through the roof for insulation materials.
The fact that they are easy to install and uninstall makes these types of wallpapers ideal for renters. Installation does not interfere with the original structure and design of the walls — all you have to do peel off the sticky back and paste it on the wall.