You can hear your neighbor's TV. Their conversations. Their music. Sometimes, it feels like you're living in their apartment. Shared walls in apartments are often just a single layer of drywall on each side with an air cavity between—not exactly sound-blocking construction.
True wall soundproofing requires adding mass and decoupling (separating the wall surfaces)—typically through construction. As a renter, your options are more limited, but you can still make meaningful improvements.
Understanding Wall Sound Transmission
Sound gets through walls in two ways:
- Airborne transmission: Sound waves hitting the wall and causing it to vibrate, transmitting sound through
- Flanking paths: Sound traveling around the wall through gaps at the floor, ceiling, outlets, or other weak points
Many "thin wall" problems are actually flanking issues—the sound is coming around the wall, not through it. Check for gaps at the edges of the wall, especially where it meets the ceiling and floor.
Renter-Friendly Wall Solutions
Add Mass with Furniture
The simplest approach: put heavy things against the noisy wall. A tall bookcase filled with books creates meaningful mass. A wardrobe or dresser helps too. The key is coverage and density—an empty shelf doesn't help.
Hang Mass-Loaded Vinyl
MLV panels can be hung on walls using hooks or a frame that leans against the wall. The material is dense enough to block significant airborne sound. You can cover it with fabric for a better appearance.
Acoustic Panels (Limited)
Standard acoustic panels absorb sound within your room (reducing echo) but don't block incoming sound. However, by reducing reflections in your space, they can make the remaining noise less harsh. Consider them supplementary, not primary.
Tapestries and Wall Hangings
Heavy fabric wall hangings add some absorption and minor mass. They won't solve significant noise problems but contribute to the overall effort and improve aesthetics.
Addressing Flanking Paths
Seal Around Outlets
Electrical outlets on shared walls are notorious for letting sound through. Options:
- Outlet covers with foam gaskets (inexpensive, easy)
- Acoustic putty pads behind the outlet plate (more effective)
- Specialized soundproof outlet boxes (most effective, may require landlord permission)
Check the Baseboards
Gaps between the baseboard and floor or wall let sound through. Acoustic caulk can seal these, but this may not be reversible.
HVAC and Vents
If you share an HVAC system with a neighbor, sound can travel through the ducts. Not much you can do about this in a rental, but it helps to know the path sound is taking.
The Decoupling Challenge
The most effective wall soundproofing involves decoupling—physically separating your wall surface from the structure so vibrations can't transfer. Methods include:
- Building a new wall in front of the existing one
- Adding resilient channels and new drywall
- Installing sound-dampening drywall
These are construction projects beyond what renters can do. If you own your place and have severe noise problems, they're worth considering.
What About Soundproof Paint?
There are paints marketed as "soundproof." Let's be clear: they don't work in any meaningful way. They add a tiny amount of mass—far less than even a thin layer of drywall. Any improvement would be imperceptible. Don't waste your money.
Realistic Expectations
With renter-friendly solutions, you can expect:
- Noticeable reduction in higher-frequency sounds (voices, TV dialogue)
- Some reduction in mid-frequency sounds (most music)
- Little change in low-frequency sounds (bass, subwoofers)
If you can hear your neighbor's subwoofer, no amount of hanging blankets will stop it. That requires addressing the problem at the source (talking to your neighbor) or significant construction.