WALL ART FOR ABSORBING SOUND

In this new age of loud electronics, it's no wonder more and more people outside the audio recording profession are looking for ways to sound-proof certain rooms in their homes. Your iPhone can be easily hooked up to a tiny speaker system that blasts out the music, your big-screen TV is plugged in to window-rattling surround sound for that true "theatre" experience, and your son practices his drums in the basement on a daily basis. This article takes a look at the pre-made and do-it-yourself options for making sound-proof pretty - decorative wall panels are a great way to keep your personal spaces quiet without sacrificing style!

SUMMARY This article is a brief overview of sound-proofing: why it's useful, how it works, and what you can do to sound-proof a room without giving up on your decor. HOW IT WORKS SOUND-ABSORBING MATERIALS DIY SOUND-PROOF ART Sound waves are carried on the air, and pass through walls and windows almost as easily as open doors. If you dampen the vibrations, you can lessen the noise. Fabric drapery, tapestries, upholstered furniture, thick rugs, specialty sound-absorbing panels Turn your very own, personalized Giclée canvas print into a sound-absorbing panel!

HOW SOUND-PROOFING WORKS

Sound is created by vibrations. The vibrations of our vocal chords allow us to speak and the vibrations of a plucked guitar string create a note or chord. These vibrations transfer to objects around the source, as well as the air, which carries the sound along. Unlike light waves, sound waves pass through the majority of solid surfaces, from windows to walls, even floors and ceilings. Because sound passes through objects, simply closing the door might dampen the sound, but it won't stop it. It is carried on the air to the wall, then vibrated through the wall, and picked up by the air again. Therefore, to cut sound, additional measures must be taken. Sealing up a room to keep out unwanted air that is carrying sound is one way to cut sound (from coming in, or getting out), but it's difficult to do. A simpler option is to outfit the room with materials that will absorb the sound, grabbing that sound energy and dampening the vibrations, diminishing the transmission of the noise. To do this, you can fill the hollow spaces that vibrate most easily. This includes solid doors and walls, which can get a bit pricy. If you're not in the market for a professionally sound-proofed room, hanging sound-absorbing panels on the walls is probably the most effective option for your budget. Music and recording stores often stock foam or porous wood panels that can be hung on the wall to absorb sound. This is a great option for that studio no one but you ever sees, but maybe not the most visually striking set up for your living room, bedroom, or family room. Fear not; there are a number of ways you can block sound from coming in or out without sacrificing your home decor!

Recording studio Home theater

MATERIALS THAT ABSORB SOUND

As briefly mentioned above, soft or porous materials best absorb the vibrating sound waves that carry those loud or distracting noises throughout your home. Therefore it makes sense that filling the space with such items will dampen the sound. Walls are a popular location for sound-absorbing materials, but they aren't the only one. Thick rugs and padded, upholstered furniture are great ways to subtly keep unwanted sound at bay. Wood is not sound-absorbing, and should be kept to a minimum - or covered in fabric - in a room where quiet is desired. Even thin materials like fabric will block some sound. You can drape lengths of pretty cotton or velvet across the walls for an old-fashioned movie theatre feel that doubles as a dampener. If you're not a fan of draped fabric, classic tapestries are another option for wall decor that blocks some sound. Adorn the walls of the room in question with that special family quilt or hand-woven artwork from your travels. Tapestries warm up the room and add a regal sense of majesty to any space. There are a number of companies that make basic and decorative wall hangings that absorb sound. Architonic provides manufacturers of brightly colored panels, geometric designs, and even circular and flower-shaped that look great while they work. Baux offers panels and tiles made from eco-friendly materials, while Texaa designs free standing objects, full wall, and ceiling panels for absorbing sound. You can also make your own stylish, practical panels from the less visually appealing, noise-control options sold in stores. Any foam will deaden some of the noise; special, acoustic-grade foam is usually of the egg-crate variety. Thick insulation is also available. Depending on your budget, you can find materials that range from board-thin to several inches thick.

Wall-hanging tapestry

DIY SOUND ABSORPTION WALL ART

Canvas prints are a great way to spruce up your walls but, unfortunately, on their own they don't do much to block sound. If you're looking for a sound-proofing option a bit more personalized than store bought fabric-wrapped panels, consider turning one of our own Giclée canvas prints into a double duty work of art. You'll be proudly displaying your photograph or artwork, and blocking unwanted noise at the same time! What You'll Need: A favorite photograph or artwork in digital format A computer Sound absorbing egg crate foam, available from various retailers online (hint: it's not just for sound absorption! You might be able to find a cheap roll meant as a mattress topper, or even a few pieces second-hand.) Strong paper or thin cardboard Double sized tape or heavy duty stapler Screwdriver or drill What To Do: Upload your photo to our server. If you've never ordered from us before, you can make an account right away or wait for the prompt during checkout. Once the photo has uploaded, select "Canvas prints/frames" under the Click to Order column. Choose the size you want for your wall art. Select a Thick Gallery Wrap - you'll need that 1-1/2" depth for sound-proofing. Add the canvas print to your shopping cart and Checkout or Upload More Photos. Enter all the necessary information. In the order notes section, let us know you want the hanging hardware included, but not attached. Because of how you will be creating your sound-absorbing panel, the hardware will have to be attached afterwards. If it does come attached, it's no big deal, you'll just need to remove it and reapply it after. Place your order! Wait (im)patiently for your order to arrive. For more information on shipping times, see our Shipping page. Once you've received your beautiful Giclée canvas print artwork, you'll be dying to get it up on the wall, so hopefully you have all your other items prepared. Flip your canvas over (laying the front on a smooth, clean surface) and measure the space between the wooden beams of the stretcher bar frame. Cut the egg-crate foam to that size. You want it to fit tightly, but not be too big and bulge out. Now is the time to remove the hanging hardware, if it's attached. Insert the foam into the back of the stretched canvas, with the bumpy side facing in, against the canvas. Next, take the paper or thin cardboard, and cut it to a size about 1/2 an inch smaller than the outermost dimensions of your canvas. This layer will be affixed across the back of the print, to keep the foam inside. Make sure it's tight, since loose paper will make that annoying, buzzing noise when hit with sound! Using the tape or stapler, firmly attach the paper to the back of the canvas. It should overlap the opening enough to adhere, but not stick out past the sides of the canvas. Attach the hanging hardware to the vertical wooden stretcher bars, over the paper. The hooks should be screwed in place 1/4 to 1/3 of the way down the print, and the wire strung between them. Hang your art on the wall and dazzle everyone who enters with your homemade, multi-purpose artwork!

Egg-crate foam Kraft paper for backing Back of canvas print Wall art, or sound-proofing panel? Both!

At KeenART Media, our one-of-a-kind canvas prints are not only beautiful, they're practical, too! Browse through our Giclée Resources for articles and other information on this popular home decor option! If you have questions about any of our services or products, don't hesitate to contact us. Our knowledgeable staff is always happy to assist with answers, advice, or suggestions.