Soundproofing A Room For Cheap Do Egg Cartons Actually Block Noise

Many people looking to reduce noise in a bedroom, home studio, or shared apartment turn to DIY solutions—especially when budget is tight. One idea that keeps resurfacing online is using egg cartons to soundproof walls. It sounds plausible: they’re bumpy, absorbent, and readily available. But does this method actually work? And more importantly, what are the genuinely effective ways to soundproof a room on a budget?

The truth is, while egg cartons may appear to offer acoustic benefits, they do almost nothing to block noise. However, with smart, science-backed strategies, you can significantly reduce sound transmission without spending thousands. This guide separates myth from fact and delivers practical, low-cost solutions that truly make a difference.

Debunking the Egg Carton Myth

Egg cartons are frequently mistaken for soundproofing material because of their textured surface, which resembles professional acoustic foam. The logic seems simple: if studios use foam panels with similar shapes, then egg cartons must work too. Unfortunately, this is where appearance misleads function.

Soundproofing involves blocking sound from entering or leaving a space—what’s known as sound *transmission*. Acoustic treatment, on the other hand, manages how sound behaves *within* a room (like reducing echo or reverberation). Egg cartons fall short in both categories.

They are made from thin paper or cardboard, materials too lightweight and porous to stop airborne noise like voices, music, or traffic. At best, they might slightly diffuse high-frequency reflections, but even that effect is negligible compared to real acoustic panels.

“Egg cartons are not soundproofing materials. They don’t add mass, seal gaps, or decouple surfaces—all essential for actual noise reduction.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Acoustics Researcher, University of Colorado Boulder

Tip: Don’t waste time or wall space on egg cartons. Focus on sealing air leaks and adding mass—two proven methods for blocking sound.

Why Cheap Solutions Often Fail (And What Actually Works)

The appeal of inexpensive fixes is understandable, but many fail because they ignore the physics of sound. Sound travels through air, vibrations, and structural pathways. To stop it, you need to address all three:

• Mass: Heavier materials block sound better (e.g., drywall, mass-loaded vinyl).
• Airtightness: Even small gaps around doors or windows let sound through.
• Decoupling: Separating wall layers prevents vibration transfer.
• Absorption: Soft materials inside walls reduce resonance.

Most budget hacks—like hanging blankets, stuffing towels under doors, or gluing foam—only scratch the surface. They may muffle sound slightly but won’t eliminate it. Real progress comes from combining multiple principles, even on a tight budget.

Effective vs. Ineffective Budget Methods

Method	Effectiveness	Why It Works (or Doesn’t)
Egg cartons	Poor	No mass; minimal absorption; no sealing capability
Weatherstripping doors	High	Seals air gaps—the biggest source of sound leakage
Heavy curtains	Moderate	Adds mass and damping to windows; blocks mid-high frequencies
Rugs with padding	Moderate	Reduces impact noise and floor reflections
Acoustic sealant	High	Closes gaps in walls, outlets, baseboards
Foam mattress toppers on walls	Low	Minimal mass; only absorbs some echoes

Step-by-Step Guide to Cheap but Effective Soundproofing

You don’t need to rebuild your walls to achieve meaningful noise reduction. By focusing on weak points and using affordable materials strategically, you can cut down sound transmission by 50–70% without major renovations.

1. Identify Noise Entry Points
   Walk around the room and listen. Common culprits include:
   • Gaps under doors
   • Window frames with poor seals
   • Electrical outlets on shared walls
   • Vents and HVAC openings
   Use a flashlight at night—if you see light coming through, sound is getting in.
2. Seal All Air Leaks
   Air leaks are the #1 reason sound bypasses walls. Use:
   • Door sweeps ($10–$20) to close gaps under entry doors
   • Weatherstripping tape ($5 per roll) around door and window frames
   • Acoustic sealant (like OSI SC-175) for cracks, baseboards, and outlet boxes
   This step alone can dramatically improve sound isolation.
3. Upgrade Your Door
   Hollow-core doors transmit sound easily. If replacing isn’t an option:
   • Add a door blanket or moving blanket ($20–$40)
   • Hang a thick tapestry or quilt over the door
   • Install a temporary door seal kit with drop-down seals
   Solid-core doors are ideal but cost $100+. A layered fabric barrier is a strong budget alternative.
4. Tackle Windows
   Single-pane windows are weak against noise. Affordable upgrades:
   • Use heavy blackout curtains with thermal lining ($30–$50 per pair)
   • Add a secondary acrylic or plexiglass panel inside the frame ($50–$100)
   • Apply window insulation film kits (plastic sheet + double-sided tape)
   These trap air and add mass, reducing outside noise by up to 50%.
5. Add Mass to Walls (Without Renovating)
   You can increase wall density without tearing anything down:
   • Hang large area rugs or carpet remnants on walls with adhesive strips
   • Mount cork boards or foam insulation panels covered with fabric
   • Use mass-loaded vinyl (MLV) sheets—available online (~$2/sq ft)—and hang behind curtains or art
   Even one extra layer helps disrupt sound waves.
6. Use Furniture Strategically
   Bookshelves filled with books act as natural sound barriers. Place them along shared walls. Avoid floating shelves—solid, packed units work best. Add soft items like cushions or drapes nearby to absorb reflections.

Real Example: Reducing Apartment Noise for Under $100

Jamal, a freelance voice actor living in a Brooklyn apartment, struggled with street noise and neighbor conversations bleeding into his recordings. His landlord wouldn’t allow permanent modifications, so he needed reversible, low-cost solutions.

He started by sealing gaps under his door with a $15 draft stopper and applied weatherstripping around the window. He then hung two thick moving blankets over the window during sessions and added a second layer of blackout curtains. For the shared wall, he mounted a used bookshelf filled with hardcover books and placed a dense rug with padding on the floor.

Total cost: $87. Result? Background noise dropped noticeably. His audio editor reported a 60% reduction in ambient interference, making post-processing faster and cleaner. While not studio-grade, it was sufficient for client work.

Tip: Combine sealing, mass, and absorption. One method alone rarely suffices.

Budget-Friendly Soundproofing Checklist

Follow this checklist to maximize results with minimal spending:

• ✅ Identify and mark all air leaks (doors, windows, outlets)
• ✅ Install door sweep or draft guard
• ✅ Apply weatherstripping to door and window frames
• ✅ Seal electrical outlets with acoustic putty pads ($2 each)
• ✅ Hang heavy curtains over windows and shared walls
• ✅ Lay down a thick rug with underlayment
• ✅ Fill bookshelves with books and place against noisy walls
• ✅ Use soft furnishings (cushions, tapestries) to reduce echo
• ✅ Consider MLV or recycled rubber mats for critical areas
• ✅ Test results before and after using a sound meter app

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I soundproof a room for under $50?

Yes, but with limitations. Focus on sealing gaps and adding soft barriers. A door sweep ($15), weatherstripping ($10), and secondhand moving blankets ($20) can make a noticeable difference, especially in older buildings with poor seals.

Do thick blankets really help with soundproofing?

They help moderately. Heavy fabrics absorb sound and add damping, especially when layered. While they won’t block bass frequencies, they reduce mid-to-high frequency noise like speech and TV volume. For best results, hang them loosely over windows or doors rather than pinning them flat.

Is there any situation where egg cartons help at all?

In very limited cases, they may slightly reduce high-frequency flutter echo in a small, untreated room. However, their effect is far weaker than even a $20 foam panel set. If you're recording podcasts or vocals and lack proper gear, consider folding a comforter over a mic stand as a makeshift vocal booth instead.

Final Thoughts: Smart Spending Beats Myths

Soundproofing doesn’t have to be expensive—but it does require understanding what works and why. Egg cartons are a classic example of a well-intentioned myth that persists because it looks scientific. In reality, stopping noise demands mass, sealing, and smart design, not texture.

By investing in proven methods—even on a shoestring—you can create a quieter, more private space. Whether you’re working from home, practicing music, or just trying to sleep, targeted improvements yield real results. Start small: seal one door, hang one curtain, add one rug. Measure the change. Then build from there.

💬 Have you tried DIY soundproofing? Share your successes (or failures) in the comments—your experience could help someone find their own quiet.