As a corporate employee for the past 7 years of my life, it is sometimes challenging to block out the noise when you have deadlines to meet. I decided to do some research on cubicle soundproofing and discovered a few noise solutions that worked.
How do you make a cubicle quieter? Here are 7 effective tips:
- Install acoustic panels on your cubicle walls
- Drop down an area rug
- Extend the height of your cubicle walls
- Wear noise canceling headphones
- Use a white noise generator
- Install some mass loaded vinyl
- Decorate your desk with plants
The rest of this post will discuss these cubicle noise solutions in further detail. These tips should help you dampen the sounds around you and allow you to concentrate better.
#1 Install Acoustic Panels To Your Cube Walls
I know I have mentioned this many times before. Acoustic foam panels are great for dampening sound. They work as excellent noise reduction panels for cubicles. Therefore they will help keep your workspace quiet. They are perfect for any busy office and easy to install. Not only will it help quiet any distractions but they will look good on your cubicle walls as decorations. Read more about them in my guide on acoustic panels.
#2 By An Area Rug
If your cubicle area is not already carpeted, I highly suggest you put some down or purchase a thick area rug to help reduce noise. If you do have carpet, it’s not a bad idea to buy an additional rug so it can absorb more sound. If you floor is bare, the sound will reverberate and echo. A thick area rug will absorb the sound traveling into your cube.
#3 Add Height To Your Cubicle Walls
I know this might seem like you are being antisocial by isolating yourself but installing sound absorbing cubicle walls on top of your existing cubicle walls really does help to reduce noise. If you are allowed to do this, invest in some cubicle wall extensions to add extra height. They function as amazing soundproof cubicle dividers. They are easy to install and will minimize the noisy distractions going on around you. They are the perfect sound barriers for office cubicles. You will also enjoy more privacy so you can focus on meeting your deadlines and increasing productivity during your working hours.
#4 Wear Noise Canceling Headphones
Here is a good way to block out the noise and also listen to your favorite jam or podcast while working. Invest in some of these noise-canceling headphones to reduce distractions and help you focus better. These will make a huge difference. Everything in your cube will become silent once you put these on your head. You will be surprised by how much sound gets blocked. They are comfortable to wear for long periods of time and the quality is amazing.
#5 Use A White Noise Generator
If you don’t like wearing headphones, try installing a white noise machine in your cubicle, which will do a great job of drowning out the sound. Many people use one to help them fall asleep at night. It works by masking the noises that are coming from outside of your cube. So it does not actually block the sound but disguises it in a way that you can’t notice it. This will help you focus on your work and keep you in the zone. You won’t be distracted by background noise while on the phone or writing up your report.
#6 Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV)
I have mentioned using this soundproof material in my other posts on soundproofing a doorway, soundproofing a pool pump and soundproofing a bathroom wall. I want to bring it up again as a solution to soundproof a cubicle. This stuff is amazing. You can practically use mass loaded vinyl anywhere and it is easy to install. You can place it underneath carpet or just lay it down under your chair. You can also cut into square pieces and install on your cubicle walls. There is no odor so you will not be affected by any smells that are generally accompanied by new vinyl mats. It won’t block noise entirely but will do a good job of mitigating sound.
#7 Decorate With Plants
Try decorating your cubicle with real or artificial plants. I suggest using artificial plants so you don’t have to maintain them. Adding a few of these to your workspace will help reduce noise. They work as sound absorbers. Although relatively minimal, fake plants are a great addition to your cubicle soundproofing strategy and it makes your work area look pleasant.
What to expect
If you work in a noisy office you know how distracting unwanted sounds can be. You can expect the solutions mentioned in this post to help reduce sound significantly and improve your working environment. Applying only one or two of these should make a large difference.
