Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes

All that extra time you've been spending at home over the last couple of years has probably opened your eyes (and your ears) to a few things you'd like to change.

Ideally, your home should be a shelter from the outside world — a place for you to hang your hat, rest your head and enjoy some much-needed serenity. But that can feel next to impossible when you're bombarded by the constant hubbub of outside traffic, feet stomping on the floor, a neighbor's dog that seems to bark nonstop or a child who's recently taken up drum lessons.

While you can't always control the sources of noise around you, here are some things you can do to minimize the racket for a more peaceful atmosphere.

Just as people can enter your home through the front door, so can noise. Many doors today have a hollow core to make them more lightweight and easy to install. While this may be cheaper and more convenient in the long run, it's not so great if your goal is to keep things quiet. Instead, opt for solid core doors in areas where you most want to block the noise (bedrooms, offices, home libraries, etc.).

Single-pane windows might be the culprit behind the extra noise in your home. To block out extra sounds, HGTV recommends selecting windows with higher sound transmission class (STC) ratings and insisting on tighter seals during installation. Not only will you enjoy the benefits of noise reduction, but the extra insulation may even bring down your heating bill.

Soften things up with your decor

Sound-proofing can be a work of art — because the art and decor you choose for your home can help reduce noise pollution if you choose wisely. The key is to go for soft objects, such as rugs, fabric wall hangings and cushioned furniture. According to Fact Monster, "Hard objects reflect sounds, but soft materials absorb sounds and silence them. When sound waves reach a soft material, their energy is soaked up and they travel no further." That might give you a good excuse to go out and buy that Persian rug you've been eyeing.

It's a no-brainer that carpeted floors are quieter than their hardwood counterparts. This is especially true if you have small children or pets running around. Quality carpet with good underlay padding can go a long way toward covering up the pitter-pat of footsteps, obnoxiously loud toddler toys or the billionth rendition of "Baby Shark" blaring from the TV. (The fact that it's a cozy underfoot option is just a bonus.)

Anywhere that air can get into your home, noise can, too. You can use acoustic caulk to seal up gaps in light fixtures, air ducts, outlets and other places where small cracks may be letting extra noise inside. (Follow these instructions from The Spruce to use acoustic caulk properly.) You can also fix the gaps between bedroom floors and doors by installing a simple soundproof door sweep.

Many people use acoustic panels in areas of the house where blocking out noise is crucial, such as a recording studio or study. While you might typically envision giant rectangular slabs on the wall, acoustic panels are becoming more colorful and decorative, so they're easier to incorporate into just about any room without sacrificing your style.

Curtains don't just block out light — they block sound, too! Insulation curtains look like regular curtains, except they're made of heavier material to better block sound and light. (Installing these in your bedroom might help you get that elusive beauty rest you've been longing for.)

Try a white noise machine

When it comes to muffling unwanted sounds, sometimes you've just got to fight fire with fire. In this case, you can fight noise with more noise. Using a white noise machine is a good way to stifle outside sounds because they head them off with something more pleasant to the ears. You can pick white noise machines that sound like a rainstorm, a rushing waterfall, crashing ocean waves or anything else that has a calming effect. They're great for your sleeping baby — and great for you, too!

The easiest way to effectively soundproof your home is to consult with professionals who do this sort of thing for a living. The flooring experts at Giant Carpet One can help you choose the best flooring and decor for reducing noise in your home. Visit one of their locations today and you'll be enjoying greater peace and quiet in no time.