We could all use a little more peace and quiet. Whether you’re trying to get a better night’s sleep or stay focused while working from home, strategic soundproofing can help you find tranquility in just about any space. To soundproof a room, you don’t need complicated renovations or expensive, studio-quality materials. There are quick, affordable ways to turn down unwanted household noise. Here are a few simple additions that can make a big difference in rooms where you need to keep sound to a minimum.

Replace the door

Selecting the right doors is one of the easiest, most cost-effective methods of soundproofing a room. That’s because walls are generally insulated or layered with materials that help block sound—and doors are usually the thinnest barrier in a wall. If the door has a hollow core, sound will pass right through. With 70 percent more sound-dampening material than a hollow core door, Masonite solid core doors are the best way to keep the peace. These doors are perfect for keeping disruptive noise out of offices or bedrooms—or, keeping unwanted sounds in spaces like laundry rooms or bathrooms.

Re-arrange the furniture

Beyond replacing the door, there are other small modifications you can make to help stop the transmission of sound within a room. It all depends on the source of the sound and your goals for the space. For example, controlling sleep-disrupting sounds can be as easy as rearranging your bedroom furniture. If you’re still catching clamor from the outer hallway or a blaring television from the neighboring room, try moving a heavy dresser or bookcase to that wall. This essentially adds more layers to your wall, making it more difficult for sound to pass through.

Incorporate soft materials

Even if you’ve stopped sound from entering the room, you still may have to solve for occasional noise registers inside, like that distracting echo on conference calls. Echoes are caused by sound waves bouncing off hard surfaces, such as walls, floors, ceilings and certain pieces of furniture. The best way to solve for this is to punctuate the space with soft, sound-absorbing materials. Cover bare floors with rugs or carpets. Add canvas art or tapestries to the walls. Cover the windows with soundproof curtains or thicker drapes. These few small additions will help ensure you can find quiet whenever you need it. For more tips on how to soundproof specific rooms in your home, download our free home sound guide.