Completely soundproofing a room is nearly impossible, but several things can be done to reduce the amount of unwanted sound.

• Reduce the air flow. Unwanted air brings unwanted sound. Seal up cracks and crevices around windows, doors, electrical outlets and other openings. Add storm windows and door thresholds for added sound reduction.

• Insulate duct work to reduce the ability of sound to travel from one room to another through ducts.

• Hang heavy curtains in front of windows and doors to slow the transfer of sound, both in and out of a room. Install floor-length curtains or floor-to-ceiling curtains to improve the sound quality of a room while increasing its energy efficiency.

• Add upholstered furniture, pillows and rugs to a room to absorb ambient sound. Rugs or carpet on the floor will also decrease the sound traveling through the floor into the room below.

• Use bookshelves and books to create a thick sound-stopping wall between rooms.

• Install a second layer of drywall on the walls and ceiling of a room. For an added sound barrier, spread beads of acoustical caulk between the sheets of drywall or install a layer of mass-loaded vinyl sheeting between the two layers of drywall.

• Insulate between wall studs and joists with Roxul brand Safe’n’Sound stone wool insulation. This steel slag-based insulation is both fireproof and sound absorbent. The 3-inch thick lengths are easy to install in any unfinished room. Its sound-stopping feature coupled with its fireproof and water resistant features make it a great soundproofing option, even when drywall needs to be removed for installation.

• Install acoustic tiles on ceilings and walls. A wide range is available. Ceiling tiles can be installed directly onto an existing ceiling or installed in place of drywall or plaster. Sound-absorbing panels for walls and ceilings come in many sizes, styles and materials. Most can be installed quickly and easily onto existing walls, either permanently or temporarily.

— Have a home improvement question for Fix-It Chick? Email it to Linda Cottin at hardware@sunflower.com.