13 Clever Ways to Soundproof a Window (That Actually Work)

If your window’s letting in every car horn, barking dog, and late-night convo on the street… it’s not just annoying. 

It messes with your sleep, your focus, your peace. And honestly? Not all of us can afford fancy window replacements or double glazing.

But here’s the good news: you can quiet things down. And no, I’m not just talking about hanging some random heavy curtain and hoping for the best.

In this guide, I’ve pulled together 13 smart, actually-doable ways to soundproof a window — even if you rent, even if you’re on a tight budget, even if you’ve never held a caulk gun in your life. 

Some of these are quick fixes, some are DIY projects, and a few are kind of genius if I’m being honest.

Let’s get into it.

1. Seal Gaps with Weatherstrip

So, most windows have tiny little gaps around the edges, and that’s exactly where the noise squeezes in. 

You don’t even notice it until your neighbor starts yelling on the phone, and suddenly you can hear every word.

I used that self-adhesive weatherstrip tape— nothing fancy. Just pressed it into the cracks, and wow.

The room instantly felt quieter and warmer. 

It’s cheap, takes like five minutes, and you don’t need to drill or anything. 

Honestly, if you do just this one thing? You’ll already feel the difference.

Also read: Wall Soundproofing Ideas That Actually Work

2. Use Acoustic Caulk

Okay, this one’s for when you’re like… done with the noise and want to go a bit further.

You know those little gaps where the window frame meets the wall? Or tiny cracks you never paid attention to? That’s where acoustic caulk comes in. 

It’s like regular caulk but made to block sound. I know, sounds boring — but it works.

I ran a bead of it around the edges, smoothed it out with my finger, and boom — way less street noise. 

Doesn’t smell awful, dries clear, and once it’s in, you don’t have to think about it again.

If you own your place (or have a chill landlord), this is 100% worth doing.

Also read: How to Soundproof a Ceiling

3. DIY Window Plug

Okay, this one’s kind of genius if you don’t mind blocking out the light.

A window plug is basically a thick, snug panel you press right into your window frame, like a removable sound shield. 

I made mine with a bit of foam board, some mass-loaded vinyl I had left over, and a layer of fabric just to make it cute. You can totally DIY it with stuff from the hardware store.

Pop it in at night, pull it out in the morning. 

Blocks noise and cold air. 

Not the prettiest thing, but if you’re desperate for quiet? Total lifesaver.

Also read: How to Soundproof Your Floor on a Budget

4. Hang Soundproof Curtains

Not just regular curtains, okay? 

I’m talking thick, heavy ones made to block noise — the kind that feel like you’re lifting a weighted blanket every time you pull them shut.

I got mine online (honestly, way cheaper than I expected), and hung them from a rod that extends past the window frame so they fully cover the sides too. That part’s important.

They don’t block everything, but they seriously muffle outside sounds. 

Plus, your room ends up feeling all cozy and cave-like, in a good way.

5. Acrylic Sheet Add-On

Okay, hear me out — this is like poor girl’s double glazing.

Grab a clear acrylic sheet (like plexiglass), cut it to fit your window, and mount it with magnetic strips or adhesive weather tape. 

It creates a little air gap between the sheet and your window — and that gap? That’s what helps block the sound.

You still get your daylight, you don’t ruin your window, and it looks surprisingly clean once it’s up. 

Takes a bit of measuring, but once it’s done, it’s done.

Also read: Cheap Bathroom Soundproofing Ideas

6. Magnetic Window Insert

This one’s like the fancier cousin of the DIY plug — but still renter-friendly and removable.

Basically, it’s a clear acrylic panel with magnetic strips that snap right onto your window frame. 

You get the air gap magic (just like double glazing), but it looks way cleaner than foam or blankets.

You can buy kits online or DIY it if you’re feeling crafty. 

I know someone who used this in their apartment right next to a train line — huge difference. 

And the best part… You can still see out. No cave vibes here.

Also read: How to Soundproof a Door

7. Cover with Blankets

Not glamorous, but sooo underrated.

If you’ve got a window that’s just leaking noise like crazy — especially at night — grab a couple thick moving blankets or quilts and hang them over the window. 

I literally used push pins and curtain rings one time. It wasn’t pretty, but it worked.

Muffles a surprising amount of sound, especially the high-pitched stuff like sirens or shouting. 

And honestly, when you’re desperate for quiet sleep, you don’t care if it looks a little DIY.

8. Layer Blinds + Curtains

So here’s a little trick I didn’t think would work — but wow, it does.

Instead of choosing between blinds or curtains, just use both. I’ve got thick cellular blinds tucked inside the window frame, and then heavy curtains on top. 

The combo creates this layered barrier that traps more of the sound before it gets in.

It’s not complicated, just smart layering. 

And it looks kinda nice too — like you actually planned your room instead of just surviving in it.

Also read: How to Soundproof a Room on a Budget

9. Add Mass Loaded Vinyl

Okay, this one’s a little more intense — but if you’re serious about soundproofing, it’s worth it.

Mass loaded vinyl (or MLV) is a super dense, flexible sheet that blocks sound like a champ. 

I cut a piece to fit behind my curtains and just pinned it to the wall around the window frame. Totally hidden.

It’s heavy, yeah, but once it’s up? You’ll notice the difference. 

Great for street noise, loud neighbors, or if you live near, like… anything chaotic.

10. Apply Soundproof Film

This one doesn’t get talked about much, but it’s sneaky-good.

Soundproof window film is like a thick, clear sticker you press right onto the glass. 

It adds a bit of mass, which helps reduce vibrations, especially from stuff like traffic rumble or loud bass.

I slapped it on during a Sunday YouTube spiral and forgot about it… until I realized the usual honking soundtrack outside had mellowed way down. 

No tools, no drilling — just peel, stick, done.

11. Try Window Quilts

Okay, this one’s a little cottagecore but in the best way.

Window quilts are thick, insulated fabric panels you roll down over your window — kinda like a warm blanket for the glass. 

They were originally made for insulation, but surprise: they’re great for blocking sound too.

I found one on Etsy that looked cute and worked. 

You just velcro it to the frame or use hooks, and when you pull it down at night, it’s like the noise fades out.

Soft, warm, quiet. Total vibe.

12. Block with Furniture

Alright, this one’s for the “I need quiet now” crowd.

If you’ve got a window that’s just a noise magnet and you don’t care about the view, block it. 

I shoved a tall bookshelf right up against one of mine, stacked it with books, plants, whatever I had. Instant sound buffer.

You can also use a padded headboard, an upholstered board, even a big canvas with insulation behind it. 

Basically: the thicker and denser, the better.

Not fancy. Super effective.

13. Insulate Behind Curtains

Okay, last one — and it’s sneaky good.

If you already have curtains up (especially those thick blackout ones), try stuffing a layer of insulation behind them. 

I used some leftover foam board one time, just cut it to size and slid it between the curtain and the wall. You could use MLV, felt, even folded towels if you’re in a pinch.

From the outside? Looks like normal curtains. From the inside? Feels like you muted the world.

Little effort, big payoff.

One Last Thing Before You Go

Look, I know how it feels to sit in your own space and still not feel calm, because every car, every siren, every loud convo outside just keeps pouring in through that one damn window.

It’s exhausting.

But you don’t need to fix it all at once. Try one thing. Then another. Stack the fixes if you have to.

None of this needs to be perfect — it just needs to give you a little more quiet than you had yesterday.

And if you find a weird trick that works? Tell me.

I swear, half of the best ideas come from people who were just fed up enough to try something no one talks about.

You deserve quiet. You really do.