Funny, I actually built a custom bookshelf wall as a “temporary” fix and never took it down. It’s crazy how just having all that uneven surface area eats up the slap-back echo. I do think rugs help, but only if they’re thick like you said—those thin area rugs are basically useless for sound. Ever tried hanging anything on the ceiling? I’ve been considering some kind of fabric panels but haven’t pulled the trigger. Curious if anyone’s gone that route and noticed a difference.
Funny, I actually built a custom bookshelf wall as a “temporary” fix and never took it down. It’s crazy how just having all that uneven surface area eats up the slap-back echo.
I’ve actually tried hanging some old moving blankets from the ceiling corners, just as a test. Not exactly pretty, but it did help with that weird “hollowness” in the room. I get what you mean about thick rugs—thin ones barely do anything for sound. I’ve been eyeing up some recycled denim panels for a more permanent solution, but I keep wondering if it’s overkill for a living room. Has anyone noticed if plants help at all? I’ve got a few big leafy ones and it *feels* like they soften things up, but maybe that’s just in my head.
Plants do help a bit, but honestly, I think it’s more about breaking up the flat surfaces than anything magical they’re doing. I’ve put a couple of big fiddle leaf figs in my den and yeah, it feels less echoey, but not night-and-day. The bookshelf trick works better in my experience. Rugs are hit or miss—if they’re thin, you might as well not bother. Never tried denim panels, but I’d be worried about making the place look like a recording studio... unless that’s your vibe.
Title: Anyone Else Feel Awkward Talking To Their TV?
I get what you mean about plants. There’s a lot of hype around them “purifying air” and all that, but when it comes to acoustics, it’s mostly about how they scatter sound. I’ve tried a few big leafy ones in my home office, and while it softens things a bit, it’s not like you’re suddenly in a pro studio. The bookshelf trick is classic—books are dense, irregular, and just eat up those reflections. I’ve even stacked some horizontally and vertically to mix it up, and it made a bigger difference than I expected.
Rugs are tricky. I once bought this gorgeous vintage kilim, but it was so thin it barely did anything for the echo. Ended up layering a cheap, thick pad underneath and that actually helped more than the rug itself. If you’re after real absorption, those plush, shaggy ones are the way to go, but then you’re dealing with cleaning nightmares.
Denim panels—I’ve seen those DIY guides floating around, and honestly, I’m with you. Unless you’re going for that “converted garage studio” vibe, they can look out of place fast. I did see someone wrap panels in patterned fabric to match their decor, which looked less utilitarian, but it’s a fine line.
Funny thing is, I’ve found the biggest difference comes from just filling the room with stuff—couches, curtains, even a pile of laundry (not that I recommend that as a permanent solution). It’s all about breaking up those hard surfaces. There’s no magic bullet, but a mix of soft and irregular things seems to work best.
And yeah, talking to the TV still feels weird no matter how cozy the room is. Maybe if the acoustics were perfect, it’d feel less like shouting into the void... but probably not.
Title: Anyone Else Feel Awkward Talking To Their TV?
I get where you’re coming from with the “just fill the room with stuff” approach, but I actually found that too much clutter can mess with the feel of a space, especially if you’re trying to keep things streamlined. When we moved in, I tried the classic “books and curtains everywhere” thing, but it started to feel more cramped than cozy. Maybe it’s just me, but I ended up stripping it back and focusing on placement instead of quantity.
One thing I’d push back on is the effect of plants. If you go for really dense ones (like those big rubber plants or a chunky monstera) and group them in corners, they can actually do more than just scatter sound—they can help with bass buildup, at least in my experience. It’s not pro-level, but it’s something. Also, on rugs: I went with a layered look too, but instead of a thick pad, I used one of those memory foam mats underneath a regular rug. Not only did it help with sound, but it made sitting on the floor way comfier.
Talking to the TV still feels weird, though. Even with perfect acoustics, I’d probably just end up feeling like I’m rehearsing for a play or something...
