One of the easiest methods of absorbing sound in a room is to acoustically treat the floors. Sound absorption is defined and measured by the power and frequency of any sounds reflected from a surface. Hard floors, such as concrete or tile, have poor sound absorption as they reflect about 97 percent of sounds and their frequencies. Simple measures such laying carpet or adding area rugs can cut down on many reflected sounds and can increase the sound absorption in a room.
Ceilings can exhibit similar sound reflection patterns to many floors and can also be treated to absorb sound. Acoustic paneling, such as Sound Absorb fabric paneling, can absorb many of the initial sound reflections on a ceiling, cutting down room echoes and improving the overall sonic performance of a room. Acoustically insulating spray foams can also be installed above ceilings and offer basic soundproofing through full-frequency sound absorption, which can reduce the amount of transferred bass frequencies.
Many professional buildings and rooms designed for sonic performance, such as recording studios and performance halls, integrate sound reflection and absorption into their ceiling, floor, and especially their wall designs. Wall treatments can be very effective in absorbing sound and are critical to dampening the sound between rooms on the same floor. Simple treatments, such as heavy curtains and hanging acoustic wall panels, can help control sound within the room. More complete soundproofing can be achieved through construction techniques such as adding acoustic insulation behind walls and installing double drywall.
Materials differ in their abilities to absorb sound. Common treatments such as curtains and rugs can absorb the smaller wavelengths of higher sonic frequencies, but larger and more efficient absorption materials are required for the longer wavelengths of lower frequencies. Commercially-available bass traps, typically constructed of multiple layers of foam, can help absorb and control the sound of lower frequencies in a room.