- Totally agree that sealing gaps is the unsung hero here.
I did a round of caulk and foam tape on my 1950s windows and the difference was immediate—less draft, less street noise.“If you want bang for your buck, sealing every gap you can find is where it’s at.”
- Curtains are hit or miss for me too. I tried layering heavy drapes over blackout panels, but like you said, it helps with some sounds but not the deep bass from cars or late-night parties. Also, makes the room feel a bit closed in.
- Storm windows: I bit the bullet last winter for two rooms facing a busy street. Expensive, yeah, but honestly, it dulled traffic noise way more than I expected. Still hear sirens, but the constant hum is down.
- Reglazing was a mess when I tried it—took forever and didn’t notice much difference with noise. Maybe better for insulation than sound.
- Never did try the window plug thing, but I’ve seen some clever DIY versions using foam board and fabric. Ugly? For sure. But if you’re desperate for sleep, worth a shot.
- One thing I’d add: rugs and bookshelves help surprisingly well if you’re dealing with echo inside. Doesn’t block outside noise, but makes the place feel quieter overall.
City noise is relentless... but every little bit helps.