Okay, maybe not so much an emergency...

I'm moving into a new rental home with some friends. We're going to be turning the finished basement into our main theater area. Unfortunately, the walls are still foundation concrete, and the room is incredibly echo-y.

Any suggestions on what I can do to absorb as much sound as I can? I was thinking curtains, but that's a lot of fabric. Something else that's pretty easy to do? There is crown molding around the ceiling, but I'm pretty hesitant to start drilling anchors into the foundation walls to hang things.

Post some photos so we can see what we're working with.

Okay, maybe not so much an emergency...

I'm moving into a new rental home with some friends. We're going to be turning the finished basement into our main theater area. Unfortunately, the walls are still foundation concrete, and the room is incredibly echo-y.

Any suggestions on what I can do to absorb as much sound as I can? I was thinking curtains, but that's a lot of fabric. Something else that's pretty easy to do? There is crown molding around the ceiling, but I'm pretty hesitant to start drilling anchors into the foundation walls to hang things.

One way or another you will need to get some absorptive surfaces or accept the echos. Carpet,seating etc is a start but the walls are aproblem. Since it is rental are you willing to invest in it at least a little ? If not ............

but I'm pretty hesitant to start drilling anchors into the foundation walls to hang things.

Think about suspending sound absorbing panels from the ceiling with wire/cord.

Do some research on DIY acoustic panels and their placement. Cover a good percentage of the wall surface with panels.


Give us a $$ budget for wall treatment and we will make suggestions

I'll try to get some pictures today when I drop by the place.

I'm not worried about spending some money on it, but my budget's pretty low. Both because it's a rental and because we're not talking about any really high-end gear on my part. I'm not too keen on putting up drywall only to have to tear it down in a year, or start drilling holes into the foundation only to lose my deposit.

As for budget, let's say $400.

get some industrial strength Velcro, and whatever material you want. get some old comforters or something.