Keep in mind that the transmission of noise through walls, floors, and other barriers is much greater for low-frequency sounds than for high-frequency sounds, according to the Carpet and Rug Institute.
Drapes do quadruple duty: They block light from shining through your windows, stop neighbors from seeing what you’re doing, block sound from entering your place, and absorb sound that streams into your apartment.
Curtains usually are made of thin, lightweight materials that don’t do much in the way of blocking or absorbing sound, and they’re typically much cheaper than drapes.
A bookcase can not only add a nice design element to your apartment, but it can also help soundproof your place if you set it up against a wall that you share with another apartment or condo.