Acoustics

How much sound may pass between rooms in my own home?

Short answer

Even within one home the Belgian comfort standard sets a minimum: 35 dB airborne sound insulation towards bedrooms and studies.

Explanation

Within one home the requirements are lower than between homes. For impact sound within the same home the standard sets no requirement at normal comfort. Interior doors with a gap and light partitions are the usual weak spots.

Rules of thumb

• Airborne sound from kitchen, living room or bedroom to a bedroom or study: DnT,w ≥ 35 dB. [SW-S12]
• A well-closing interior door with a drop seal or draught strip helps more than you think. (practical tip, not a source value)

Pitfalls

• Ventilation openings in interior doors are needed for airflow; do not simply block them. [SW-S21]

Search terms

These search terms are in Dutch; only terms that also find a topic in English are links.

binnenwanden binnendeur slaapkamer geluid

Read also

• How much sound insulation can I expect between flats?
• How much ventilation does a room need?

Sources

1. SW-S12 Akoestische normeisen woongebouwen NBN S 01-400-1 (overzicht) — Buildwise (voorheen WTCB) (Reference date 2026-09-27)
2. SW-S21 Definitie van het minimumdebiet (residentieel, NBN D 50-001) — Leefmilieu Brussel — Gids Duurzame Gebouwen (Reference date 2026-09-27)

Reference date: 2026-09-27 · Translated with AI from the Dutch original.