How to reduce echo in a small living room?

I don’t remember ever having an echo problem at home. Probably because I always moved into already lived-in apartments and houses, if we follow your logic. But now I’m about to set up my own home for the first time, which is a bit exciting. I decided to go step by step, start with the bathroom, check a bathroom remodel price calculator and estimate at least roughly what kind of budget I’ll need. I’m not planning a luxury renovation, but prices are biting now, so even budget options aren’t really budget anymore.

As far as I know, echo usually happens in rooms that are too empty, when the sound has nothing to bounce off and just reflects from the walls. That’s not a scientific explanation, but that’s how I understand it. Maybe you just need to put a chair there?

I had a very similar issue in my own home, and what worked surprisingly well was using acoustic wall panels. They’re designed to absorb sound and reduce that annoying echo, and they also look stylish, like adding a design feature to your walls. You don’t need to hire professionals because most of them can be installed with simple adhesive, which makes the process quick and affordable. On top of the sound benefits, they come in different finishes like oak, walnut, or even grey, so they fit right into modern décor. It’s an easy upgrade that really makes your space feel calmer and more comfortable.