This has been very sucessfully reduced by mlv on the floor.
Does putting a rug on the floor capture sound.
On a hard floor an untethered rug is more likely to slide or slip but when layering area rugs over carpet the rug is more likely.
An area rug is a common addition to a hard surface floor such as hardwood laminate or tile.
There s no need to fully carpet the floor as even a selection of scatter rugs will help.
It can even be laid over wall to wall carpet there are numerous reasons why area rugs are so popular and yet some people may be uncertain as to whether they should cover up their beautiful floors with a rug.
Do recognize floor surface attenuation.
Even carpeted floor tiles can help damped audio from above.
You will need to cover the whole flor as sound is like water and will find the path of least resistance.
Don t put an area rug over a very long pile carpet such as a frieze or a newer soft carpet such as smartstrand because the area rug will not have firm support and will shift buckle and wrinkle.
To further reduce sound transmission add carpet padding to new or existing carpets.
Offsetting the rug can allow both patterns equal weight.
Let s start with the floor.
If noise from downstairs neighbors is coming through your floors your first step should be to add carpeting to help dull the sounds.
Do know that hardwood floors are very susceptible to the vibrations caused by speakers resting on the floor causing sound anomalies.
Rug safety rugs should always be anchored whether used on a hardwood floor or on top of carpet.
Similarly if you have a more plush style of carpet installed choosing a low profile berber or woven rug is your best bet.