Where In The World Will It Go? Tips For Finding The Perfect Place For Your Piano

15 August 2016
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Choose the spot for your piano wisely; you likely do not want to be moving it frequently and potentially impact the sound and resonance of your instrument. Before you tell the movers to 'put it here' or throw your back out trying to reposition your cherished piano, think about how often you play, your living situation, and the home's interior climate. These factors should lead you to the perfect place for your piano:

Neighbors and noise. If you live in a shared dwelling, such as in an apartment or duplex, you may want to spare your neighbors the sounds of your music by placing your piano on an interior wall. This will help to keep the sound down when neighbors live close-by.

Interior and exterior walls. If your home is newer and well insulated, you can likely place your piano on an exterior wall without repercussion. However, older and draftier homes that lack adequate insulation can impact the sound and resonance of your piano; position the piano against an interior wall in these living situations, providing around six inches of space from the piano and the wall.

Tiny, narrow rooms. Position your piano against the wall at the end of a narrow room to make the room seem wider. Talk with a contractor about constructing a built-in to hold your sheet music, books, and music-related belongings for extra storage and an appealing aesthetic in your room.

Climate and temperatures. Pianos do not do well in spaces with extreme temperature fluctuations. Humidity, heat, and moisture can impact the piano's sound-board, which creates the resonance and distinct sound of your instrument. If your piano requires tuning frequently, every six months or more often, it might be compromised by your home's climate and you should consider moving it or, at the very least, investing in a dehumidifier.

Large, lofty spaces. It may be tempting in large, open spaces to place your piano near a large window; however, direct sunlight can impact the piano's sound-board. Place the piano in a corner to preserve the acoustics and prevent the sound from bouncing around the room, off walls, and compromising its resonance. A piano also makes a great room divider in large spaces, as long as you are happy with the acoustics.

Frequency of use. A piano that sits unused is more at risk of compromise and sound deterioration, so place the instrument where it can be accessed and played. Use it as a focal point in your room by creating a dramatic scene around your piano with framed photos, memorabilia, or mirrors.

The appearance of your piano. Dress up the looks of an old or shoddy piano by hanging a large mirror directly above the piano. Another way to improve the appearance is to hang a reflective lamp or light fixture above the instrument, which also will help you when you play.

Make your piano the star of the show by turning it into a functional focal point for your space; this will also encourage and goad others into tickling the ivories when they come to visit. When moving your piano, allow it to settle in for a few months before tuning in order to acclimate it to the new space. Talk with a company like Extreme Piano Moving to safely reposition your piano if you feel like it is currently in the wrong spot and to garner the full advantages of having such a grand instrument in your home.