Let piano’s music, not its size, overpower

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 22/06/2003 (8420 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

PIANOS are one decor item that cannot be ignored. By their sheer size, their placement requires special attention so as not to overpower the room. As well, the nature of this musical instrument demands special consideration with regard to moisture and sunlight to ensure that their lovely sound endures for years to come. On the assumption that the majority of piano owners have an upright piano (and not a Grand or Baby Grand), let’s review some of the requirements that are unique to this wonderful instrument.

If you are in the market for a piano, first consider where it will be placed. Take it from me, it will seem a lot bigger in your home than it may appear in an open showroom. I recently bought a lovely old piano and, while I did take all of the proper measurements, it is still visually larger than I had imagined. Most pianos boast a dark finish which will make it appear visually heavier and bigger than its dimensions might suggest. So, with this in mind, you’ll not only want to take the proper measurements of the piano and the space in which it will sit, you’ll also want to consider what you’ll place on the opposite side of the room to balance its visual grandeur. If you have a heavy, dark piano on one side of the room and light furnishings on the other, the room may appear unbalanced or lopsided. You may need to offset it with a large piece of artwork or furniture so that the room appears uniform in scale.

You’ll want to measure the height, width and depth of the piano to ensure that the space that you intend to place it in is sufficient, both literally and visually. In taking measurements, don’t forget to take measurements of your doorway to ensure that the piano will fit through it.

Like any wooden instrument, heat, humidity and dry air can play havoc on the workings of a piano. Therefore, you must consider these factors when deciding where the piano will be placed:

* a piano should be placed on an interior wall

* it should be clear of any heat or cold-air registers

* it should not be placed in an area where it will be sitting in direct sunlight

* a humidifier or dehumidifier may be required during seasonal changes (talk to your piano dealer about the options.)

* don’t place the piano near windows where it can be effected by rain and/or temperature fluctuations

Whether you planned for it or not, the piano will most likely be the focal point (if not, at least a secondary focal point) in whatever room it’s placed. Their sheer size dictates this; and rightly so. Pianos are a beautiful and grand instrument worthy of attention. The piano will be the centre around which families will gather and sing together and where students young and old will learn the art of this beautiful instrument.

Once your piano has been placed, you’ll want to let it acclimatize to your home’s interior humidity levels for a week or two before you have it professionally tuned so that it can be enjoyed for years to come.

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