Piano covers: everyday protection for the finish and the keys
A piano cover is one of the simplest ways to keep your piano beautiful and ready to play. It wraps the cabinet, looks after the keyboard between practice sessions, and helps the finish stay glossy for years to come. In this guide you will find the types of covers, what each one gives the instrument and how to get the size right.
What a cover does for the piano
Dust behaves like an abrasive. According to the Piano Technicians Guild (PTG), wiping it off with a dry cloth can leave scratches in the finish, and Kawai explains that such fine marks slowly dull a high-gloss finish. A cover reduces the dust that settles on the instrument and also shields it from everyday rubbing and dirt. Yamaha adds that dust reaching the inside can dull the hammer action, and Steinway recommends closing the top when you are not playing, so the dust stays outside the piano.
Sun, light and the color of the piano
A piano finish is sensitive to sun. PTG notes that direct sunlight ages the finish prematurely and fades the color, and Steinway writes that the surface of the instrument is highly sensitive to sunlight. So the ideal spot for a piano is away from a sunny window, and when the rays reach it for part of the day, a curtain or a protective cover keeps the original tone. Indirect light is actually good for the instrument, and according to Yamaha it helps ward off mold. More on choosing the spot at home and on 45%-50% humidity in Piano care.
Protective cover for an upright piano
Upright pianos have covers sewn to the shape of the instrument. At Zohar Pianos you will find a Quilted protective cover for upright pianos made of durable polyester, whose sewn padding adds a gentle layer of protection, and a Yamaha upright piano cover fitted for the U1, U2 and U3. Both come in a range of sizes, so before choosing, measure the height and width of your piano, or simply send us the model name. PTG recommends keeping vinyl and rubber away from the finish, and soft fabric is exactly what the piano cabinet loves. We wrote about upright pianos themselves in How to choose an upright piano.
Key covers and pedal covers
A Piano key cover is a piece of fabric laid over the keyboard that keeps it clean even on days when the fallboard stays open for practice. According to Yamaha, a keyboard that is covered when not in use gathers less dust, so you clean it less often. Ours comes in four colors: deep red, dark blue, sage green and purple. Down by your feet, Velvet pedal covers slip easily over the three pedals and keep them free of dust, scratches and fingerprints. More about the 88 keys in Piano keys, and about the role of each pedal in Piano pedals.
A Digital piano welcomes a cover too. Yamaha notes that there are special fabric covers for digital keyboards, and that dust also affects the electronic parts, so a simple cover keeps the instrument ready for the next session.
A small routine around the cover
The cover works best together with a few habits: clean hands before you sit down to play, dusting with a soft feather duster, and a closed lid at the end. When the keyboard needs wiping, Yamaha recommends a slightly damp, well wrung microfiber cloth. A small Hygrometer placed in the room shows you the state of the air at any moment, and tuning once a year completes the picture.
Zohar Pianos, Ben Atar 28
At the store and gallery at Ben Atar 28 you are welcome to play upright and grand pianos, and to consult with us about the right cover for your piano, in a short call or a visit. We're here for you. You can also browse covers and other care items among our accessories on the Zohar Pianos site.
Looking for a cover that fits your piano exactly? Leave your details and we'll get back to you.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth covering a piano?
A cover protects the finish from dust, scratches and sun, and it is especially useful in a bright room or a busy home. A closed lid after playing also helps keep the inside of the piano clean.
How do I choose the size of an upright piano cover?
Measure the height and width of the piano, or send us the model name. Yamaha U1, U2 and U3 models have a cover fitted for them.
What is the difference between a protective cover and a key cover?
A protective cover wraps the whole piano cabinet. A key cover is fabric laid over the keyboard only, keeping it free of dust between sessions.
Does a digital piano need a cover too?
A dedicated fabric cover keeps the keyboard and the electronic parts free of dust, and it suits a piano standing in an open room especially well.