upright piano cover comparison

Why a Full-Length Upright Piano Cover is Better Than a Top-Only Cover

Choosing a full-length upright piano cover instead of a top-only cover ensures maximum protection for your instrument. Here’s why a full-length cover is the superior choice:


✅ Complete Dust & Dirt Protection

A full-length cover shields the entire piano, including the front, back, and sides, preventing dust accumulation in crevices and hard-to-reach areas.

Problem with Top-Only Covers: Also known as piano runners, this design leaves the lower half of the piano exposed, allowing dust to settle on the keys, pedals, and frame.


✅ Prevents Scratches, Dents & External Damage

A full-length cover acts as a protective barrier against:

  • Accidental bumps
  • Scratches from pets
  • Everyday wear & tear

Problem with Top-Only Covers: They do not shield the front or sides of the piano, leaving it vulnerable to physical damage and environmental pollutants.


✅ Temperature & Humidity Control

Full-length covers provide better insulation, protecting your piano from:

  • Fluctuating temperatures that cause wood swelling & cracking
  • Humidity changes that lead to tuning instability

Problem with Top-Only Covers: They offer minimal protection against environmental changes.


✅ UV & Sunlight Protection

Sunlight can fade and discolor a piano’s finish over time.

Why a Full-Length Cover is Better:

  • Blocks harmful UV rays from all angles, preserving your piano’s aesthetics.
  • Prevents uneven fading—avoiding the "two-tone effect" where the top part stays darker than the exposed sections.

Problem with Top-Only Covers: They leave the front and sides exposed, allowing partial damage.


✅ Protects Against Pets & Small Children

A full-length cover keeps:

  • Pets from scratching or climbing onto your piano.
  • Children from tampering with the keys or pedals.

Problem with Piano Runners: They offer no lower-body protection, making it easier for pets and children to interact with the piano unsupervised.


✅ Enhanced Longevity & Aesthetic Appeal

Keeping your piano fully covered maintains its pristine condition, increasing its:

  • Resale value
  • Overall lifespan

Problem with Top-Only Covers: They leave the piano partially exposed, leading to uneven wear over time.


🎹 Lid Covers vs. Full-Length Covers: What’s the Difference?

Lid covers serve a purpose—they allow you to place objects on top of the piano without damaging the finish, and they can be a stylish accessory.

However, they do not provide the full protection of a floor-length cover. A full-length cover offers superior safeguarding against dust, scratches, temperature fluctuations, and humidity damage.


🛒 Ready to Protect Your Piano?

If you want the best protection for your piano, a full-length cover is the best investment to ensure durability, functionality, and long-term care.

👉 Browse Our Custom Upright Piano Covers Here

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About the Author

Dr. Rein Vaga, DMA — Co-Owner & Piano Performance Specialist

Dr. Vaga holds a Doctorate in Classical Piano Performance and brings over 50 years of experience as a performer, university and high-school instructor, and piano-industry professional. As a co-owner of American Piano Covers, he helps guide our product selection and educational content. His expertise ensures our piano covers and accessories meet the needs of homes, schools, churches, and performance venues across the country.