Piano Cover Purchasing Guide

The first step in choosing a piano cover, is finding the make, model and size of your piano. Grand pianos are measured by overall length, so you will need to have that in order to get a properly fitting cover. We have hundreds of templates for the most popular piano brands, so knowing your piano's model can help you get a custom-fitting cover. Note that knowing the model of your piano will also tell you the size of your piano, keeping you from having to physically measure your piano (for example, the Steinway Model B is 6'11").

Our grand piano covers are organized by brand, so you will want to select the model of your piano (example: Steinway, Yamaha, etc). When you are at your piano brand's webpage, you can choose from the drop-down menu the overall length of your piano. The webpages will list the most popular models and their sizes, so you may be able to find your piano's measurements there.

For detailed instructions on measuring your piano and finding the model, please view: How To Measure Your Piano

For those who have a less common piano brand, or if we do not have a template for your specific piano, you can order a generic-size piano cover at: Grand Piano Covers - Shop by Size

You may also submit a paper template of the top of your piano, and the seamstress can make a custom cover based on your template. There is no additional charge for the custom work. If interested, please email us, and we can walk you through the template process.

There are two primary considerations when choosing the material for your piano cover--style and function. By striking the perfect balance between these two aspects, you can ensure both the protection and beauty of your piano.

For a detailed list of our piano cover material options, and in what scenarios they are best used, please view: Materials

1). Aesthetics:

The appearance of your piano cover plays a significant role in complementing your instrument and the overall ambiance of your space. In general, the premium quilted covers are considered the most attractive covers, and are our most popular sellers. They are ideal for home usage, as well as in concert halls, churches, or anywhere the piano will be on display. Where one might select a different material option, is if you have other furniture in the room that might compliment the cover. For example, if you have a lot of black vinyl and leather furniture in your room, a black vinyl piano cover may be a better match.

2). Function:

Along with attractiveness, you will want to determine what you need out of your piano cover. Factors to consider include the need for durability, physical protection of the piano, protection from the sun, humidity, how easy is it to dust and clean, noise reduction, if you have pets, etc. The below guide will look to address many of these specific questions and offer material recommendations for each scenario. Often the setting of the piano will determine which cover material to select--for instance, schools and churches frequently choose the heavy quilted black mackintosh material, as it's the most durable, and offers the most amount of padding to protect the piano from physical damage (whether it be from functions, the piano being moved frequently, or children playing around the piano).

When it comes to protecting your piano, investing in a high-quality cover is of the utmost importance. Covers provide protection against physical damage, dust, sunlight, dampness, and temperature changes, along with being an attractive accessory. However, not all piano covers are created equal. At AmericanPianoCovers.com, we take immense pride in offering American-made piano covers that are crafted with the finest fabric materials on the market. Of particular note, is the quality of our materials vs that of our competitors.

To see how our piano cover materials compare to that of other online dealers, please view our detailed article: How Our Piano Cover Materials Outperform the Competition

Side slits are a popular customization option, available on grand piano covers. They are designed to allow you to play the piano without having to take the entire cover off. Side Slits are put on each side of the piano, above the front legs. This allows the pianist to simply flip the front part of the cover back to play the piano, without having to completely remove the entire cover. This provides a seamless and convenient solution for those who require frequent access to their piano, without compromising on its protection. A very popular option, and added to the majority of covers.

For the ultimate in luxury, we recommend custom embroidery for your piano cover. For an additional fee, we can add the piano brand logo to either the front of the cover above the keys, or to the right side of the piano (above the leg on the sideboard). A great way to highlight your beautiful instrument, even when it's covered. Embroidery comes standard in gold thread. Custom colors are available upon request.

What Makes Our Piano Cover Embroidery The Best In The Business:

At AmericanPianoCovers.com, we take pride in the superior quality and craftsmanship of our piano cover embroidery—and we believe the caliber of our embroidery sets us apart from our competition. Unlike many others, we collaborate with a professional embroidery company that specializes in delivering exceptional results. This partnership ensures that our embroidery reflects a truly professional and polished appearance, one which you can only find with our covers.

What distinguishes our embroidery is the attention to detail and craftsmanship, with the commitment to producing a professional-looking product. Simply put, this means spending the money for a significantly higher thread count, longer embroidery production times, and more accurately digitized piano brand logos.

Larger Embroidery

Our embroidery is larger, allowing for a more proportional, visually striking, and prominent display of your piano brand's logo. Please view the below example of an embroidered Steinway piano cover, comparing our cover to that of one of our competitors. In this case, their embroidery is approximately 7.5” wide, and ours is 13”. And unlike our competition, we adjust the size of the logo based on the size of the piano cover, in order to keep it looking proportional (meaning the actual size of the embroidery on a 7’5” grand is going to be bigger than that of a 5’1” piano).

Higher Thread Stitch Count

We utilize a higher thread stitch count, resulting in a denser and more intricate stitching pattern that enhances the overall aesthetic appeal. By utilizing a greater number of threads and creating a tighter pattern, we achieve a rich texture and depth, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the embroidery. This is particularly important for logos that have lettering that is bolder and/or larger (for example a Kawai). We’re aware this is not a frequent term, so practically speaking, you could have an embroidered Kawai piano logo that uses 4,000 stitches and one that uses 8,000 stitches. While they would both be Kawai logos, the higher the stitch count, the larger and more intricate the design. Spacing between stitches can also make a difference. For instance, you could put a stitch every 1/8 of an inch, or every half inch. The closer the stitches are together, the higher quality the embroidery, and the more texture and depth it adds.

Authentic Piano Brand Logos

Unlike some competitors who simply use common fonts for their embroidery, we go the extra mile by incorporating the actual logos of the piano brands into our designs. By using the authentic logo, we capture the essence and identity of the brand, infusing your piano cover with a touch of exclusivity and authenticity—an embroidered piano cover is elegant looking, and stands out in your piano room. Note that some piano brands have changed logo designs over the years—we will use the most common, and newest logo.

Digitized Piano Logo and Design Quality

A note on the logo itself. Digitizing a logo so that it can be used in an embroidery machine is not cheap, and the professional creating the design can make a big difference in the final appearance of the logo (think of the accuracy of the logo, stitch count, space between stitches, etc.). It’s not as simple as just scanning a picture of a logo—someone has to draw out and design the image that will be used on the embroidery machine, and the amount of time and effort put in is reflected in the details of the final product. Therefore, while multiple companies may offer an embroidered logo for a brand of piano, there can be significant differences in the quality and appearance of the logo design (for example, a Yamaha embroidery from one company is not going to look the same as the Yamaha embroidery from another company). This is where the above-mentioned attention to detail in the design, such as stitch count and frequency of stitches, can make a big difference in terms of texture, depth, appearance, and accuracy.

 

 

Locking straps are a popular option when the piano is in an area where people will want to remove the cover and play it. The straps keep the cover in place, and act as an effective barrier against tampering. Many schools, hotels, resorts and churches add this option to ensure their piano stays safe and sound. The straps are also a good idea if you are getting the cover to store your piano.

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How do locking straps work? There are 3 straps sewn into the cover--one by each of the front legs and one at the back of the piano. The straps meet underneath the piano in the middle, forming a "Y" shape (note larger covers will use 4 straps, forming an "X" shape). At the end of each strap is a plastic D-ring. You turn one of the rings sideways and insert it through the other D-ring. When you turn it back, they will now be interconnected (as shown in the picture above). The cover is now securely on the piano, and the straps need to be disconnected in order to remove the cover and play. Note that if you need additional security, you can add a padlock to the D-rings, completely preventing someone from removing the cover without having the key to the padlock.

While we are happy to offer a wide range of brand-specific grand piano covers, we know that with thousands of brands and sizes of pianos over numerous decades, it is impossible to list them all.

We continuously add templates to our collection, so it is possible we may have a template for your piano. If you email us with the make, model, and exact length of your piano, we can check our list of covers.

If we do not have a template for your piano, or if you cannot find your piano's make and model, there are two options:

1). A Generic Piano Cover:

These are covers designed to fit pianos within certain length ranges and are organized by size. For instance, if you have a 5'5" piano, you would want to select the size option from the drop-down menu, for a cover made for pianos from 5'3 to 5'6". Note when measuring your piano you want the longest possible measurement, including the piano keys--so you measure from the very front of the keyboard to the tail end of the piano.

Generic size cover orders are common, and you can find the listing at: Grand Piano Covers - Shop by Size

2). Custom Piano Cover

If you're looking for a more exact fit for your piano cover, the second option is to get a custom-made cover. We will need you to submit a paper tracing of the top of your piano, so that the seamstress can know the exact size and shape of your instrument. You can tape together newspaper or wrapping paper, and then trace the outline of the piano. You do not need to include the piano keys in the template. On the tracing, we ask you to provide the make, model, and overall length of your piano (including the piano keys), so that the seamstress knows how long to make it. There is no additional fee for the customized work. Note that as these covers are based on your template, we cannot accept returns.

To order a custom cover, you would order a cover from the generic piano cover page listed above, selecting the size range, along with the specifics of the cover--material, side slits, etc. After ordering, let us know you will be submitting a template, and we will provide you a shipping address.

Choosing between mackintosh and vinyl depends largely upon where your cover will be used. Consider the following:

Vinyl Piano Covers:

Vinyl is very easy to wipe clean when wet, is lightweight which allows our customers to easily remove and place back on the piano, and is easily cleaned by using either a damp cloth or by vacuuming. If your piano is in a highly visible and in a location where many people will be around, vinyl tends to be the best fabric for your piano cover. If liquids will be near your piano and there is a chance of spilling (or people putting a cup on top of the cover and leaving a ring), you will want a vinyl cover. Vinyl, within reason, will not absorb the liquid and leave a stain (anything spilled on mackintosh will be absorbed if not quickly blotted). Additionally, vinyl comes in more color choices than the standard black and brown that you will find with mackintosh and quilted covers.

Here is a picture of a vinyl cover

Mackintosh Piano Covers:

Mackintosh is exceptionally tough and durable and well suited for use in schools, churches, theaters and studios. Mackintosh is thicker than vinyl, and offers more protection from bumps and scratches. Mackintosh has a warmer look than vinyl, and many people prefer its cloth look to that of vinyl. Furthermore, mackintosh breathes more than vinyl. Vinyl traps heat, so if your piano gets a lot of sunlight, you will want to get a mackintosh cover. A downside to mackintosh is that it is harder to clean. It cannot be wiped down with a wet cloth like vinyl. The best way to clean it is with a vacuum.

Quilted Piano Covers:

Quilted covers offer a luxurious appearance, and look very professional. They are our most popular seller. For an image example, see: Black Quilted Grand Piano Cover. The extra padding provides additional protection against physical damage. Our premium quilt covers are especially effective against damage from blunt trauma, and they are also water resistant. Quilted covers are the lightest and easiest to remove.

Want to see examples of the fabric choices? Click: piano cover material options

Many customers live in situations where the noise of the piano is an issue. People in apartments frequently ask how they can make their pianos quieter, and try various things from caster cups to stapling thick blankets to the underside of the piano. One great way to help control sound levels is to get a quilted piano cover. By adding the custom side slit option to the cover (they are approximately where the front legs are), it is possible to flip over the front section of the piano cover and play the piano--as opposed to having to take the entire cover off to play. Keeping a quilted cover on, helps reduce the sound. For the material selection, the heavy quilted black mackintosh material has the thickest padding, and will offer the most in terms of sound dampening.

UV rays damage the finish of your piano, and are the number one cause of premature aging of your instrument. The sun can create hairline cracks in the finish and can lead to fading or darkening. If your piano is exposed to sunlight, a piano cover is a worthy investment, and highly recommended.

While all the piano cover material options will offer UV protection against the sun, please note that if your piano is exposed to a lot of sunlight, and/or you live in a warmer climate, you will want to get a cover made out of the premium quilted material. The premium quilt "breathes" more than the other materials, so it will not trap the heat, which causes your piano to go out of tune quicker.

While all cover materials offer a certain level of protection from liquid, none of the piano covers are waterproof (you would not want a waterproof cover, as it would trap the humidity within your piano). Spills will need to be quickly cleaned up, and something like a roof leak would penetrate the cover.

Restaurants, clubs, hotels, banquet halls and resorts often buy a piano cover to help prevent damage from drinks. People love to put their drink on a piano, leaving a ring on the finish. You also have to worry about someone knocking over a drink, and damaging the inside of the instrument.

For those looking to keep guests from putting drinks on the piano, we recommend getting one of the quilted piano covers. A vinyl cover offers a nice flat surface, where people may set their drink without thinking. On the other hand, we've found the padded, quilted covers dissuade people from setting down their glass--it doesn't look stable and you would think the cup could tip over.

A piano cover is a great way to protect your piano from scratches, dirt, and fur. For those with cats, the best material option is the heavy quilted black mackintosh material. Mackintosh is a durable material that is not prone to snagging, for when the cat jumps on and off the piano (in comparison, the premium quilt has an outer layer nylon, which cats will more likely scratch up over time). The quilted mackintosh also has the thickest padding of all the materials, offering the most protection from your cats claws penetrating the cover.

Many settings call for additional protection for a piano--churches, schools, pianos in storage, etc. For those looking for a cover that offers the most in physical protection, please select the heavy-quilted black mackintosh material option. The quilted mackintosh offers the most padding of any of the materials. Mackintosh is also a durable material, not prone to snagging, and will hold up in the best in high-traffic areas.

If you would like to protect the legs of your piano, we also offer Piano Leg Wraps. These are great at protecting your legs from getting scratched up (from animals, children, the vacuum cleaner, etc.). They are also a good idea if you have small children playing near the piano and are worried someone could fall and injure themselves on a sharp leg corner.

A standard piano cover hangs 1"-2" below the bottom of the base of your piano. This is the most popular option, and is the cover you want in almost all situations. Full-length covers that run all the way to the floor can be custom ordered for an additional fee. A situation where you would want a full-length cover is if you lived in an extremely dusty part of the country. A full-length cover would help prevent dust from getting underneath and into your piano. If you are interested in a full-length piano cover, please email us the brand and size of your piano, and we will provide you a price quote.

To view an image of a full-length piano cover, please click the following link: Floor-Length Piano Cover

Upright and vertical pianos differ significantly in size and shape, and even the same model of piano can have different measurements based on the year it was manufactured. Therefore, all of our Upright Piano Covers are custom-made based on the measurements you provide. On the upright piano cover webpage, there is a template asking for six measurements. When ordering, please include those measurements, and the seamstress can make a cover specifically for your piano. There is no additional fee for the custom work.

The weight of a piano cover can be a concern for those taking it on and off, though in general, all the covers should be easy to handle. Quilted covers are the lightest and easiest to remove, making it a favorite among our more mature customers. It is also a great option for nursing homes and church groups. Vinyl covers are heavier than quilted covers, but should not be an issue to take on and off for the vast majority of users. Quilted-Mackintosh is the heaviest of the materials and is designed to be used in places where extra protection is needed (schools, churches, etc). Again, the weight of the cover will not be a concern for most customers. Keep in mind that covers cannot be made too thick or heavy, as they would hold too much heat next to the piano and cause it to go out of tune.

Something to consider is that while the weight may not be an issue, having to move a bulky cover long distances can be a bit of a hassle. In these situations, we would recommend getting the side slit option on your cover. This allows you to flip over the front of the cover to play the piano, without having to take the entire piano cover off.

In general, if you have a black piano, you should get a black piano cover. Walnut and Mahogany pianos can go with either a black or brown cover. The room decor can be a consideration. If your room has warm, earth-tone colors, a cloth couch, and other fabric-covered furniture, then a brown cover might look better regardless of the color of your piano. Additionally, vinyl comes in burgundy, white, and beige color options, allowing you to closely match the style of your room (mackintosh and quilt covers only come in brown and black). If you have vinyl or leather furniture, you may also want to get a vinyl cover as well.

There are a number of grand piano cover choices available on the market today. Sources range from cheap foreign imports, to home tapestry businesses looking to make a few extra dollars. If you want a quality cover however, it is important to buy from an American company, that has years of experience and specializes in making piano covers. With hundreds of templates, and a thorough knowledge of piano design, our suppliers will make the best cover for your piano and its location. Simply put, the best piano covers are made in the United States and are the only product you should cover your piano with.

Quality Material: The key to an attractive and durable piano cover

The quality of the fabric is the key to a cover's durability, as well as its elegance. For instance, cut-rate imported vinyl covers do exist, but the vinyl is very thin and of poor quality. It will crack quickly, and it offers limited protection to your instrument. Furthermore, these covers look cheap (everyone knows what cheap vinyl looks like--too shiny and almost plastic-like in appearance). The covers on this site all use high-quality, furniture-grade vinyl.

Customization:

One of the many problems with imports, and places that do not specialize in piano covers, is that there is no room for customization (especially if it comes to the US pre-packaged). Using actual US manufacturers allows us to make a product specifically for you. Whether it be size, material, color choice, or an addition such as locking straps, embroidered piano logo, or a full-length cover, we can work with you.

We Specialize in Piano Covers!

There is still something to be said for companies that manufacture in the United States. Unlike imports, we are not just part of an assembly line cranking out numerous products. Our companies specialize specifically in producing covers for grand and upright pianos, and take pride in their work and their relationship with the piano community.

By using premium materials and professional craftsmanship, we believe all of our fabric options will make an attractive cover--so it can come down to personal preference, along with the location of the piano, or functional needs (i.e. extra padding in a school environment).

That being said. In general, the premium quilt is considered the most attractive material. It is our most popular selling material--and in our opinion, the highest quality, most elegant cover on the market. It's great for home use, as well as anywhere pianos are on display, such as churches, schools, and concert halls.

The other quilted material option is the heavy quilted black mackintosh. While still an attractive cover, this tends to be selected by customers who need a more durable cover with extra padding--for example in schools and churches where there will be a lot of traffic around the piano--especially smaller children.

Oftentimes, settings like a school or a church will need a more durable cover--for example if there will be a lot of traffic around the piano, particularly with small children, or if the piano is going to be moved frequently or stored. In those scenarios, we recommend the heavy quilted black mackintosh material. Mackintosh is a durable material that is not prone to snagging, and this cover also has the most amount of padding, to protect your piano against physical damage.