1. Consistent Temperature
The ideal temperature for a piano room is 70-72° F (21-22° C). Temperature should remain stable 24/7, so keep your piano away from windows, exterior walls, drafty doors, fireplaces, and climate-control vents.
Placing an area rug beneath a piano is helpful on cold floors, and can help balance an overly-bright piano.
2. Ideal Humidity Levels for a Piano
A piano fares best in 35-45% humidity, but up to 55% is acceptable – so long as it’s constant. Humidity fluctuations cause wood – including the ever-important soundboard – to swell and release, which can lead to tuning issues, changes in timbre, silent keys; and a host of other problems that take extra time and money to correct.
If you own an electric piano, keep the humidity level at 55% to prevent damage caused by static electricity.
3. Limited Exposure to the Elements
Windows closer than 4 feet to a piano should be closed and well-insulated. Open windows let condensation build up (a particular threat to electric keyboards), which can wreak havoc on fragile interior parts, especially when mixed with a dust-blowing breeze.
Direct sunlight should never touch a piano, and the temperature, or touches; in fact, it aids in the prevention of both mold and yellowed keys. Direct sunlight on the other hand, should never touch a piano.
4. The Best Room Size for Your Piano Style
A room should enhance a piano’s voice. “Bright” pianos, which sound clear, treble, or even mildly piercing, are balanced by absorbent surroundings, like carpeting or wall hangings. Mellow pianos have subtler voices that are complemented by wooden floors and other hard surfaces. Consider the following:
- Hard-wood floors are great for piano rooms because of their versatility: You can add or remove area rugs to customize the sound of the room.
- Electric pianos depend on the strength and quality of the speakers used; a small room works best with built-in speakers, but external speakers can usually be adjusted to suit the room.
- Correct vibrating surfaces such as windows, loose shelves, or wall frames to avoid both harsh tones and falling objects!
