In short: a cover protects your piano from dust, scratches, light and minor knocks — a modest investment to preserve an expensive instrument. The key: a cover matched to the type (grand or upright) and exact size, in a breathable material. Here’s how to choose well.
Why protect your piano?
Dust works into the action and onto the strings; sunlight fades the finish; a knock or a spilled drink can mark the case for good. A cover limits all of this and keeps the instrument clean between sessions — especially if it isn’t played every day.
The types of cover
- Full cover (grand or upright): covers the whole instrument, ideal against dust and light at home.
- Key cover: protects the keys specifically (dust, UV) on an open piano.
- Padded gig bag: for transporting a digital piano or keyboard (padding, handles).
How to choose
Size first
For a grand, the cover follows the length (e.g. 180, 211, 274 cm); for an upright, the height. Measure precisely.
Material
Favour a breathable material (not waterproof plastic, which traps moisture). A soft lining protects the finish.
Grand or upright: measure carefully
Size is the number-one criterion. For a grand, the cover follows the total length with the lid closed — common sizes track the makers’ models, roughly 150, 180, 210 and 274 cm — while for an upright it is the height that counts. A cover that is too large slips and leaves the corners exposed; one too small fails to protect exactly the delicate edges. Better to measure with a tape before ordering than to trust the nominal model name.
Materials and lining
The material must be breathable: waterproof plastic sheets trap moisture against the finish and can do more harm than the dust they are meant to stop. A soft inner lining protects the polish from micro-scratches, while a water-repellent outer helps against accidental splashes. For high-gloss finishes, which show every fingerprint, an anti-static fabric that does not hold dust is a further advantage.
Everyday use and long storage
For daily use, a simple key cover is enough to keep the keys clean between sessions. A full cover comes into its own when the instrument sits unused for a while — a second home, or during building work — protecting it from dust, light and minor knocks. Remember to let the instrument breathe periodically, rather than sealing it away for months without ever uncovering it.
Our picks
- At home, acoustic: a breathable full cover in the exact size (grand or upright).
- Targeted protection: a felt/velvet key cover.
- Digital piano on the move: a padded gig bag with handles.
Cleaning and surface care
A cover works best alongside good cleaning habits. Remove dust with a soft, dry cloth, avoiding aggressive products that can dull the finish — especially on high-gloss polyester, where every mark shows. Clean the keys with a barely damp, well-wrung cloth, never a wet one, working from the centre outwards. With these simple precautions, and a breathable cover in the right size, the instrument stays clean and protected between sessions without any particular effort, and its finish keeps its lustre for years.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose the size for a grand piano?
By overall length (lid closed). Covers come by size (roughly 180, 210, 275 cm): pick the matching one.
Does a cover trap moisture?
No, if it’s breathable. Avoid waterproof plastic sheets, which can trap humidity against the finish.
The pianist’s essential accessories
Build a complete, well-protected setup with our practical guides:
- Choosing a piano bench
- Headphones for a digital piano
- Controlling humidity for your piano
- Metronome and piano lamp
🎹 Essential accessories for pianists
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