How To Determine the Ideal Piano for Your Space and Needs
July 7, 2025 •Brendan Murphy
Selecting a piano is a significant decision for any musician, whether you’re a beginner exploring your first notes or a seasoned pianist refining your craft. The piano you choose should complement your needs while aligning with your available space and budget. Check out this guide to determining the ideal piano for your space and needs.
Consider Your Space
Choosing a piano begins with a clear understanding of your available space. Having the ideal setup can enhance your playing experience while ensuring the instrument looks and functions at its best.
Measure the Available Space
Before shopping for a piano, assess how much room you have to accommodate it. Measure the floor space as well as the height and depth of the area where you want to place it. Large acoustic pianos, such as grand and some upright models, can require more space than digital keyboards. Amazingly, some baby grand pianos take up equivalent floor space to an upright piano. See our video here.
Keep in mind that acoustic pianos need clearance from walls for optimal sound quality and airflow. Failing to measure accurately could result in a piano that doesn’t fit or looks out of place in the room. It could also negatively affect the acoustics and sound quality as you play. Our piano consultants are happy to help you measure and visualize your space.
Account for Environmental Factors
Beyond size, consider your room’s environment. Pianos, particularly acoustic ones, are affected by humidity and temperature changes. Excess humidity can affect tuning and regulation, while dry air may cause more lasting damage over time. Choose a space that doesn’t expose the piano to direct sunlight, drafts, or sources of heat, such as a radiator or HVAC vent.
Define Your Needs
Understanding your needs and goals for a piano is another aspect of the decision. Some musicians have different priorities than others and knowing yours will narrow down your options.
Determine Your Skill Level
Often, beginners and casual players believe they would benefit from upright or digital pianos, which are more accessible and affordable than other models. Intermediate players might look for better sound quality and responsiveness to advance their skills, and seasoned professionals typically require instruments with superior tone and touch. However, it is important for musicians of all skill levels to get a quality piano that will meet their needs as their playing evolves and improves. It is critical to not have your progress limited by your instrument. Players looking for the best sound quality and performance should consider Steinway grand pianos in various sizes.
Clarify Your Intended Use
Consider how you plan to use the piano. If it’s primarily for practice, a digital keyboard or a mid-range upright might suffice. For more serious applications, you may want a grand piano for its rich sound and visual appeal.
Types of Pianos and Their Space Requirements
Different types of pianos come with distinct features, sizes, and benefits that cater to various needs, preferences, and spatial constraints. Understanding these options is crucial for finding the perfect match.
Grand Pianos
Full sized or concert grand pianos are the epitome of performance instruments, known for their unparalleled sound and control, as well as their luxurious aesthetic. These pianos produce excellent sound projection and tonal quality thanks to their large soundboards and horizontal string layout.
However, their size requires substantial space, often fitting best in large rooms or concert venues. A baby grand piano, the smallest in the category, typically ranges from five to six feet in length, while concert grands can reach up to nine feet. Additionally, their cost tends to be higher, making them a big investment.
Upright Pianos
Upright pianos are more compact than grand pianos and baby grands, making them ideal for smaller spaces. With vertically aligned strings and a smaller soundboard, these pianos fit comfortably against walls. Upright pianos maintain a classic feel and are perfect for home practice and informal performances.
While uprights don’t offer the same sonic depth as grand pianos, their affordability and minimal space requirements make them practical for many musicians. They are also easier to maintain and move compared to their larger counterparts.
Digital Pianos
Digital pianos are versatile, offering modern technology in a compact design. Keyboards simulate an acoustic piano’s sound and touch while offering additional features, such as built-in metronomes, recording and playback, and volume control.
Digital pianos are lightweight and portable, making them ideal for small spaces or musicians who travel frequently. They also don’t require tuning, making them low-maintenance. If you value a simple setup or cutting-edge features, digital pianos are an excellent choice.
New vs. Used Pianos
New pianos come with the latest designs and warranties, offering peace of mind and reliability. However, high-quality used pianos can offer savings and perform just as well as new models if you take care of them.
When shopping for used options, look for professional inspection details to check for tuning stability, wood condition, and wear on the keys and pedals. For example, at M. Steinert & Sons, we offer certified, like-new piano models.
Additional Factors To Consider
Beyond space, needs, and costs, a few additional elements can influence your experience with a piano.
Tuning and Maintenance
Acoustic pianos require regular tuning, typically three or four times per year, to stay in tune. The strings and wooden components are affected by changes in humidity and temperature, which can cause them to expand or contract, affecting the sound quality. . Regular maintenance is crucial for longevity, such as regulating the action components, cleaning the strings to prevent dust buildup, checking the hammers for wear, filing or voicing as necessary, and protecting the wood finish from scratches or fading.
Digital pianos, on the other hand, are easier to maintain. They are essentially maintenance-free, as they don’t have strings or wooden components that require tuning. You’ll likely need to replace accessories like pedals or power cords over the years. Keyboards are convenient for pianists who want a low-maintenance instrument without sacrificing performance. Unfortunately, it is rare that software can be updated in digital pianos.
Accessories You May Need
Don’t forget to budget for accessories. A sturdy piano bench, a quality set of headphones for digital models, and good lighting can improve your setup. Additionally, humidity control devices can protect acoustic pianos if you live in a region with fluctuating weather. At M. Steinert & Sons, all of our pianos come with a high quality bench.
Finding the Best Piano for Your Space
Choosing a piano is an exciting opportunity to enhance your musical experience and personal space. At M. Steinert & Sons, we offer a wide selection of new and used pianos, including Steinway & Sons, Boston, and Essex models, that suit different needs and spaces.
Visit one of our showrooms to explore certified used Boston pianos and other beautiful models. Our expert team is ready to help you determine the ideal piano for your space and needs.
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