The fact that not all piano benches are created equal surprises many people. In fact, all types of piano accessories, including the bench, have a lot of variation. If you’re looking for a piano bench that’s right for you and your piano, here are a few pointers to get you started.
The type of piano you have is one of the first things to think about. Do you have an upright piano, a grand piano, or a bagrand piano? In order to conform to the dimensions of the piano, the appropriate piano bench may be a little wider, longer, or taller, depending on the piano. By concentrating your search on benches made for your specific piano, you will be able to ignore benches made for other pianos and speed up your search.
If aesthetics are important to you, an artist piano bench might be the way to go. While many benches have a handle or a hand crank to adjust the height, the artist bench has an apron that conceals the mechanism when not in use. Anyone in the room will be able to see the handle on other benches.
With a piano bench, there’s also the matter of seating. While the wood seat is simple to maintain and works well when the piano is played infrequently, it is not the best choice if you or others in your household play the piano frequently and for extended periods of time. Consider padded seats with a high-quality leather finish. They can still be kept up with relative ease, and anyone who sits down to play will appreciate it.
It’s also a good idea to match the color and style of the piano bench to the piano itself. Along with matching the wood stain, make sure the overall design is in tune with the piano’s contours. If your piano’s lines are graceful rather than sharp, look for a piano bench with a less angular and sharp design. This will give the impression that the piano and bench were bought together.
If you’re short on space, piano stools might be a good option. A piano stool, which is smaller than a bench, is ideal for smaller pianos like a spinet or a small upright. Many stools are also adjustable, and some come with padded seats.
Cost is also likely to play a role. Keep in mind that while an inexpensive piano bench is possible to find, the materials used may not be of the highest quality. If you use the bench frequently, you may need to replace it in a few years. Investing in the best quality bench you can afford will pay off in the long run.
Choosing the best piano bench comes down to deciding on the right style, color, quality, and price. Take your time to consider the options, then select the bench that will satisfy you on all levels. You will be much more likely to enjoy your purchase for many years to come if you do so.