If you’ve recently brought a piano into your home, one of the most common questions is: “Can I put a rug under my piano?” The short answer is yes—but like most things with pianos, it depends on your goals and the type of piano you have. In this guide, we’ll cover the pros and cons of putting a rug under your piano, whether you have an upright or a grand, and offer tips to help you choose the right kind of rug for both sound and stability.
Why People Put Rugs Under Pianos
Piano owners put rugs under their instruments for a few key reasons:
- Acoustic Control: Rugs can absorb some of the brightness or harshness in tone, especially in rooms with hardwood floors and bare walls.
- Floor Protection: A rug helps prevent scratches or damage from caster wheels or sliding benches.
- Vibration Dampening: Rugs can slightly reduce sound vibrations that travel into the floor, which is especially helpful in upstairs apartments or shared walls.
- Aesthetic Value: A well-chosen rug can tie a room together and visually frame the piano as a centerpiece.
The Type of Piano Matters
Whether or not you should place a rug under your piano often depends on the type of piano you have:
Upright Pianos
Putting a rug under an upright piano is generally safe and can be a great idea, particularly if you’re trying to reduce floor reflections or protect wood floors. Just make sure the rug isn’t too thick, or it may prevent the pedals from reaching the floor properly.
Grand Pianos
With grand pianos, the situation is a bit more nuanced. Many piano technicians and tuners recommend placing the rug under the piano bench and front legs only, leaving the tail end of the piano on the bare floor. Why?
- You maintain better resonance from the soundboard.
- You avoid “muffling” or deadening the sound too much.
That said, in very live or echo-prone rooms, placing a rug under the entire piano can help tame harsh overtones or excessive brightness.
Acoustic Considerations
Hardwood, tile, and concrete floors reflect sound and can make a piano sound overly bright or harsh. If your piano sounds like a “ragtime piano” or is piercing to your ears, a rug might help mellow out the tone. On the other hand, if your piano sounds muffled or dull, avoid putting a thick rug underneath it.
Best Rugs for Pianos
When selecting a rug, keep these qualities in mind:
- Low-pile rugs work best. They’re less likely to interfere with pedal movement and allow the piano to sit level.
- Tightly woven, dense materials are ideal for controlling sound without absorbing too much.
- Avoid shag rugs or anything overly plush, which can create instability.
Also consider placing caster cups under the piano wheels to distribute weight more evenly and prevent indentations.
Don’t Forget Humidity Control
If you’re placing a rug under your piano in a space where humidity is a concern (like a basement), be extra cautious. Trapping moisture beneath the rug and piano can lead to warping or damage to the soundboard and action. Use a dehumidifier and place a hygrometer in the room to monitor humidity.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you can absolutely put a rug under your piano—but do it thoughtfully. Consider the type of piano, the sound characteristics of the room, and your goals for tone, aesthetics, and floor protection.
If you’re ever in doubt, consult a local piano technician or dealer. And if you’re in the Nashville area, we recommend Seale Keyworks, a full-service piano company offering expert advice on piano placement, tuning, climate control, and more.
A well-placed rug can not only protect your floor, but also bring your piano’s tone closer to perfection in your space.