How many times have you visited a friend’s home and found a piano next to a window? Perhaps you have a piano in your own home that is in front of a window or unshaded French doors. While the view of a piano against the backdrop of nature (or the city skyline) is a romantic and popular vision, this placement can be harmful to the instrument due to prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
There are several ways direct sunlight can affect a piano:
- Fading: Prolonged exposure to UV rays from direct sunlight can dull your piano’s finish over time.
- Warping: The wooden parts of your piano can begin warping with continued exposure to heat build-up from direct sunlight. Not only can this affect the instrument’s appearance – it can also impact playability.
- Drying: Drying can create problems with sticky keys and sluggish action.
- Temperature: Sunlight can make the room hotter. This can in turn cause fluctuations in humidity levels. Approximately 42% humidity is best for helping stop warping.
- Static electricity: This one may surprise you, but prolonged direct sunlight exposure can cause a buildup of static electricity. This could have an impact on keys and internal components.
So, how does one protect a piano from the detrimental effects of prolonged exposure to direct sunlight?
The obvious steps recommended by piano makers and tuners include keeping the instrument in a climate-controlled environment, away from direct sunlight, and using a piano cover. They also recommend window treatments.
Window shades are a perfect way to reduce direct sunlight exposure, not just for pianos but other valuable furnishings as well. Window shades can:
- Prevent UV rays from getting to your piano.
- Stop heat buildup by filtering or all together stopping direct sunlight penetration.
- Maintain natural views for aesthetic benefits while alleviating glare.
- Be part of a humidity control plan by helping regulate temperature changes during the day.
For the best results, shades should be motorized and automated. By adding a sun tracking system like TourneSol, you can maximize protection on multiple windows throughout the day.
To learn more about protecting your piano, and other musical instruments and important possessions, contact your Draper At Home representative!
