Rug Under Piano – Guide for Upright, Baby or Grand

Ever looked at your piano setup and felt like something’s missing?

A rug under your piano might be the simple fix. It does more than just look nice — the right size rug helps protect your floor, adds warmth, and makes the whole space feel balanced.

I’ve learned that picking the right rug size can really change how your piano fits in a room. It keeps things neat, safe, and even improves sound in some cases. That’s why I want to share what I’ve found.

Let’s go over how to choose the best rug size for your piano — what works, what to avoid, and how to make sure your piano space feels just right.

Can a piano sit on a rug?

A user named Pianoloverus on Pianoworld forum said “I don’t think it would make the bench particularly hard to move for an adult but I’m not sure if it would look better either. I think the latter would be mostly personal opinion.“

If you are wondering if it would be okay for the piano to sit on the rug?

Yes, a piano can sit on a rug. Pianos, despite their weight, can be placed on various types of flooring, including hardwood, ceramic or porcelain tile, carpet, vinyl tile, and more.

Putting a piano on a rug helps in a couple of simple ways. It softens the sound a bit and keeps the floor from getting scratched. The weight of the piano isn’t a problem—the rug can handle it. Still, I like to use a rug pad underneath. It helps keep the rug from slipping or bunching up.

Top 3 Best upright piano rug – Our Overall Choice

We’re so excited to share with you our top three picks for the best upright piano rugs!

1. Upright Piano Rug, Soundproof Mat, Acoustic Pads – 4.7/5
2. Rugshop Modern Wavy Circles Design Upright Piano Rug – 4.5/5
3. Artistic Weavers Odelia Vintage Bohemian Under upright piano Rug – 4.5/5

Now the questions is, Should the rug include just the piano or also be long enough for the bench?

We know it’s your rug, so you get to decide if you want to include the bench 😀 . We just want to suggest making the rug long enough to go under the bench too. That way, you won’t have to worry about catching the edge of the rug when you move the bench in and out.

size of a standard piano

Before placing your rug, it’s good to know the usual size of a piano. The size changes based on the type and model, but having a rough idea helps you plan better.

Here’s the dimensions for different pianos:

Type of Piano	Length (feet)	Width (feet)	Height (feet)
Baby Grand	4’6″ – 5’6″	4’11” – 5’11”	3′ – 3’4″
Medium Grand	5’7″ – 6’6″	5′ – 5’6″	3’3″ – 3’6″
Full Grand	6’7″ – 9′	5’8″ – 6’2″	3’4″ – 3’7″
Upright Piano	2’5″ – 5′	1’3″ – 2′	3′ – 4’10”

So, What Size rug under piano? – The Final Question

Choosing the right rug size for your piano comes down to a few simple points. Go for one that’s slightly larger than the piano itself. That way, it covers the full base and gives you a bit of extra space around it.

GC13, another member of the PianoWorld told on this, “My rug is just a little larger than the piano, and then I have a very small, matching area rug for the bench. I’m taller than average, so it sit back just a bit farther than most from the keyboard. This allows me to move the smaller area rug out further when I need to. I also have a very good set of protective “feet” nailed into the Jansen artist bench to prevent marring when it is set directly on the hardwood floors.“

So, the specific size will depend on the dimensions of the piano. If you have a Steinway B piano, with approximate dimensions of 6’11” x 4’10”, the rug should ideally be larger than these measurements.

But don’t worry! You can find a rug that fits without much trouble. Grand pianos usually range from about 4’6″ to 9′ in length. Upright pianos are typically around 48″ tall. Knowing these sizes makes it easier to pick the right rug.

Standard rug sizes like 5×8 or 6×9 are easy to find, but they might not match your space or piano size well. Make sure the rug fits both the piano and the bench. This helps the bench stay steady and keeps it from getting caught on the edge when you slide it in or out. It also keeps the setup looking clean and balanced in the room.

for upright piano

It’s a good idea to place a rug under an upright piano. For the best fit, go with a rug that’s around 65×160 cm or 70×160 cm. These sizes give enough coverage for the piano and bench without taking up too much extra space.

Plus, place a soundproof carpet or rug under the piano to help reduce vibration and improve the instrument’s overall acoustics.

For baby grand piano

For a baby grand piano, the rug should be large enough to cover the entire area the piano takes up. This helps the piano sit firmly and looks good at the same time. It also gives the player enough room to move around comfortably.

Many people prefer area rugs close to the piano’s size, and round rugs are often a popular and attractive option.

Grand pianos fall into three main size groups: baby grand, grand, and concert grand. Baby grands are usually under 6 feet long. Grand pianos range from 6 to 7 feet. Concert grands are over 7 feet long.

So, The best rug size for a baby grand piano is usually about 8′ x 10′ or bigger. If you can’t find the exact size, just measure your piano and the area around it. That way, the rug will cover enough space and leave room to move comfortably around the piano.

For Multiple Piano

The best rug size for more than one piano is one that fits both the piano and the bench. A good example is a rug that measures 9′ x 12′. This size covers the pianos and benches fully, giving plenty of space and a neat look. One of my friends uses this size for one or two pianos, and it works well.

For Steinway B

A 5×8 rug is a great fit for a Steinway B piano. Some people have also used a 5×8 rug under a 7-foot grand piano, and it works well. A 5×7 rug can fit a Steinway B piano nicely, too.

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A 5×8 rug works well under a Steinway B piano because it extends about a foot beyond the piano. This extra space adds a nice, balanced look. I recommend choosing a rug with a strong secondary backing to keep it flat and in place, especially when adjusting the piano. Adding a rug pad underneath can give extra support and stop the rug from slipping.

Overall, a 5×8 rug fits a Steinway B nicely and covers the area just right.

August Forster 215

The best rug size for an August Forster 215 piano is at least 8′ by 12′. This size allows for the entire piano plus bench to fit comfortably on the rug with some extra space.

I have seen somebody, that they would be hesitant to go smaller on the rug if sound absorption was a concern. 

Also, a Dampp Chaser and a nearby humidifier to keep the piano’s humidity levels perfect. Plus, I’ve got a wool string cover to protect the instrument when it’s not in use.

under piano bench

While there aren’t any absolute rules, here are some general guidelines to consider when choosing a rug size for your piano bench:

• Leave enough space: Pick a rug that extends beyond the piano bench on all sides. This gives room to move and prevents the rug from feeling too tight or uneven.
• Keep balance: Choose a rug size that fits well with the piano and the rest of the room. It should match the other furniture and look good.
• Think about the piano’s spot: If the piano sits against a wall, use a rug that reaches from the front legs of the piano to the wall. This fits the bench nicely and makes the piano stand out.
• Size for comfort: A larger rug gives the player more cushioning and space for their feet. This helps during long practice sessions.

How to put a rug under a grand piano?

Here’s how to place a rug under a grand piano. Keep a few key things in mind to make sure the rug looks good and the piano stays stable.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:

• Measure the space: Measure the length and width of the area where the piano will go to help pick the right rug size.
• Pick the right rug material: Choose a durable, non-slip rug that protects the piano. Avoid thick or shaggy rugs since they can make the legs unstable.
• Watch the rug thickness: Use a rug that isn’t too thick or soft so the piano stays balanced.
• Position the rug: Line up the front edge of the rug with the front of the piano. The sides should extend a little past the piano’s width.
• Secure the rug: Use rug tape or non-slip pads under the rug to keep it from moving.
• Test stability: After setting the rug, play some keys and check that the piano doesn’t wobble

How should a rug be placed under piano? 

One option is to place the piano rug underneath but inside the legs, ensuring that the longer side of the rug is parallel to the long side of the piano.

This method has been used for an M&H BB piano with a pre-existing rug.

If you are looking for a rug that is 6 by 9 feet to place under a piano, should you consider placing the rug under the piano instead of under the piano to get the best sound quality?

Yes, having a rug under piano, such as a 6×9 or larger, can help absorb volume and reduce echoes, contributing to improved sound quality.

How to Place 5’ Rug under piano?

To place a 5′ rug under a piano, try rotating the rug 90 degrees so the piano legs don’t sit directly on it. This lets you adjust the rug to fit the room better. You can also turn the rug so its long side lines up with the piano, which helps the room look balanced.

What are soundproof rug for piano?

Soundproof rugs for pianos, also called piano rugs or mats, help reduce the sound vibrations between the piano and the floor. They protect the floor from the piano’s weight and keep noise low for people nearby.

These rugs are made with materials like dense foam or rubber that absorb sound well. Thicker rugs usually block sound better.

Some rugs have multiple layers or different materials to improve soundproofing.

Their main job is to stop vibrations from the piano’s strings and soundboard from reaching the floor and making extra noise.

FAQ

Conclusion

Choosing the right rug size for your piano matters for both how the space looks and how it works. While it helps to pick a rug slightly larger than your piano, the best size depends on your piano’s exact measurements and your preferences. Pay attention to the piano’s width, length, and depth to make sure the rug covers it fully and extends past the edges.

Common rug sizes like 5×8 or 6×9 may not always fit perfectly, so check the rug’s exact size and compare it to your piano before buying.

Sources & Further Readings:

1. https://forum.pianoworld.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/2738700/how-big-of-an-area-rug-under-piano.html – (How big of an area rug under piano?)
2. https://forum.pianoworld.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/3282423/area-rug-size-for-steinway-b.html – (Area rug size for Steinway B)
3. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ultimate-rug-size-guide-room-tina-thomas
4. https://www.reddit.com/r/piano/comments/sbvbfr/piano_placement_and_area_rug/
5. https://www.steinway.com/pianos/steinway/grand/model-b
6. https://www.trunknotes.com/how-to-choose-the-perfect-rug/6072/
7. https://topmagzine.net/does-a-rug-help-reduce-echo/
8. https://jkhow.com/lifestyle/rules-for-styling-a-sectional-sofa-making-the-most-of-your-space/
9. https://www.articleted.com/article/637124/212505/Choosing-the-Perfect-Rug-Size–A-Comprehensive-Guide
10. https://www.deviantart.com/asamkhan/journal/Choosing-the-Perfect-Piano-Rug-980121486