How to Upcycle a Piano

Upcycling is a magical thing. It’s a way to preserve stories while giving them a fresh twist, and nothing embodies this more than an old piano.

Pianos hold a certain presence, don’t they? They’re not just instruments but markers of moments in time. The idea of changing a piano into something else entirely feels almost rebellious, but also full of possibility.

I remember the piano I grew up with. Its presence dominated the living room, its keys worn smooth from countless lessons and hours of aimless playing.

When I stumbled across an old upright piano years later, long after my childhood one had moved on, it transported me right back to that space.

There was no salvaging its musical talents; its strings were rusted and its insides warped. But I couldn’t just leave it there to be forgotten. That piano deserved a second life, a new story to tell, even if it was no longer creating music.

If you’ve found yourself staring at an old piano and wondering, “What could I possibly make of this?” I’m here to help.

I’ll share my own experience turning a piano into something entirely new, step by step, and offer plenty of tips along the way. Whether you want to keep its shape intact or completely deconstruct it, you’ll walk away inspired.

Pianos as Upcycling Gold

There’s something truly unique about a piano. It’s not merely a piece of furniture; it’s an architectural masterpiece of craftsmanship, with sturdy wooden frames, delicate keys, and beautifully intricate interiors. This makes them prime candidates for upcycling.

While the initial thought of dismantling a piano might feel daunting or even emotional, think of it as preserving its soul in a brand-new form. Whether you transform it into a functional piece of furniture, an artistic statement, or something whimsical, you’re giving it purpose again.

Why Upcycle a Piano?

1. They’re often discarded or sold cheaply if no longer playable.
2. The materials (wood, metal, and ivory-like keys) are high quality.
3. Their size and unique aesthetics make for stunning end results.

The possibilities are endless. From bar carts and desks to shelving units or garden potters, the piano’s strong, unique form is perfect for experimentation!

Step 1: Decide the Piano’s New Purpose

Before grabbing tools and diving in, stop and think about what you want this piano to become. This might be based on where you want to place it in your home or the kind of functionality you need from it.

Here are a few ideas to spark inspiration:

• Bookshelf or Display Shelves – Use the frame to hold books or sentimental items.
• A Bar Station – Imagine pouring cocktails from your upcycled piano-turned-bar.
• A Desk – The keyboard tray can serve as a pull-out area, making it great for working or writing.
• Planter or Garden Piece – Perfect for outdoor spaces, turning the piano into a plant display marries the rustic with the natural.
• A Statement Art Piece – Not all upcycling has to be functional; reimagine the piano as a sculptural installation within your home.

With my project, I wanted to keep the essence of the piano intact. Its upright frame was stunning and full of personality, so I decided to create a tall bar/shelving system. Something practical but with a nod to its musical roots.

Step 2: Gather Tools and Materials

Every upcycling project needs preparation. Tackling a piano definitely requires a solid toolkit and a dose of patience. Here’s what I used to get started:

• A screwdriver set, because you’ll be carefully removing keys, panels, and other parts.
• A saw or jigsaw for cutting any pieces you plan to alter.
• Sandpaper (coarse and fine grit) or a sander for smoothing edges.
• Paint, stain, or wood varnish depending on the final look you’re going for.
• Wood glue and clamps for reassembling sections.
• A drill for mounting any hardware (like shelves or hooks).
• Measuring tape and levels to ensure precision.

Optional extras, if you’re feeling particularly creative:

• Wallpaper, fabric, or even dried pressed flowers to line parts of the piano.
• Wood or acrylic shelving to add extra storage space.
• Lighting options like LED strips if you want to illuminate your design.

Step 3: Dismantling the Piano

This is where the fun (and hard labor) begins. Taking apart a piano is no small feat, but breaking it into smaller pieces will make the transformation process far easier.

• Start with the lid and panels. These are usually held in place with screws that can be removed fairly easily.
• Remove the keyboard. I treated the keys almost reverently while taking them out, since they’re such an iconic part of the piano. Depending on your future plan, you can use the keys in the final design or set them aside for another project.
• Address the strings and harp. This part can be challenging. The harp is crafted from cast iron and is incredibly heavy. If you’re keeping it as part of the final piece, great. Otherwise, you may need a friend’s help (and some muscle) to move it safely.
• Inspect and keep any structural parts. The sides, back panels, and storage compartments of the piano are often the sturdiest. Use these as a base for your new creation.

Once dismantled, I gave everything a thorough clean. Years of neglect can leave pianos covered in dust, so grab some gloves and a cloth, and take your time giving it a proper wipe-down.

Step 4: The Transformation

Here’s where the piano starts to come to life again. Whether your plan is to keep everything intact or break it down into pieces, this is when you begin refashioning it into its next chapter.

For my bar/shelving unit:

• I kept the beautiful upright frame. The piano’s natural lines and design worked perfectly for a mid-century modern aesthetic.
• I sanded down the worn wood, giving it a smooth, even surface to work with.
• I stained the exposed wood with a dark walnut finish to bring out its character without losing its original charm.
• I added glass shelves within the frame where the keys used to be. These shelves became perfect spots to display glasses, bottles, and even plants.

Other ideas include replacing the keyboard area with drawers or installing rods under the lid for hanging wine glasses. You can even use the pedal mechanism as a quirky footrest if repurposing it into something like a bar.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches

The details matter. For me, the joy of upcycling lies in the little things that make the piece unique to you.

• Hardware and Accessories. I chose antique brass handles for the shelving unit, keeping its classic look. You could add hooks, hinges, or wheels depending on the function you’re going for.
• Lighting. If the final space allows, LED strips or small spotlight bulbs can make the piece truly shine.
• Preserving Original Details. For my project, I left the original piano logo visible on its top panel as a nod to its roots.

Step 6: Placement

Once your piano project is complete, how and where you place it will make all the difference. My upcycled piano bar now sits in the corner of my dining room, lit softly with candles on top and brimming with charm. It’s a conversation starter in every sense of the word, and every time I walk past it, I feel a quiet sense of pride.

Final Thoughts

Upcycling a piano is a labor of love, no doubt about it. But it’s also a chance to create something deeply personal and entirely unique.

It’s not just about the end result but about the process of rediscovery. That time spent sanding, sawing, and piecing a new vision together is filled with intention and creativity.

If you’ve got an old piano waiting for a new beginning, don’t hesitate to give it one. What seems like the final note might just be the start of a whole new melody.

Take it one step at a time, trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to make it yours. After all, every project teaches you something new—not just about crafting, but about the ability to reimagine the ordinary.