Why are pianos (usually) black?

From the end of the 17th century, the harpsichord became a real hype in the European cultural cities.

These small table instruments were much easier to transport and build than the large and heavy harpsichords. In cities such as Vienna and Florence, a flourishing middle class emerged and the harpsichord found its way into their (smaller) living spaces. Playing the harpsichord suddenly became a hobby that was not only reserved for the high nobility. The narrower budget of the new bourgeoisie was reflected in the building of the harpsichords.

Paying artists and woodcarvers to decorate a piano was expensive and time-consuming. So the cheaper instruments were built more soberly, and eventually they were often painted in one colour. Dark paint (especially black) was much cheaper than light and bright colours, and was also ideal for hiding imperfections and irregularities in the wood.

For a painted or varnished instrument, the aesthetic quality of the wood is much less important, so cheaper (but no less reliable) wood came into consideration as a building material. Moreover, a black finish discolours slower when exposed to sunlight than other colours.

Most harpsichords and later pianofortes were still produced in beautiful wooden and painted finishes in the 18th century. After all, this type of instrument was not reserved for the bourgeoisie.

By the middle of the 20th century, people had had enough of the carvings and baroque decorations in their furniture. Moreover, it was not worth the extra cost. Trendy interiors became increasingly minimalist, and pianos followed the same evolution. Clean lines became the norm, and plastics made their appearance in furniture construction.

Nowadays, polyurethane lacquer is the most common finish, from entry-level pianos to the absolute top instruments. Such a pu-lacquer lasts a very long time and can be repainted quite easily. The lacquer forms a hard, strong layer that can take a beating. 

A white finish is also possible, but it will cost you a little more. It is slightly more difficult to finish a white lacquer instrument beautifully. Moreover, the demand for white instruments is much smaller, making the production lines more expensive.

Pianos in satin or polished finishes can still be bought (on order). These finishes are mainly used by top manufacturers such as Steinway & Sons, due to the high cost of the materials used and the labour-intensive process. For such an exclusive finish, you often pay a hefty surplus, but in return you get a unique instrument.

Steinway & Sons' daughter brand Boston is temporarily offering their buffet pianos in a colour of your choice under the heading "Made to Create". The pianos are finished in Germany in high-quality PU lacquer, and you can choose between around 200 colours. This way, you can take home a unique piano that perfectly fits your interior! More details can be found on the Boston website!