Everyone loves a good Before & After, right?
I am continually surprised at how often I hear women mention that they (a) wish they had a piano but can’t afford one or (b) have a hand-me-down piano that doesn’t suit their style. Here’s a little proof that you can have both!I am not the world’s best pianist, but playing and singing at the piano, often with my sisters, was the primary way I felt God’s love for me as I was growing up. I wanted to bring that spirit into our home, especially as our children grow. However, we are far from being settled; I really have no idea where we will end up—or when, for that matter. So I didn’t want to purchase something that I would feel so attached to that I couldn’t bear to part with. (However, after the labor of love that this baby was, I think it’s safe to say I’m a bit attached!) And besides, money doesn’t grow on trees!
I started keeping my eye on craigslist, and I eventually found a little piano with great sound for $150. This piano actually had some awesome vinyl on it. (See where the flowers sit? That whole top part is made of vinyl.) A quick google search before I shelled out the cash taught me that vinyl can be sanded and painted just like wood. After taping off the keys, sanding, and priming, I painted it a satin black. The finish is matte because I didn’t want it to look glossy, like I was trying to create a high-end piano out of something that just wasn’t. After two coats of black, I distressed the edges and added Anthropologie knobs. I bought some fabric at JoAnn’s and stapled it onto the bench. Amazingly, there are no peanut butter handprints on there yet, but it’ll be easy to recover when the time comes!
It’s definitely an improvement from the original! Who says a pretty piano has to cost an arm and a leg?
Wow! It looks great! I love it.
What an improvement! It's beautiful! Now I just need to figure out a place to put one… 😉
Oh, my. That is wonderful. You've inspired me to believe I can have a real piano in the house again, too. Beautiful work!
Yeah, that I can't help much with! 🙂 Good luck!
I found a piano for 5 dollars on Craigslist (and then paid another 200 to have it moved down 3 flights of stairs out of the guys apartment). I have been thinking about painting it, but can't quite figure what I want to do. I love having it though. Yours looks amazing, so maybe it will inspire me.
Wow, I bet moving that thing down three flights would have been quite the sight! Ryan always jokes that the last time he helped someone move a piano, he almost died. (Glad he didn't!)
205 is still a steal! Glad you're enjoying yours too!
Thanks, Becky! It do feel very fortunate to have one!
That piano is seriously impressive!
Holy moly! This is awesome!! I hope you pinned this!:) I love DIY and home makeovers 🙂
WOW Erica!!! This is amazing!! I still need to refinish my piano and you've given me some major inspiration!! Thanks so much for linking up this week. I can't wait to see what you have next!
Wow…what an amazing makeover! The piano looks as elegant as a grand piano!
Cannot tell you how great it is to see this! I just picked up an identical piano for $100 and may have to do this to it, how hard was it yo paint it? Unfortunately I’ll have to do it in my living room since I don’t think I’ll convince my husband to move it again! Looks great!
I just found your post via Pinterest. This is the exact piano I inherited from my Grandmother. I wanted to paint it but wasn’t sure I could paint over the vinyl. I so glad I found your post! I’m so going to do this. Thanks.
Hi Shannon! I’m delighted that my piano is inspiring you to take the jump! In case you didn’t see it, I did a follow-up post later on: HERE. Good luck!