January 15, 2025

7 creatively upcycled pianos

This blog post from Scott Houston highlights seven clever and artistic ways old pianos have been upcycled. It’s a fun detour from piano technique, offering inspiration for how these instruments can live on in new, imaginative forms—whether as desks, bookshelves, plant displays, or interactive street art.

7 Creative Ways People Are Giving Old Pianos New Life


Hey guys! Here is a fun little piece I thought I’d throw out to to keep things light and fun. I know that us studious, loving piano players/learners – especially those working through the Piano In A Flash online piano lessons – like to use their pianos in the way the craftsmen intended for them to be used, however, some clever people out there have found some pretty fun ways to give old pianos new life. I can’t get over their creativity! Check out these 7 incredible upcycled and repurposed pianos!

Piano Aquariam

Of course I had to start out with the best! This is so unique and such a fun idea. A clean but fun addition to any room.

An upright piano refitted to hold a large fish tank on top, turning the instrument into a stylish and surprising aquarium centerpiece.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/ClassicFM/photos/a.433117119259/10157600855229260/?type=3

Keys and Hammers

Simple yet complex—all the beautiful intricacies of the keys and hammers displayed beautifully wonderfully above an entry way.

The internal keyboard and hammer mechanism of an old piano mounted above a doorway as decorative wall art in a cozy music-themed room.
Source: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AgWc4zgiZhlJwWxeJlOzysLjOnE8yjWYn0dREZ2N_SJWvbPcvTGRGOc32JrGgKysbAsmGXmwPQkrSnuLP5GrVSLJ-fVfrTRzdozSzjxofZRdK40SBGQwvPDHA7Amf2melbd5sVyZpAEq/s1600/IMG_2214.jpeg

Piano desk

I want this as my new desk!

A stripped-down upright piano creatively turned into a modern wooden desk with an iMac and a matching bench beneath.
Source: https://www.upcycledzine.com/vintage-piano-upcycled-desk-by-monkwood/monkwood_piano_desk_02/

A musical garden

One of the simplest but most fun. A great home for your favorite plants and a great way to give an old piano a new life.

A vintage upright piano repurposed as a garden planter, filled with soil, small potted plants, and cascading greenery on top.
source: https://z100missoula.com/my-old-missoula-house-came-with-a-piano-now-its-a-planter/

Baby grand piano shelf

Now this one I can’t get over. It would be a great place to store your Piano In A Flash Course Books and Gig Books =) The rustic aesthetic in this piece is amazing!

A wall-mounted grand piano shell repurposed into a bookshelf with warm lighting, books, plants, and decor nestled between wooden shelves.
Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/GTAGE/comments/irlhzu/this_baby_grand_piano_repurposed_as_a_bookshelf/

Piano wine rack

The perfect repurpose for any wine enthusiasts out there.

A sleek upright piano transformed into a home bar, featuring hanging wine glasses, wine bottle storage, and liquor shelves.
Source: https://thecameronteam.net/25-of-our-favorite-wine-racks/piano-wine-rack-furnish-burnish-2/

Public pianos

Many cities around the United States (including my very own Indianapolis!) have taken old pianos and allowed local artists to decorate them. Afterwards, they will spread them around the city for people to enjoy, both as a visual and musical art piece – especially for those who have taken my online courses and can sit down and play their favorite tunes for all to enjoy!

An upright piano painted with a detailed fox face, complete with 3D wooden ears, displayed in a public park next to a tree stump bench.
source: https://www.boredpanda.com/street-pianos-play-me-im-yours-project-luke-jarram/


I hope you enjoyed these fun piano creations!  Before you upcycle or repurpose your piano or keyboard, get the most out of it by checking out my online piano lessons at www.pianoinaflash.com and see how quickly my proven method can you get you playing AND enjoying that piano!

Happy playing!

Scott Houston

A portrait of Scott Houston at the bottom of each blog post, giving a brief overview of himself and teaching method

Scott Houston

Scott “The Piano Guy” Houston is a 6-time Emmy-winning educator helping adults play real songs for fun—no classical sheet music required. His laid-back approach makes learning piano simple, rewarding, and downright enjoyable.