What is a Piano Shawl?
A piano shawl is a large square or rectangular piece of fabric that is used to decorate the top surface of a grand piano. The piano shawl serves the practical purpose of protecting the piano from nicks, scratches, and the elements. However, many piano shawls are quite elaborate and also serve as decoration. Piano shawls are very often heavily embroidered with bold colors and patterns. The patterns often incorporate flowers or nature scenes. It is also quite common for piano shawls to be edged in long fringe. Not only does the fringe look exquisite, but it also helps to drape the shawl evenly over the piano. Piano shawls are generally made of thick silk. This fabric glides naturally onto the surface of a piano and is kept in place by its natural weight as well as the weight of the embroidery. They became quite popular in the Victorian era when having a piano in one’s parlor was considered to be at the height of sophistication. Therefore, if you are looking to purchase a piano shawl, you
