Buying guide · piano bench
How to choose a piano bench
The bench is where your body meets the piano. Sit well, and the shoulders can let go while the arms give their weight to the keys. Sit too low or too high, and you tense up without noticing. Here is what matters when you choose – and seven benches that do it well.
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The right height
Sit on the front half of the bench with your feet flat on the floor. Let the arms hang, then lift the forearms to the keys: the elbows should be level with the keys or slightly above. Then the weight from the shoulder can flow down through the arm without being held back in the wrist.
For most adults that means a seat height of about 48–55 cm. Children need more height – and a footstool if their feet do not reach the floor. That is why an adjustable bench is the safe choice, especially when several people in the family play.
Three ways to adjust the height
| Mechanism | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Crank (scissor lift) | Turn two knobs on the side and the seat moves up or down. Stable and affordable. | Homes where one or two people play |
| Gas lift / pneumatic | One lever or a light push – the seat glides into place, even while you sit on it. | Music schools, teaching and families with several players |
| Piano stool with spindle | A round seat you turn up or down. Takes the least space. | Small rooms and the classic living room |
The best-sellers: Thomann KB-15 and KB-47
Two benches dominate the reviews at Thomann. The KB-15 is the simple, solid bench with almost 2,000 reviews. The KB-47 has a double lifting system that stays even steadier when you put weight into your playing.
Thomann KB-15BM
- Material: Birch wood
- Height adjustable from 48 - 56 cm
- Seat: 52 x 29 cm
525 kr checked 8.10.2026
See price at Thomann
Thomann KB-47BM
- Dual cross precision lifting system
- Material: Wood
- Height adjustable from 475 - 580 mm
677 kr checked 8.10.2026
See price at ThomannA larger seat and a concert bench
If you play romantic repertoire with big movements, a wider seat gives you room to shift your weight from side to side.
Thomann KB-87BP
- Double cross precision lifting system
- Material: Solid beech wood
- Height adjustable from 450 - 560 mm
1.199 kr checked 8.10.2026
See price at ThomannAdjust while seated: gas lift
When several people share the piano – teacher and pupil, parent and child – adjusting with a single lever is a relief.
Andexinger Piano Bench Lift-o-matic 484
- Excellently suited for use in music schools
- Due to its modern look, it is also very well combinable with organs and keyboards
- Easy height-adjustable due to the lift technology
2.277 kr checked 8.10.2026
See price at Thomann
K&M 14080 Uplift
- With built-in pneumatic mechanism for easy height adjustment even when sitting
- Wider locking lever
- Black artificial leather cover
2.090 kr checked 8.10.2026
See price at ThomannTwo at the piano: duet bench
For four-hand playing and for lessons with an adult sitting alongside. On the KB-247 the two seats adjust independently.
Thomann KB-247BM
- Double cross precision lifting system
- Material: Solid beech wood
- Seats separately height adjustable: 485 - 560 mm
899 kr checked 8.10.2026
See price at ThomannLittle space: piano stool
A swivel stool takes up less room and suits the classic upright piano.
Thomann PS-37BM
- Material: Birch wood
- With a rotating spindle mechanism
- Height adjustable from 450 - 600 mm
525 kr checked 8.10.2026
See price at ThomannSee all 157 benches and stools – filter by type and brand – on the piano benches page.
Try this tomorrow
Sit at the piano and play one note slowly with the weight of the whole arm. Raise or lower the bench a couple of centimetres and play it again. The height where your shoulders feel lightest is yours.
Questions
How high should a piano bench be?
The elbows should be level with the keys or slightly above, with the feet flat on the floor. For most adults that is a seat height of about 48–55 cm.
Can I use an ordinary chair?
To begin with, yes – but a dining chair rarely has the right height, and the backrest tempts you to lean back. An adjustable bench gives a freer body.
What is the difference between a piano bench and a keyboard bench?
A keyboard bench is a light, folding metal bench for stage and rehearsal room. A piano bench is heavier, stands more steadily and is made to stay at the instrument.
How much does a good piano bench cost?
A solid adjustable bench starts at about 500 DKK. With gas lift or an extra-wide seat, prices are typically 1,000–2,500 DKK.
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