If you have a piano, you've probably made it the centerpiece of a particular room. There's no doubt that pianos are a beautiful piece of furniture and can be a wonderful addition to your home. But where should you put it? And how do you care for it? These are questions you may not have considered until the delivery van is in the driveway or the first layer of dust has accumulated. Take some tips from the pros.

One of the first things to consider is that your piano is probably going to have to stay where you put it for some time. Unless this is a compact model, moving it from one side of the room to another is going to be a major undertaking. Even with wheels, you're likely to damage flooring.

Get the exact measurements of your piano before it arrives and take careful stock of your room. Clear the spot you want the piano, then mark off the space the piano will take up. Is there comfortable room for someone to be seated on the bench to play? Making a paper or computer outline of your room and placing your furniture in the model is a good idea if you have the time and patience for this kind of undertaking.

If you have central heat, be sure your piano isn't going to be blocking a vent. Not only will it knock down on the distribution of heat, but the direct stream of air isn't good for the piano. Be sure there's a light source for the pianist, but you also shouldn't put the piano in direct sunlight.

Remember that little critters may very well take up residence in a piano, especially one that's not used often. With that in mind, it's probably a good idea to keep a grip on mice and bug infestations. If you have a piano in storage, be sure the area is 'vermin free.'

Cleaning a piano is not a tremendously difficult chore if you start with a few simple rules. Never play with dirty hands. It's especially important to enforce this rule if you have children in the house who take lessons or simply can't resist touching the piano. Keeping the cover closed is a good start, but kids tend to be fascinated by the instrument and dirty hands can cause some serious cleaning issues.

If keys do get sticky, a slightly damp, soft cloth is probably your best bet. Be sure the cloth isn't wet enough to drip. Wipe the top of the keys first, then depress each key to clean the sides of the keys beside it. Remember that grime on the sides of the keys can cause the keys to stick. Avoid harsh cleaners and keep in mind that many household cleaners will leave a sticky residue. For tough stains, try a bit of lemon or alcohol on your cleaning cloth.

As for the case, it all depends on the material. It's best to follow manufacturer's suggestions, A general rule of thumb is to clean a wood case as you would any other wood, but be careful that you don't allow any cleaner or water to drip through cracks and crevices in the case.