How Often Should You Repaint? A Room-by-Room Guide

Even the most beautiful paint job fades with time. Scuffs, sunlight, moisture—life takes its toll on your walls. But how often should you repaint? That depends on the room. Repainting too soon can waste money, but waiting too long makes your home look tired and neglected.

This guide breaks down how often to repaint each room in your home, based on usage, traffic, and wear and tear. Plus, we'll share a quick real-life example to show the difference fresh paint can make.

High-Traffic Spaces: Every 2–4 Years

Hallways, Entryways, and Corridors

These areas take the brunt of everyday life. Dirty fingerprints, kicked-up shoes, and bags scraping against the walls all add up. Repaint these spaces every 2–3 years to keep them looking clean and fresh.

Living Rooms and Dining Areas

Because these rooms tend to host guests and see regular use, they benefit from a refresh every 3–5 years. If you have pets or kids, lean closer to the 3-year mark.

Pro tip: Use durable, washable finishes like satin or eggshell for these high-touch areas—they hold up better and are easier to clean.

Kitchens and Bathrooms: Every 3–4 Years

Moisture, steam, grease, and constant cleaning make these two of the toughest environments for paint. Kitchens especially suffer from cooking residue, while bathrooms battle humidity.

Paint in these rooms can peel or discolor faster, even with good ventilation. Plan to repaint every 3–4 years, and always choose a mildew-resistant paint.

Don’t forget: Touch-ups between repaints go a long way in keeping things looking sharp, especially near sinks and stoves.

Bedrooms: Every 5–7 Years

Bedrooms are typically lower-traffic zones, so they don’t need repainting as often—unless it’s a child’s room. Adult bedrooms can go 5–7 years between coats, but kids’ rooms usually need a refresh every 3–4 years due to wall art, stickers, and inevitable messes.

Want longevity? Opt for mid-sheen finishes that balance durability and ease of cleaning, especially for younger kids’ rooms.

Ceilings, Trim, and Closets: Every 7–10 Years

These don’t show wear as quickly but still age over time. Ceilings can yellow from smoke, cooking, or general aging. Baseboards and trim get scuffed by vacuums, furniture, and shoes.

• Ceilings: Repaint every 10 years or when discoloration shows.
• Trim and doors: Every 4–6 years, depending on scuffs and chips.
• Closets: Around 7–10 years, unless you're remodeling or repainting the connected room.

Case Study: A Whole-Home Refresh That Paid Off

One Oregon couple contacted Ash Painting after moving into a home that hadn’t been repainted in over a decade. The kitchen was grimy, the hallways full of scuffs, and the kids' rooms were covered in stickers and marker drawings.

Our team walked through the home and developed a room-by-room plan. We tackled the kitchen and bath first with moisture-resistant paint, then moved to the living areas and kids’ rooms using durable, stain-resistant finishes. The difference was night and day—not just in looks, but in how the space felt. And thanks to experienced painters Central Oregon residents trust, the project finished on time and on budget.

Choosing the Right Time and Team

Timing your repaint schedule can keep your home looking great and protect your investment in the long run. Whether it’s a full-home makeover or just a single room in need of love, working with the right painting services ensures you get the best results with minimal hassle.

Ready for a refresh? Contact the best painting contractor in Central Oregon today to schedule your free estimate and bring new life to your space.