Repainting isn’t just about colours. It’s about keeping your home fresh, clean, and well-maintained. Walls take more wear than you think. The timing depends on traffic, room use, surface quality, and the type of paint. Some spaces require periodic updates every couple of years. Others can last much longer if done right the first time.
General Rule for Interior Walls
Most interior walls should be repainted every 5 to 7 years . That’s under normal conditions—no major scuffs, minimal sunlight, and decent airflow. Paint starts to dull after a few years, even if you don’t notice. Marks build up, colours fade, and finishes lose their original look. High-traffic areas like hallways, stairs, and children’s bedrooms won’t last that long. These need repainting every 2 to 3 years , especially if they’re done in a matte finish, which marks more easily.
Living Rooms and Bedrooms
Living rooms see regular use but not always rough treatment. If you’ve used a quality washable emulsion , expect to repaint every 5 to 6 years . In darker shades, fading may show sooner, especially near windows. White or neutral walls tend to show less wear, but they can fade due to dust or sunlight. Adult bedrooms usually last longer. These can go up to 8 years between coats if kept clean and finished properly. Children’s rooms are different. Crayon marks, fingerprints, and knocks from toys or furniture cause wear and tear. Plan to refresh them more often.
Kitchens and Bathrooms
These rooms suffer the most. Steam, grease, splashes, and frequent cleaning all wear paint down faster. If you wait too long, you’ll see peeling, flaking, or mould. Repaint kitchens and bathrooms every 3 to 4 years with moisture-resistant, scrubbable paint . Use satin or soft sheen in these areas, not flat matte. That small change adds years to the life of the finish and makes cleaning easier.
Hallways and Corridors
These are the first areas to show wear. People brush past walls, carry things through, bang prams or bags, and drag their hands along the surface. You’ll often see scuff marks, dents, and chipped paint. Most hallways need repainting every 2 to 3 years , sometimes sooner in busy households. Tougher paints like durable matte or eggshell can stretch that to four years, but they won’t hide scratches. Touch-ups may help in the short term, but eventually, full repainting gives a cleaner, sharper look.
Factors That Shorten Paint Lifespan
Several things wear down your paint faster:
- Strong sunlight causes fading, especially in bright or dark colours.
- Condensation leads to mould or peeling, mainly in bathrooms.
- Poor surface prep reduces paint durability from the start.
- Low-quality paint loses its colour and strength faster.
- Heavy furniture can scuff walls when pushed or moved.
- Pets and children bring scratches, mud, and unexpected damage.
Good ventilation, regular cleaning, and proper application all help prolong the finish.
Signs: It’s Time to Repaint
Even if it’s not been long, some signs mean repainting’s due:
- Paint looks flat, dull, or patchy
- Walls feel chalky or dusty to the touch
- There are scuffs, stains, or peeling that cannot be cleaned.
- The colour no longer matches your decor.
- You’re covering up old smells or smoke damage.
- You just want a change—it’s your home.
If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to speak to a painter and decorator to get a quote and check what prep may be needed.
Final Thoughts
Repainting every few years keeps your home sharp. Stick to a 5- to 7-year cycle in most spaces. Consider reducing the repainting cycle for kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, or busy homes. Please ensure the appropriate paint and finish are selected and that the surface preparation is completed correctly. Walls that look good make every room feel cleaner, brighter, and more welcoming. Don’t wait until it looks awful. Repaint before your walls start dragging the whole room down.