Repainting your home isn’t just about keeping up with trends or refreshing tired colours. It’s also an essential part of ongoing maintenance — protecting surfaces, preventing damage, and preserving the value of your property. But how often should you repaint each room? The answer depends on several factors: the room’s function, exposure to moisture or sunlight, frequency of use, and the quality of the original paint job.
At AKD Painting, we help homeowners across Australia plan their painting schedules based on real-world conditions and material performance. This guide breaks down recommended repainting intervals by room, helping you stay ahead of wear and tear while maximising your investment.
Bedrooms: Every 5 to 7 Years
Bedrooms are generally low-traffic areas with minimal exposure to moisture or grease. As such, they tend to hold up well over time — especially if painted with high-quality, washable finishes.
However, even in quiet spaces, dust, sunlight, and minor scuffs can dull paint over time. Walls near beds or dressers may show marks from furniture movement or clothing. Ceilings can yellow slightly due to natural ageing or smoke residue (even from candles or incense).
A fresh coat every five to seven years keeps bedrooms looking clean, bright, and inviting. If you’re planning to sell, updating bedroom walls can significantly enhance buyer appeal without requiring major renovations.
Living Rooms and Family Rooms: Every 3 to 5 Years
These spaces see more daily activity than bedrooms — foot traffic, children playing, pets moving around, and frequent cleaning all contribute to faster wear. Additionally, living rooms often feature large windows that expose walls to UV light, which can cause fading and discolouration over time.
High-quality paints with added durability and scrub resistance are ideal for these areas. Even so, expect to repaint every three to five years, depending on usage and lighting conditions. High-use zones like behind sofas or near doorways may need touch-ups sooner.
If your living room doubles as a dining space or entertainment hub, consider applying a semi-gloss or satin finish — easier to wipe down and more resistant to stains.
Kitchens: Every 3 to 5 Years
Kitchens face some of the toughest environmental challenges: heat, steam, grease, and frequent cleaning. These elements accelerate paint degradation, particularly around stoves, sinks, and range hoods.
Moisture-resistant, mould-inhibiting paints are essential here. A good primer helps seal porous surfaces and prevents stains from penetrating. Professional painters often recommend higher sheen finishes (satin or semi-gloss) for kitchen walls and ceilings — not only for aesthetics but for practicality.
Even with top-tier materials, kitchens typically require repainting every three to five years. Regular cleaning and ventilation help extend the life of the paint, but don’t delay too long — peeling or flaking paint in a kitchen can trap grime and become a hygiene issue.
Bathrooms: Every 2 to 4 Years
Bathrooms are among the most demanding environments in any home. Constant humidity, condensation, and exposure to soap, shampoo, and cleaning products make them prone to mould, mildew, and paint failure.
Low-VOC, anti-mould paints designed specifically for wet areas are crucial. Proper ventilation during and after painting is non-negotiable — professionals ensure adequate airflow to prevent trapped moisture beneath the paint film.
Because of these harsh conditions, bathrooms usually need repainting every two to four years. If you notice bubbling, peeling, or discolouration around showers, bathtubs, or exhaust fans, it’s a sign that the paint has reached its limit — and delaying further could lead to structural damage.
Laundry Rooms: Every 3 to 5 Years
Often overlooked, laundry rooms endure similar stresses to kitchens and bathrooms — moisture from washing machines, detergent splashes, and frequent use of cleaning agents. Walls near dryers or washing machines may also experience heat fluctuations that affect paint adhesion.
Use moisture-resistant paints and consider installing protective splash guards where possible. A fresh coat every three to five years maintains cleanliness and prevents hidden damage from developing unnoticed.
Hallways and Entryways: Every 2 to 4 Years
These transitional spaces may seem less important, but they’re often the most trafficked parts of the house. Doors, walls, and skirting boards take daily abuse from shoes, bags, coats, and furniture being moved through.
High-impact areas benefit from durable, scrubbable finishes. Painters often apply extra coats in hallways and entryways to reinforce longevity. Given the constant wear, plan to repaint every two to four years — especially if you have young children or pets.
Exterior Walls: Every 5 to 10 Years
Outdoor surfaces face the harshest conditions: sun, wind, rain, temperature swings, and pollution. While exterior paint tends to last longer than interior due to thicker formulations and UV protection, it still degrades over time.
Signs it’s time to repaint include fading, chalking (powdery residue when touched), cracking, blistering, or visible wood rot beneath the paint. Coastal properties or homes exposed to direct sunlight may need repainting closer to the five-year mark.
Professional painters assess the condition of existing paint, repair any underlying damage, and choose weather-resistant products suited to your region. A well-executed exterior paint job not only enhances curb appeal but protects your home’s structure from the elements.
Ceilings: Every 5 to 8 Years
Ceilings are often neglected until they start showing signs of age — yellowing, water stains, or uneven texture. Unlike walls, they aren’t subject to frequent contact, so they generally last longer.
However, ceiling paint can accumulate dust and absorb odours over time. In older homes, ceilings may also reveal subtle imperfections once lighting fixtures are upgraded or replaced.
Plan to repaint ceilings every five to eight years, especially if you’ve recently updated lighting or changed wall colours. Matching ceiling tones to new wall shades can dramatically improve the overall look of a room.
Factors That Influence Repainting Frequency
While the above guidelines provide a solid starting point, several variables can shorten or extend your repainting schedule:
- Quality of Original Paint Job
A professional application using premium materials will outlast a rushed DIY effort. Proper surface prep, priming, and multiple coats all contribute to longevity. - Type of Paint Used
Premium paints offer better coverage, fade resistance, and durability. Cheaper options may save money upfront but require more frequent replacement. - Environmental Conditions
Sunlight, humidity, and indoor air quality all impact paint lifespan. Rooms with poor ventilation or extreme exposure may need earlier touch-ups. - Lifestyle and Usage
Families with young children, pets, or active lifestyles will likely need to repaint more frequently than those with quieter households. - Maintenance Habits
Regular cleaning, prompt spot repairs, and avoiding abrasive scrubbing help preserve paint integrity.
When to Repaint Sooner Than Expected
Don’t wait for the clock to run out if you notice any of the following:
- Peeling, flaking, or bubbling paint
- Visible cracks or holes in the surface
- Persistent stains or discolouration
- Mould or mildew growth
- Fading that makes the room feel dull or dated
Addressing these issues early prevents further damage and reduces the cost of future repairs.
Planning Ahead for Long-Term Value
Repainting isn’t just cosmetic — it’s preventative maintenance. A well-timed refresh protects your home’s surfaces, improves indoor air quality, and enhances resale value. By understanding the unique demands of each room, you can create a realistic, sustainable painting schedule that fits your lifestyle and budget.
At AKD Painting, we work with homeowners to develop tailored maintenance plans based on their specific needs, materials used, and environmental conditions. Whether you’re preparing for sale, renovating, or simply maintaining your home’s beauty, our team ensures every paint job delivers lasting results.
For enquiries, call 0474 854 369 and speak with one of our friendly consultants to discuss your next project.