Living room and bedroom: Where aesthetics and cleanliness matter most

Living rooms and bedrooms are among the least heavily used spaces in a home. Even so, walls gradually collect dirt, lose their brightness and colours begin to fade. If there are no small children or pets in the household, repainting every 5 to 7 years is usually sufficient.

It is important to consider the quality of previous decorating work, the type of paint used and any presence of moisture. Walls that were properly prepared with primer, followed by two solid base coats and a quality top coat, will maintain their appearance much longer. Well-executed wall skimming creates a smooth and durable surface that makes future repainting easier.

If you prefer wallpapering, especially with non-woven or vinyl wallpaper, the surface can last significantly longer, in some cases up to 10 years. Correct installation and proper surface preparation are essential.

Kitchen and dining area: Rooms with higher wear

The kitchen is one of the most demanding rooms in any home. High humidity, cooking vapours, grease and frequent contact with walls all reduce the lifespan of paint. Repainting every 3 to 4 years is recommended, particularly if standard interior paints are used.

Washable paints are a major advantage in kitchens, as they resist grease and allow regular cleaning without damaging the surface. When walls are correctly primed and finished with high-quality paint, durability increases and maintenance becomes easier.

Vinyl wallpaper can be an alternative solution in kitchens, as it is moisture-resistant and easy to wipe clean. Even so, refreshing or replacing wall finishes should be expected every 4 to 6 years.

Children’s rooms and hallways: Areas with the most wear

Children’s rooms usually require the most frequent repainting. Children often draw on walls, lean against them or spill liquids. For this reason, repainting every 2 to 3 years is recommended, ideally using washable or eco-friendly paints.

Hallways and staircases also experience heavy wear due to constant foot traffic, hand contact and dirt brought in from outside. These areas should generally be repainted every 3 to 4 years, or sooner in busy households.

For a longer-lasting solution with less frequent repainting, non-woven wallpaper can be used. It hides minor imperfections and is more durable than traditional paper wallpaper.

Bathroom and toilet: High moisture requires specialist solutions

Bathrooms and toilets are highly specific environments due to constant moisture, temperature changes and condensation. Standard paints rarely perform well in these conditions. Special moisture-resistant or mould-inhibiting paints designed for humid spaces are essential.

The recommended repainting interval is every 2 to 3 years, particularly if signs of mould or peeling appear. In these rooms, careful wall preparation and proper skimming are crucial to prevent moisture penetration into the substrate.

Vinyl wallpaper is increasingly used in bathrooms because it resists moisture and is easy to maintain. However, it requires precise installation and effective ventilation to perform well over time.

How to plan painting work properly

When planning repainting, it is important to assess the current condition of the walls, colour preferences and budget. A professional approach includes selecting the correct primer, carrying out proper wall preparation and applying a quality finishing coat that will last for years.

Room preparation should not be overlooked. Furniture needs protection, floors should be covered and walls thoroughly cleaned. In some cases, removing old wallpaper or repairing cracks in plaster may be necessary.

What factors affect the lifespan of paintwork?

The durability of paint depends on several key factors:

• type of room and level of use
  
• quality and type of paint
  
• humidity, temperature and ventilation
  
• correct surface preparation, including skimming and priming
  
• choice between painting and wallpapering
  

Paper wallpaper is best suited to dry, low-traffic rooms. Vinyl wallpaper performs better in kitchens and bathrooms, while non-woven wallpaper offers a good balance between durability and appearance.

Do not underestimate intervals that save you money

Regular painting is one of the simplest ways to maintain a home. Clean, fresh walls improve comfort, enhance the interior appearance and extend the lifespan of surfaces. Setting repainting intervals based on room usage helps prevent costly repairs and unnecessary expenses in the future.

If you are unsure when it is time to repaint, professional advice can help you choose the right solution and invest in quality that pays off through long-term comfort and satisfaction.