Typical timings
The time it takes depends on the size of the room, what's being painted, and how much preparation is needed.
| Room and scope | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Small bedroom, walls only | 1 day |
| Double bedroom, walls only | 1 – 1.5 days |
| Double bedroom, walls and ceiling | 1.5 – 2 days |
| Double bedroom, walls, ceiling and woodwork | 2 – 3 days |
| Large bedroom with lots of prep | 3 – 4 days |
Typical time for one decorator to paint a bedroom
A typical two-day schedule
Here's how a decorator might approach a double bedroom with walls, ceiling and woodwork:
- Day 1 morning: move and cover furniture, protect floors, fill and sand walls
- Day 1 afternoon: prepare woodwork, first coat on the ceiling, first coat on walls
- Day 2 morning: second coat on ceiling and walls
- Day 2 afternoon: undercoat or first coat on woodwork
- Day 3 (if needed): final coat on woodwork, tidy up and put the room back
Why it can't be done faster
Paint needs time to dry between coats. Water-based emulsions are often touch-dry quickly, but recoat times vary by product and conditions. Woodwork paints, particularly oil-based ones, take longer. Rushing coats can lead to a poor finish.
Our guide to paint drying times explains more.
Rather leave it to a professional?
What slows things down
Common reasons a bedroom takes longer include:
- Lots of filling and sanding
- Big colour changes needing extra coats
- Stains needing primer
- Fitted wardrobes, built-in furniture and lots of woodwork
- New plaster needing a mist coat
- Wallpaper to strip
Planning around the job
If the bedroom is in use, plan where you'll sleep for a night or two, especially if oil-based paint is being used. Our guide to preparing your home for a decorator has practical tips. For prices, see how much it costs to paint a room, and get quotes from local interior decorators.
