By Rachelle Wilber
Repainting your living room is an exciting opportunity to refresh and transform one of the most lively spaces in your home. While it can feel like a big job at first, with the right guidance, you’ll find the process satisfying and the end result rewarding. Whether you’re reinvigorating your walls with a fresh color or sprucing up the existing look, taking it step-by-step will ensure success. And, if the scope feels a bit much to handle on your own, hiring professional painters is always a great option to get the job done with ease and precision.
Assess Your Living Room
Start by taking a good look at your living room and visualizing the transformation. Look for areas that might need extra attention, like scuffed walls or peeling paint, and think about how you’ll approach them. Identify obstacles like heavy furniture or unique architectural details and map out a game plan to work around them.
If this space sees a lot of activity, plan to paint at a time when it’s least used. Choosing the right moment helps to reduce interruptions while ensuring your project goes smoothly.
Gather Your Materials
Nothing speeds up a project like being well-prepared! Make a list of supplies you’ll need, including interior wall paint, painter’s tape, drop cloths, brushes, rollers, a paint tray, a ladder and plastic sheeting.
Choose a high-quality, washable finish like eggshell or satin. These finishes are perfect for busy spaces since they’re durable and easy to clean. If you’ve got kids, pets or have lots of family gatherings, a scrubbable paint formula is worth considering for long-term protection.
Prep Your Space
A little preparation goes a long way. Begin by removing as much furniture and décor as possible, and move larger pieces to the center of the room. Cover everything with protective plastic sheeting to guard against splatters. Protect your floors with sturdy drop cloths, and use painter’s tape to create crisp borders along baseboards, trim and windows.
Take care of your walls! Clean away stains, sand down rough spots, and patch up any cracks or holes. These steps help ensure a smooth and professional finish once your paint goes on.
Use Primer for the Best Results
Primer can be your secret weapon, especially if you’re switching from a dark color to a lighter one. It helps your paint adhere better, evens out the surface and ensures consistent coverage. For a room as well-loved as your living room, priming can add to the durability and overall quality of the finish. While optional for some, it’s worth considering for a truly polished outcome.
Cut in the Edges
When it’s time to paint, start by “cutting in” the edges and corners of the room with an angled brush. This technique helps you reach those tight spots where a roller might miss, like along trim and at ceiling edges.
Blend in your brushwork with your roller application while the paint is still wet. This creates a seamless look without noticeable overlaps or brush marks.
Inspect and Touch Up
Once the paint has dried, inspect your work under different lighting. Touch up any missed spots with a small brush, and gently remove the painter’s tape to reveal clean, sharp edges. For an extra tidy look, take this time to sharpen lines along trim and corners with careful brushwork, if needed.
Reassemble
When the paint has fully cured—allow for 24 to 48 hours, depending on the paint—it’s time to put your room back together. Take this opportunity to reimagine your space with fresh layouts or reposition furniture to avoid wear and tear on your new walls.
Add felt pads to furniture legs to safeguard against accidental scuffs, and keep some leftover paint for future touch-ups. These small steps help preserve your hard work for years to come.
Repainting your living room doesn’t just breathe new life into your home—it lets you truly make the space your own. With the right preparation and approach, the process can be both fun and fulfilling. If time is tight or the job seems overwhelming, hiring experts is a smart, hassle-free option to help you realize your vision. But, whether you decide to take on the challenge yourself or enlist the help of professionals, like those at Atlanta Painting Company, you’ll enjoy a refreshed, vibrant space that’s ready to handle all the action your household brings. Happy painting!
Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn't on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach or at the gym. Follow her on twitter: @RachelleWilbe
