Painting the walls and ceiling can be one of the most enjoyable parts of decorating a room. It's an easy way to refresh a space, or add character with a new colour.

To get the best finish, it's worth doing some thorough preparation before beginning and then working systematically around the room. With the right tools even the more difficult tasks, like painting the ceiling, can be made easier and more efficient.

In this guide, we'll be;

• Painting the ceiling, coving and walls in a room
• Using a water-based interior emulsion paint - for advice choosing the best paint for your room, check out our Interior paint buying guide
• Completing these tasks with either a brush and roller, or paint pads

For a simple way to update a room, you can’t beat a lick of paint. Whether you’re putting your stamp on your new home, or are renovating a room that needs some TLC, interior paint can transform any space in the house in a few hours.

There are lots of paints available for different surfaces and it can be a bit daunting if you aren’t sure what all the different types, finishes and features mean. We are going to talk you through the ins and outs of interior paint so that you can buy the right paint with confidence.

Shop all paint

Questions to ask before you begin

Which room in the house are you painting?

What goes on in the room you are planning to paint? Maybe you are painting a kitchen or bathroom that would benefit from a moisture-resistant paint. Some rooms might need an extra hard-wearing paint which can be wiped down and cleaned such as hallways, landings or kid’s bedrooms. Finding the right paint isn’t just about which colour you pick. We have different types of paint designed for use in different rooms. By choosing the paint that is specially designed for the type of room you are painting, you will get the best end result.

What type of surface are you painting?

There are different types of paint for different surface materials. As well as a comprehensive selection of emulsion paints for walls and ceilings, we have a wide range of specialist paint including ones that are designed for wood furniture, brick walls, and tiles. Choosing the right paint for the right material will ensure a longer-lasting result and the best coverage.

What kind of look are you going for?

Maybe your home has quite a traditional look and would suit a subtle, matt effect paint. Or perhaps you have a more contemporary style that would look great with a satin or metallic finish paint. When selecting paint, think about what you want the final look to be, so that you can choose the correct finish as well as the right colour.

How much time do you have to complete your decorating project?

If you need to get your painting job done quickly, we have a wide range of quick-drying options that will help you get a whole room decorated in a few hours. We have quick dry wall paint, primers, and wood and metal paint to help you make the most of your time whatever you are painting.

What state is the surface in?

Some of our interior paints can be applied directly to the surface. Others may require a bit of preparation before you can begin painting. Perhaps you are painting a freshly plastered surface or previously untreated wood, or maybe you need to fill in some holes or sand down an uneven surface. We have paints and primers for all sorts of surfaces that will help you achieve a nice, even finish.

Shop all paint