How Much Paint Does a Bedroom Need?
The amount of paint a bedroom needs depends on its size, ceiling height, and number of coats. A standard 12x14 bedroom has approximately 365 square feet of wall area after deducting one door and two windows. At 400 square feet per gallon, two coats requires about 1.8 gallons. Most homeowners round up and buy 2 gallons — enough for two full coats plus touch-ups.
For a master bedroom measuring 14x16 or larger, budget 2.5 to 3.5 gallons for two coats. Use the calculator above and enter your exact dimensions for a precise estimate.
In litres, a standard bedroom needs 7 to 9 litres for two coats. A 5 litre tin plus a 2.5 litre tin is the right combination for most bedrooms. In the UK, Dulux and Crown both sell bedroom paint in sizes ideally suited to this room size.
Bedroom Paint Calculator — Reference Table
| Bedroom Size | 1 Coat | 2 Coats | Litres (2 coats) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10x10 (small) | 0.7 gal | 1.3 gal | ~5 litres |
| 12x12 (standard) | 0.85 gal | 1.7 gal | ~6.5 litres |
| 12x14 (standard) | 0.9 gal | 1.8 gal | ~7 litres |
| 14x16 (large) | 1.2 gal | 2.4 gal | ~9 litres |
| 16x20 (master) | 1.7 gal | 3.4 gal | ~13 litres |
Best Paint Finish for a Bedroom
Eggshell is the most popular finish for bedrooms and the right choice for most situations. It has a soft low-sheen appearance, is washable, and hides minor wall imperfections better than flat paint.
Satin is a good alternative for children's bedrooms where walls get touched frequently. It is slightly more durable and scrubbable than eggshell. Avoid semi-gloss or gloss on bedroom walls — high-sheen finishes highlight every imperfection and feel clinical in living spaces.
Best Paint Colours for a Bedroom in 2026
Neutral and soft tones dominate bedroom colour choices because they create a calm relaxing atmosphere. The most popular bedroom colours in 2026 are warm whites, soft greiges, and muted blues and greens.
Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray (SW 7029) is the best-selling bedroom colour in the US — a warm greige that works with virtually any furniture and bedding. Benjamin Moore White Dove (OC-17) is the go-to soft white for bedrooms with a warm undertone that prevents the cold look of pure white. Behr Dusty Miller (790C-3) is a popular soft blue-gray proven to promote relaxation and sleep quality.
Tips for Painting a Bedroom
Move furniture to the centre first. Cover with drop cloths and tape edges. Trying to paint around furniture wastes time and causes missed spots.
Paint ceiling before walls. Always work top to bottom. Ceiling drips get covered when you roll the walls.
Two thin coats beat one thick coat. Thick coats drip, take longer to dry, and look uneven. Two thin coats give a smoother more professional finish.
Test a patch first. Always paint a 12x12 inch test patch and check it in both daylight and artificial light. Colours change dramatically under different lighting.
Allow 24 hours before replacing furniture. Paint feels dry after 2 hours but takes 24 hours to fully cure. Moving furniture too soon causes scuffs.
Related Paint Calculators
- How Much Paint for a 10x10 Room →
- How Much Paint for a 12x12 Room →
- How Much Paint for a 12x14 Room →
- How Much Paint for a Bedroom? →
- Primer Calculator — How Much Primer Do I Need? →
- How Much Does it Cost to Paint a Bedroom? →
- Free Paint Calculator — Calculate Any Room →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much paint do I need for a bedroom?
Most bedrooms need 2 to 2.5 gallons for two coats on the walls. A standard 12x14 bedroom needs about 1.8 gallons. Use the calculator above and enter your exact dimensions for a precise estimate.
What paint finish is best for a bedroom?
Eggshell is the best finish for most bedrooms. It has a soft low-sheen look, is washable, and hides wall imperfections. Satin is a good alternative for children's bedrooms where walls need more scrubbing.
How many gallons for a master bedroom?
A master bedroom typically needs 2.5 to 3.5 gallons for two coats. Enter your exact dimensions in the calculator above for a precise estimate based on your ceiling height and number of windows.
How many litres of paint for a bedroom?
A standard bedroom needs 7 to 9 litres for two coats on the walls. Buy a 5 litre tin plus a 2.5 litre tin. A large master bedroom may need 10 to 13 litres.
Should I paint the bedroom ceiling the same colour as walls?
Painting ceiling and walls the same colour creates a cocooning effect that works well in bedrooms. If you prefer contrast, white or off-white ceilings are the most popular choice. Check the ceiling surface box in the calculator to include it in your estimate.
How long does it take to paint a bedroom?
A standard bedroom takes 4 to 6 hours with two coats including prep and drying time. A large master bedroom may take a full day. Allow 24 hours before moving furniture back in.