Skip to main content

Is it Safe to Sleep in a Freshly Painted Room?

That 1 Painter is the fastest-growing painting company in the world. Painting your house can be complicated, but with our expertise, we make the process easy and stress-free for homeowners. With locations across the nation, we have helped tens of thousands of homeowners make the best choices for their homes without sacrificing quality, and we are here to show you how.

Painting a bedroom is one of the quickest ways to refresh your home. Whether you’re updating your master suite, preparing a nursery, or giving the guest room a fresh coat, the result is always satisfying. But once the job is done, many people wonder the same thing.

Can you sleep in the room the same night?
Even with the cleanest paints on the market, the answer is usually not right away. Here’s why it’s best to wait, and what you can do to make your space safer and more comfortable after painting.

Why Paint Fumes Should Be Taken Seriously

Most traditional paints contain something called VOCs, which stands for Volatile Organic Compounds. These are chemicals that are released into the air as the paint dries. They are responsible for that familiar “new paint” smell, and in high concentrations, they can affect your indoor air quality and your health.

Symptoms from exposure to VOCs may include:

  • Irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat
  • Headaches or dizziness
  • Trouble sleeping, especially in enclosed spaces

Even though low-VOC and zero-VOC paints significantly reduce these emissions, they do not eliminate them entirely. Some residual fumes may still be present during the initial drying period.

How Long Should You Wait Before Sleeping in a Painted Room?

As a general guideline, it is a good idea to wait at least 24 hours before sleeping in a freshly painted room. This allows time for:

  • The paint to begin its initial curing process
  • Airborne compounds to dissipate
  • The room to return to a safer, fresher air quality level

If the room has poor ventilation or if you are especially sensitive to smells, you may want to wait closer to 48 hours.

Tips for Safe and Speedy Ventilation

To help the room air out more quickly and safely, here are a few simple steps you can take:

  • Open all windows in the room, and if possible, nearby windows to create cross-ventilation
  • Use fans to circulate air and push any fumes outside
  • Keep doors open so air can move freely throughout the house
  • Run an air purifier with a HEPA filter if you have one
  • Hold off on bringing in bedding, rugs, or curtains until the smell is completely gone

These small efforts can make a big difference in how quickly your space becomes livable again.

Special Considerations for Babies, Children, and Sensitive Individuals

If the freshly painted room is for a baby, young child, or someone with allergies or asthma, it is important to be extra cautious. Even low levels of residual fumes can cause discomfort or irritation. In these cases, we recommend waiting at least 48 to 72 hours and ensuring the room has been well ventilated the entire time.

You can also talk to your painter about using products that are specially formulated for extra-sensitive spaces. Many paints today are certified for low emissions and are ideal for nurseries and bedrooms.

We’re Here to Help You Make the Right Choice

At That 1 Painter, we care about more than just a great-looking finish. We also care about your health, your comfort, and the safety of your living space. That is why we use high-quality low-odor paints and help our clients understand how to best re-enter freshly painted rooms.

If you are planning to paint a bedroom or other living space and have questions about paint safety or product recommendations, our team is ready to help. We can walk you through the right choices for your home and make sure everything is done safely and professionally.

Contact us today for a free quote or consultation.
We are happy to answer your questions and help you breathe easy in your newly painted space.

READY TO GET STARTED?

Contact us for a free onsite estimate within 24 hours.

BOOK NOW