How to Paint a Living Room With a Stairway Going Upstairs

Move all the furniture and other movable items out of the living room. Remove any pictures from the walls of the living room and stairway. Cover the floors and stairs with sheets or drop cloths to protect the floor from paint splashes. Cover the banister and any immovable fixtures in the rooms with old sheets or drop cloths. Set out your step ladder and ensure it is level and safe to use.

Remove any flaking paint and any wallpaper that is to be replaced from the walls and ceiling, using a paint scraper. Brush the walls and ceiling with a dry paint brush to remove any debris. Wash the walls and ceiling with a sponge, soap and water to remove any debris that can prevent a smooth surface forming after you paint. Let the surfaces dry thoroughly before painting.

Paint the bulk of the ceiling with a paint roller, beginning in one corner and moving outward. Paint the edges of the ceiling with a paintbrush to prevent accidents. Go right up to the edge of the stairway when decorating the ceiling but not over it onto part of the upper floor's color scheme. Use the step ladder when using the paintbrush. Allow the paint to dry. Paint the ceiling a second time.

Paint the majority of the walls using the paint roller to save time and ensure even coverage. Paint the edges of the walls using a paintbrush to prevent accidental painting of the ceiling or skirting boards. Paint the wall going up the stairway up to the point where the staircase meets the floor of the next level. Allow the paint to dry and then paint a second coat as necessary. Paint the skirting boards with a paintbrush.