Can Kitchen Paint Be Used in Other Rooms?

If you’ve recently painted your kitchen, chances are good that you have some leftover paint in your storage. And when you see all those leftover gallons of perfectly usable paint, your first thought is, “Hey! I could use this extra paint in my living room, bedroom, or bathroom.”

But wait – Before using that kitchen paint in any other room, check whether it’s a wise decision to do so or not.

I talked to other paint experts and did some digging myself. And based on my experiences and findings, I’ve got many things you need to know about painting cross-rooms with leftover kitchen paint.

First and foremost, kitchen paint is much like other paints (somewhat superior), so it can be used in any room, including the bedroom, living room, bathroom, attic, storage room, etc.

In fact, paints labeled “kitchen paint” are thicker, easier to apply, and do the job well. But it may be expensive to use in other areas of your home because it’s designed to be more moisture and oil-resistant and comes at premium pricing.

That said, you should never try vice versa, i.e., do not skimp on quality by using regular paint in your kitchen. Since your kitchen walls and other surfaces need tough coatings, only choose a durable paint brand that will withstand constant exposure to water and grease.

Kitchen Paint vs. Regular Paint

For starters, kitchen paints tend to be more expensive but durable than regular paints because of the unique additives, polymers, and pigments added to them.

Just think of all the splatters your kitchen walls may experience if you accidentally splash tomato sauce, oils, juices, or smoothies while preparing in the mixer early morning. All these substances are prone to staining walls, and regular paint may not withstand all of that messes as effectively as kitchen paint.

Aside from the price and durability, there is also a difference in finish.

Most kitchen paints are satin, semi-gloss, or high-gloss, while regular ones used in the bedroom or living room can have a more matte or flat finish. This is because semi-gloss and high-gloss paints are easier to clean – and in a room like a kitchen, that’s important.

Using Kitchen Paints in the Bedroom

Your kitchen is mostly smaller than a bedroom or living area, which means a gallon of leftover paint will likely cover a small wall section or furniture in another room.

By that, I don’t mean to say you can’t use kitchen paint in other rooms like bedrooms or living rooms. You can use them, but you may need to mix them with other paints and colors to create a custom hue, which will, again, be a costly endeavor.

So, it might be much better to buy a new can of paint that’s the exact color you want for your room. However, if it’s for a furniture piece, an accent wall in the bedroom, or any other tiny area – yeah, go ahead, as one gallon will probably suffice.

Using Kitchen-Specific Paints in Bathroom

Bathroom surfaces, like your kitchen walls, take a lot of wear and tear from hard water stains, soap, shampoo, hair oils, and steam damage. Many times, there can also be ventilation issues since windows may not be as accessible in these rooms.

Since paints designed for kitchen areas are excellent at resisting mold and mildew, they are ideal for bathroom walls and areas with high humidity or constant exposure to water and grease.

So, if you’re looking for paint that will last longer and stand up to wear and tear in your bathroom, kitchen paint is a good option. However, if you’re looking for an affordable paint that’s easier to apply on a bathroom ceiling and doesn’t require as many coats, regular paint can be a better choice.

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Should My Kitchen And Living Room Be the Same Color or Different?

While you don’t have to use the same colors throughout your home, sticking to a similar color scheme helps create a sense of unity between rooms.

But be aware drastic changes in shades can also be jarring and unpleasant. So it’s best to pick the colors specifically for each room that is complementary yet still unique.

For instance, your kitchen and living room could be different colors but within the same family of colors, like a warm yellow for the kitchen and a golden amber hue for the living room. Or you could use different shades of blues or greens to create contrast but still maintain a sense of flow between the two rooms.

You could also use light blue in your kitchen and a darker blue in your living room. Or, you could use white in your kitchen and light gray in your living room.

More or less, this is a matter of personal preference, which means you can carry the same color through both rooms for a sense of cohesion, or you can use slightly different colors to create a bit of contrast.

My Advice to Pick the Color Scheme for Your House

A favorite method veteran decorators use to produce congruent decorations throughout the house is choosing three to five colors.

One of these hues will be the room’s primary color and make up around 60% percent of it. Another shade takes up 30%, while the last appears in only 10%  of the area.

By mixing different permutations of these colors in every room, you add contrast between them without using too many shades and making the space seem overwhelmed or gaudy.

If you’re unsure, you can always consult a professional painter or interior designer for the best way to achieve your desired look.

The bottom line

While there’s no reason you cannot use kitchen paint in other rooms, it’s important to understand the differences between the kitchen and regular paint so you can choose the best option for your needs.

If you’re looking for durable, long-lasting paint in your bedroom or living room, kitchen paint is a good choice.

However, regular paint is a better option if you’re looking for a more affordable, easy-to-apply product that doesn’t require as many coats. The key is to experiment with different colors and combinations so you choose a color scheme that you love and that reflects your style.