Is it worth repainting the inside of my closets and pantry or do painters usually skip those areas?

Most painters skip closets and pantries unless specifically requested, but repainting these spaces is often worth the modest extra cost for a complete, fresh look throughout your home.

Interior closets and pantries are typically considered "optional" areas in standard painting contracts. Many contractors exclude them from base pricing because they assume homeowners won't see the value in painting spaces that are largely hidden behind clothes and stored items. However, painting these areas provides several benefits that many Metro Vancouver homeowners find worthwhile.

Fresh, clean closets enhance your home's overall appeal, especially if you're preparing to sell or simply want that "completely refreshed" feeling throughout your living space. Walk-in closets, bedroom closets, and pantries with good lighting benefit significantly from a fresh coat of paint — it makes the space feel cleaner, brighter, and more organized. White or light neutral colours in closets also help you see clothing and stored items more clearly, which is particularly valuable in Metro Vancouver homes where many closets lack windows and rely entirely on artificial lighting.

The cost addition is typically modest — most painting contractors charge $100–$300 per closet depending on size and prep needed. A standard bedroom closet (6x8 feet interior) usually adds $150–$250 to your project cost. Walk-in closets cost more ($300–$500) due to their larger wall area and the need to work around built-in shelving and hanging systems. Pantries fall into a similar range depending on size and whether shelving needs to be worked around or temporarily removed.

Prep work in closets is usually minimal since these spaces see less wear, fewer scuffs, and no UV damage. However, older Metro Vancouver homes may have closets that haven't been painted in decades, with accumulated dust, minor stains from hangers, or that yellowed look that develops over time. Wire shelving can leave rust marks on walls that should be primed before painting. Cedar closets require special consideration — if you want to maintain the cedar's natural moth-repelling properties, avoid painting the cedar surfaces.

Timing considerations matter because closets need to be completely emptied before painting, and you'll need 24–48 hours for proper drying before reloading them with clothes and items. This can be logistically challenging, especially for master bedroom walk-in closets that hold extensive wardrobes. Plan to have temporary storage solutions ready, and consider doing closets early in a whole-house painting project so you can move items back while other rooms are being painted.

When to definitely include closets: If you're doing a complete interior repaint, selling your home, or if the closets are noticeably dingy compared to the refreshed rooms. Walk-in closets with good lighting show paint quality more than small, dark bedroom closets. Pantries are worth painting if they're large enough to walk into or if you frequently access them — the fresh, clean look makes a difference in spaces you use daily.

When you might skip them: In rental properties where the focus is on main living areas, or if budget is tight and the closets are in decent condition. Small, dark closets that are packed with items and rarely seen may not provide enough visual impact to justify the cost.

Most professional painters are happy to include closets when asked — it's straightforward work that adds to their project value. Just make sure closets are specifically mentioned in your painting contract and estimate so there's no confusion about what's included.

Need help finding a painting contractor for your interior project? Vancouver Paint Contractors can match you with local professionals who will clearly outline what's included in their standard interior painting package and provide transparent pricing for optional areas like closets and pantries.