Last updated: 7 October 2026
Often, yes. Closing completely is the simplest way to decorate, but it isn't the only way, and for many businesses it isn't affordable. With good planning, a shop, salon, office or restaurant can usually stay open, or close for far less time than expected. The key is to agree the plan before any paint goes on. Here's how it works, and what to think about.
Planning matters more than speed
The most disruptive decorating jobs are the ones that aren't planned: sudden furniture moves, surprise smells, rooms that can't be used and no clear end time. A good plan sets out which areas are done when, how the business carries on in the meantime, and who's responsible for what. Walk the premises with the decorator before the job so they can see the layout, the busy areas and the things that can't be moved.
Phasing the work
Instead of doing everything at once, the work can be split into zones, such as the shop floor one week and the stockroom the next, or one office wing at a time. Each zone is cleared, protected, decorated and handed back before the next starts. This keeps most of the business running, and it makes it easier to fit around deliveries, meetings and busy days.
Agreeing working hours
The right hours depend on your business. Some premises are best decorated before opening or after closing, others on the quietest days of the week, and some during normal hours if the area can be screened off. Agree the hours, the access arrangements and the times the premises must be clear, and check any restrictions from your landlord, neighbours or building management.
Protecting stock, fittings and equipment
Stock, shelving, counters, displays and computers need to be moved or covered before painting begins, and the floor needs proper protection. Sanding and preparation create dust, so sensitive equipment should be covered or moved out of the work area. Agree who moves what, and make a note of anything fragile or valuable.
Paint, smells and drying times
Water-based paints have less smell and dry quickly, which makes them a good choice for occupied premises. Good ventilation helps, and so does scheduling the smellier or messier stages for quiet periods. Wet paint needs to be marked and barriered off, and surfaces need to dry properly before they're used. Ask the decorator which products they'll use and how long each area needs before it can be returned to use.
Health, safety and access
Customers and staff need to move safely around the work. Ladders, dust sheets, cables and wet paint signs all need managing, and clear signage and barriers help. It's reasonable to ask whether the decorator has public liability insurance and how they manage safety in occupied premises, and your landlord or building management may want details before work starts.
Choosing durable finishes
Commercial walls take far more wear than domestic ones. Washable, hard-wearing paints on busy walls, durable finishes on woodwork and doors, and moisture-resistant products in kitchens and toilets will all keep the premises looking good for longer between repaints. The colours and finishes you choose also send a message about the business, so it's worth thinking about them before you decide.
Check your lease
If you rent the premises, check whether you need consent to change colours or finishes, whether you're required to use approved contractors and what your obligations are when the lease ends. It's much easier to sort this out before the work than after it.
What to agree in writing
Before you start, agree:
- the areas included and the order they'll be done in
- the working hours, access and times the premises must be clear
- who moves stock and furniture, and who protects what
- the paint, finish and number of coats
- the timescale, the price and the payment terms
Planning to decorate your premises? Use the quote form to tell us about the business, the layout and the hours you can offer, and attach photos if you can. We'll come back with a free written quote that sets out the plan.
