Penthouse Painting & Decorating

Common Challenges

The primary challenge in penthouse decoration is achieving a flawless finish across large, unbroken wall and ceiling areas where strong natural light will reveal the slightest imperfection. Surface preparation must be immaculate, with every joint, fixing, and repair invisible beneath the final coats. In new-build penthouses, shrinkage cracking along plasterboard joints is a common issue, particularly in the first two years after construction, and these cracks must be properly treated with flexible fillers and reinforcing tape before decoration. Double-height spaces present significant access challenges, requiring scaffold towers or specialist platform systems to reach upper walls and ceilings safely. The acoustic properties of large open-plan spaces can also be affected by paint choices, and some clients request specialist acoustic plaster finishes. In period building penthouses, the roof structure may introduce complications such as irregular angles, exposed steelwork from loft conversions, and complex junctions between old and new construction that require careful surface preparation. Coordinating with building management regarding lift access for materials and equipment, and respecting the security requirements of high-value properties, adds a logistical layer to every penthouse project.

Our Recommended Approach

Penthouse decoration demands the most refined products and techniques available. For walls in principal entertaining spaces, we often recommend polished plaster finishes or, where conventional paint is preferred, Farrow & Ball Dead Flat, which provides an ultra-matt, velvety surface that looks exceptional under strong natural light. Little Greene Absolute Matt Emulsion is another superb choice, offering remarkable depth of colour with virtually no sheen. For woodwork and built-in joinery, a spray-applied finish is often preferable to brush or roller, as it produces the perfectly smooth, factory-quality surface that penthouse interiors demand. We use HVLP spray systems with Mylands or Little Greene eggshell to achieve this. Ceiling decoration in double-height spaces requires careful planning, with scaffold towers erected and dismantled in sequence to minimise disruption. For penthouse properties with roof terraces, we recommend coordinating exterior metalwork and railing painting with the interior programme to ensure a cohesive finish. Colour consultancy for penthouses must account for the exceptional light levels that these properties enjoy, as colours will appear significantly lighter and cooler than they would in a conventional flat.