If you’ve ever stood at the bottom of your stairs and looked up at that tall entryway thinking, “How am I supposed to paint that?”, you’re not alone. Entryways are often the most visible part of a home, yet they’re also one of the trickiest spaces to paint. Between high ceilings, tight corners, awkward staircases, and light fixtures that seem to be placed just to get in your way, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Many homeowners in Omaha decide to tackle other painting projects themselves, a bedroom, a hallway, or even a small bathroom. But when it comes to a tall, open entryway, the story changes quickly. The height alone can be intimidating, and the risk of a fall or damage to flooring, trim, or light fixtures makes this one project that requires serious caution.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve painted hundreds of two-story entryways throughout Omaha since 1996. From homes in Elkhorn and Millard with grand staircases to newer builds in Bennington with tall foyers, we’ve seen it all. We know what it takes to make an entryway look professionally finished without sacrificing safety.
We use high-quality paints like Benjamin Moore’s Regal Select and Aura, and we take preparation seriously, from protecting floors to ensuring proper ladder setup and ventilation. Whether you’re considering doing this yourself or hiring a professional, our goal in this article is to help you understand exactly what’s involved so you can make an informed, safe decision.
By the end of this article, you’ll know what makes an entryway different from other painting projects, the key safety steps that should never be skipped, and when it might make sense to hire a professional. You’ll also get a clear idea of what to expect cost-wise, including why many Omaha homeowners find professional entryway painting to be well worth the investment.
Painting a room with 8- or 9-foot ceilings feels manageable. But once you get into an entryway that’s 16, 18, or even 20 feet tall, everything changes.
Here’s what makes these spaces so challenging:
Even if you plan to hire a professional, it’s helpful to understand what’s involved. Here’s how to paint an entryway safely, whether you’re doing a simple refresh or changing your home’s entire color scheme.
Before any paint goes up, proper prep is crucial.
Good prep doesn’t just protect your home; it also makes the paint job smoother and safer.
For most Omaha entryways with 16- to 18-foot ceilings, a simple step ladder won’t cut it. Professionals often use adjustable ladders or scaffolding systems that allow for a stable platform.
If you’re painting yourself:
Tip: Use an extension pole with your roller. This allows you to reach higher spots safely without climbing as often.
Safety gear also matters. Non-slip shoes, safety goggles, and a sturdy mask or respirator (especially when sanding or using oil-based primers) can protect you from injury or inhalation hazards.
The higher the wall, the harder it is to maintain consistent coverage. Start with the ceiling first if you’re painting both.
When cutting in along high edges, some professionals use small scaffold planks to work safely side by side, reducing the risk of ladder slips.
Entryways set the tone for your entire home. Lighter colors make the space feel taller and more open, while darker tones can make it cozy but may also highlight uneven lighting.
In Omaha homes, popular entryway colors include:
If you have wood trim, consider whether you want to paint it or keep it natural. Painting can modernize your space, while staining keeps a classic Nebraska charm.
Since Omaha experiences humid summers and dry winters, timing matters. Extreme humidity can cause paint to dry unevenly, while very dry air can make it cure too quickly, leaving brush marks.
Fall and spring are usually ideal for painting interior spaces because temperatures are moderate and humidity levels are more balanced.
If your entryway connects to an exterior door, keep it closed while painting to prevent temperature swings from affecting the finish.
Once the walls are dry, remove painter’s tape carefully, checking for any missed spots or uneven edges. Reinstall light fixtures, wipe down trim, and vacuum any dust left from prep work.
A professional will usually do a final walkthrough to ensure clean lines and full coverage. For DIYers, this step is just as important. Look at your work from different angles and under different lighting conditions, daylight, evening, and artificial light, to catch anything that needs touch-up.
Professional entryway painting in Omaha typically ranges from $2,000 to $3,000, depending on size, ceiling height, and complexity.
Factors that affect cost include:
That price usually includes prep work, materials, labor, and cleanup. For homeowners, it’s often worth the investment for peace of mind, not just for appearance but also for safety.
Even the most confident DIY painter can admit that an entryway feels risky. One slip on a ladder or a poorly balanced setup could lead to serious injury or costly damage.
Professional painters not only have the right tools, but they also know how to work safely at heights, handle difficult lighting, and produce smooth, consistent finishes. They’re also insured — which means if something were to happen, you’re not left with the liability.
At Brush & Roll Painting, for example, our crew is trained to handle high spaces using the proper equipment, and we take great care to protect every part of your home before we even start painting. That level of detail helps ensure both safety and a long-lasting finish.
If your entryway is smaller, has a lower ceiling (under 10 feet), and doesn’t include stairs or complex trim, you may be able to handle it yourself.
In that case:
But if you’re facing a two-story space, multiple colors, or hard-to-reach areas, hiring a pro is almost always the safer and smarter option.
Painting an entryway safely is about more than just having a steady hand. It involves the right equipment, careful planning, and an understanding of how to work in tall, high-traffic spaces. You now know how to:
If your entryway has high ceilings or a staircase, painting it safely requires the right approach. You’ve learned what makes this area challenging, what tools professionals use, and why safety and prep are so essential.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve helped Omaha homeowners transform their entryways for nearly 30 years, not just for beauty, but for safety and quality that lasts.
If you’re ready to refresh your entryway but don’t want to worry about ladders, heights, or safety gear, click the button below to get a quote.
If you’re still exploring options, try our interior painting pricing calculator to estimate what your project might cost before scheduling an exact quote.