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myCost of Painting a Room
At a Glance
- The average cost to paint a 12m² room is about £400.
- This type of job usually takes a professional between 1 and 2 days to complete.
- NEW! Our interactive room painting cost calculator — get a personalised cost estimate.
- Details of how much painters charge to paint rooms of different sizes and complexity.
- Factors that can impact the cost and timescales to paint a room.
- How to find and hire a local painter and decorator using MyJobQuote.
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£400
Table of Contents
How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Room?
Painting a bedroom typically costs £250 to £660, including labour and materials. For an average 12m² bedroom, you can expect to pay around £400.
Most rooms take around 1 to 2 days to paint, although this will depend on the amount of preparation needed and the surfaces being painted.
The overall cost will also depend on whether you're having the ceiling, skirting boards and other woodwork painted. It's worth checking what's included in your quote before hiring a painter and decorator.
Typical Room Painting Prices
The table below shows the typical cost of painting different rooms.
| Painting Job | Typical Size | Timescale | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Box room | 7 to 9m² | 4 to 6 hours | £175–£300 |
| Bathroom | 6 to 9m² | 5 to 7 hours | £150–£300 |
| Kitchen | 10 to 15m² | 5 to 7 hours | £250–£500 |
| Small bedroom | 10 to 12m² | 1 day | £250–£400 |
| Large bedroom | 14 to 20m² | 1 to 1.5 days | £350–£660 |
| Small living room | 12 to 16m² | 1 to 1.5 days | £300–£530 |
| Large living room | 20 to 30m² | 1.5 to 2 days | £500–£990 |
| Hall, stairs & landing | 35 to 40m² | 1.5 to 2 days | £875–£1,350+ |
| Ceiling only | 12m² ceiling | 1 day | £200–£300 |
| One painted feature wall | One wall in a standard bedroom | 1 day | £200–£300 |
| Room repaint with feature wall | 10 to 12m² room | 1 day | £300–£450 |
| Skirting boards | Standard 3m × 3m room | 1 day | Around £200 |
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How Much to Paint a House Interior?
Painting several rooms together can work out cheaper per room because the decorator can share preparation and clean-up time across the job, and work in another room while paint dries. Using the same paint throughout can also reduce waste.
| Property Type | Timescale | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom flat | 4 to 6 days | £800–£1,700 |
| 2-bedroom house | 6 to 8 days | £1,200–£2,300 |
| 3-bedroom house | 8 to 10 days | £1,600–£2,900 |
| 4-bedroom house | 10 to 12 days | £2,000–£3,500 |
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These estimates cover labour and standard emulsion paint for interior walls in reasonable condition. Ceilings, skirting boards, doors, wallpaper removal, and major repairs are extra.
Painting Cost Calculator
How Much Do Painters Charge?
Painters and decorators usually charge by the day or give a fixed price for the room. The table below shows typical daily rates and estimated hourly equivalents.
| Labour Rate | Outside London | London |
|---|---|---|
| Per day | £150–£250 | £250–£350 |
| Per hour | Around £19–£31 | Around £31–£44 |
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The hourly figures are calculated from an eight-hour working day. A decorator's quoted hourly rate may differ, particularly for smaller jobs with a minimum charge.
For a room costing £400 overall, allowing £50 for paint leaves approximately £350 for labour. The actual split will depend on the preparation needed, paint choice and whether ceilings or woodwork are included.
Painting labour typically costs £10 to £20 per m² of surface being painted.
Before hiring a painter and decorator, agree what the quote includes, from moving furniture and preparing surfaces to painting ceilings and woodwork. You should also check how many coats of paint are included and whether VAT is covered in the price. Getting quotes from several decorators for the same work and paint quality can help you compare prices and find the best deal.
The table below compares painting costs for a 15m² room in London and elsewhere in the UK, across different finish levels.
| Finish Level | Average Cost (London) | Average Cost (UK) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | £360–£480 | £300–£390 |
| Standard | £450–£570 | £360–£465 |
| Premium | £510–£690 | £420–£570 |
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How Much Can a Painter Complete in a Day?
A decorator may complete a straightforward small bedroom in 1 day, while larger rooms can take 1 to 2 days. Wallpaper removal, surface repairs and detailed woodwork add time. Drying between coats can also mean the work needs to be spread across separate visits.
Supply Cost of Painting a Room
If you're planning to paint a room yourself, one of your main expenses will be the paint. The overall cost will depend on the size of the room, the type of paint you choose and how many coats you need. You'll also need to factor in the cost of painting equipment, such as brushes, rollers, masking tape and dust sheets, if you don't already have them.
The table below shows estimated paint costs for different rooms, excluding labour and decorating equipment.
| Room Type | Typical Size | Material Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Box room | 7 to 9m² | £30–£175 |
| Bathroom | 6 to 9m² | £25–£175 |
| Kitchen | 10 to 15m² | £35–£225 |
| Small bedroom | 10 to 12m² | £35–£200 |
| Large bedroom | 14 to 20m² | £45–£275 |
| Small living room | 12 to 16m² | £40–£250 |
| Large living room | 20 to 30m² | £55–£350 |
| Hall, stairs & landing | 35 to 40m² | £80–£425 |
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Is It Cheaper to Paint a Room Yourself?
Painting a room yourself is usually cheaper than hiring a professional, as you'll save money on labour costs. However, you'll still need to pay for paint and any equipment you don't already have, such as brushes, rollers and dust sheets.
You'll also need to set aside time to prepare the room, paint the surfaces and clean up afterwards.
Hiring a painter and decorator will cost more, but it can save you time and effort. A professional will also have the experience needed to prepare surfaces properly and paint around edges and woodwork, helping you achieve a neat, even finish.
Should I start painting a room from the ceiling or walls? What’s the professional approach?
"Always start at the top. Ceilings first, then walls and woodwork. As a professional, I have a system that works for me. You start with ceilings and top to bottom. That way, if you get any drops on the lower half, you can roll it out as it’s not finished."
Choosing Paint for Your Room
Matt emulsion is a common choice for bedroom and living-room walls. For kitchens and bathrooms, look for paint designed to cope with moisture and regular cleaning. Woodwork such as doors and skirting boards needs a suitable trim paint.
Paint prices vary by brand and finish, but as a rough guide you can expect to pay:
- Matt Paint — £5 to £8 per litre.
- Satin Paint — £8 to £16 per litre.
- Gloss Paint — £12 to £25 per litre.
How Much Paint Do I Need?
The amount of paint you'll need depends on the size of the room, the area you're painting and how many coats are required. For example, a 4m × 3m room with 2.4m-high ceilings will need around 6 litres of paint for 2 coats on the walls, assuming the paint covers 12m² per litre. If you're also painting the ceiling, you'll need around 8 litres in total.
These estimates don't account for doors and windows, so the amount you need may be slightly lower. Textured or absorbent surfaces and strong colour changes may need extra paint or additional coats.
Why not try our paint coverage calculator below to find out roughly how much paint you'll need for your room?
Paint Coverage Calculator
Factors That Impact the Cost of Painting a Room
When you choose to hire a professional decorator, there are several factors which impact painting and decorating prices.
Choice of Paint and Materials Used
Your choice of paint affects material costs, with premium brands and specialist finishes generally costing more than standard emulsion. Extra coats needed to cover a strong colour can also increase the amount of paint and labour required.
Location and Regional Differences
Where you live can affect the cost of hiring a painter and decorator, with labour rates generally higher in London than in other parts of the UK. Prices can also vary depending on local demand and the decorator's experience, so it's worth comparing quotes from several tradespeople to find the best price.
Amount of Preparation Required
Walls and woodwork in poor condition take longer to prepare, increasing labour costs. Removing wallpaper, repairing damaged plaster and dealing with peeling paint can all add to the work needed before painting starts. Ask your decorator which preparation tasks are included in the quote.
The plaster is dry, but it has only been a few days since it has been completed. I’ve been advised that I could apply mist coats first to help seal the plaster – is this necessary, or should I just wait a little longer for the plaster to settle before painting?
"You definitely need to give it a mist coat. The watered-down paint (50/50 with water) absorbs into the plaster, making sure you have a much better finish; if not, it can be patchy and won't cover properly at all, and more importantly the paint can peel off if the plaster has been finished to a mirror finish. So yes, always apply a mist coat."
Room Size and Complexity
Larger rooms tend to cost more to paint as they have more wall space and require more paint and labour. Features such as alcoves, coving and built-in cupboards can also increase the cost, as they take longer to paint around, even in smaller rooms.
Access and Extra Detailing
Furniture and hard-to-reach areas can make painting more difficult and increase labour costs, as your decorator may need extra time to complete the work. Painting skirting boards, doors and window frames may also cost extra, so it's worth checking which woodwork is included in your quote.
Additional Room Painting Costs
Preparation work and optional decorating jobs can increase your overall bill. Check which tasks are included in your room-painting quote and ask for any extras to be priced separately.
- Wallpaper Removal — Existing wallpaper may need stripping before the walls can be painted. Wallpaper removal costs typically range from £300 to £600 per room, depending on the room size and how difficult the paper is to remove.
- Plaster Repairs — Removing wallpaper can reveal damaged plaster that needs attention before painting. The cost of plaster repairs is typically £100 to £300 for patch repairs, with more extensive work priced separately.
- Lead Paint Removal — If you live in an older property, some surfaces may contain lead paint and it's important to get professional advice before removing or disturbing it. Professional lead paint removal typically costs between £70 and £770, depending on the size of the area and the removal method.
- Painting Skirting Boards — Painting your skirting boards can help give your room a fresh, finished look. You can expect to pay around £200 to have the skirting boards painted in a standard-sized room.
- Painting Staircases — Painting the staircase can freshen up your hallway alongside newly painted rooms. Priming and painting a typical stairwell costs around £350 to £450.
- Painting Exterior Doors — If your exterior doors are looking worn or faded, a fresh coat of paint can improve their appearance. Exterior door painting costs average around £200.
- Painting the House Exterior — Painting your home's exterior can refresh its appearance and protect the outside surfaces. The cost to paint a house exterior averages around £3,650 for a two-storey, 3-bedroom house.
Paint vs Wallpaper Cost
The cost of painting or wallpapering a room depends on its size, the condition of the walls and your chosen finish. The table below compares painting prices with estimated wallpapering costs, including supply of materials and the decorator's labour.
| Room Example | Painting Cost | Estimated Wallpapering Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small bedroom, 12m² | £250–£400 | £480–£540 |
| Small living room, 16m² | £300–£530 | £540–£620 |
| Large living room, 25m² | £500–£990 | £680–£780 |
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Wallpapering estimates assume prepared walls, standard printed wallpaper and a ceiling height of 2.4m. Removing old wallpaper, repairing damaged plaster or choosing a complex pattern can increase the price.
For a small bedroom with prepared walls, wallpaper hanging costs are typically £300 to £400, excluding the wallpaper itself.
What’s the main reason you’re considering painting a room?
To fix damage or wear
91 votes - 22%22% of votes
To prepare for selling or renting the property
93 votes - 23%23% of votes
To change the style or color entirely
67 votes - 16%16% of votes
To freshen up the existing look
160 votes - 39%39% of votes
411 votes
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What's Involved in Painting a Room?
Painting a room might seem like something you could do yourself, but there's a lot of skill involved in getting a smooth, durable, professional-looking finish.
This is why many homeowners choose to hire a professional decorator to paint their rooms.
When you decide to hire a professional, it's always a good idea to get quotes from multiple decorators. With MyJobQuote, you can get fast, free, no-obligation quotes from decorators near you.
This is what to expect when you get a room painted by a professional:
Before the Job
- Initial Visit & Quote — The painter will assess the room to measure the size and check the condition of the walls and ceiling. They'll discuss colours and finishes with you, and any additional steps required, for example, if the room is newly plastered.
- Room Preparation — They'll prepare the room, covering or removing furniture and protecting the floors, and masking windows, plug sockets, light switches etc., before cleaning all the surfaces to be painted to ensure the perfect finish.
- Surface Repairs — Any holes or cracks they find will be filled and sanded back to make sure they don't affect the finish.
During the Job
- Priming/Undercoat — An undercoat or primer will be applied first, necessary for bare walls or drastic colour changes, to make sure the final coat goes on properly and will last.
- Professional Application — The intricate corners and edges will be 'cut in' with fine brushes, and then rollers will be used to cover larger areas. A second coat will normally be required for the perfect finish.
- Drying Between Coats — To avoid streaks and patches, the painter will make sure to allow the correct drying times between each coat based on the type of paint and the conditions.
After the Job
- Final Touches — All the masking tape is removed and the room is checked for any areas that need touching up to ensure the perfect finish.
- Clean-Up & Reinstatement — All the protective covers are removed and furniture replaced, so the newly painted room is returned to how it was, but looking much better. It can be a good idea to allow 12 to 24 hours before pushing furniture up against the walls or hanging anything.
I have some walls that are magnolia and some walls that have been re-plastered and painted white with a ghost coat. Do I need to paint the magnolia walls white before applying grey to ensure an even tone across all walls?
"You can paint over the magnolia with grey paint without it looking like a mismatch. Just make sure you give the whole wall 2 coats of paint."
Checklist: Hiring a Painter and Decorator in the UK
- Are they a member of a recognised trade body? The Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) is the leading trade body for painters and decorators in the UK, and membership shows they work to high industry standards.
- Do they have insurance? Public liability insurance protects you if something goes wrong during the decorating project. Always ask to see proof before work begins.
- Will they provide an itemised written estimate? Ask for a full breakdown so you know exactly what the accurate estimate covers and whether there are any hidden costs.
- Have they accounted for preparation work? A good finish depends on thorough prep work. Ask how they plan to prep surfaces before painting and decorating begins.
- Do they have examples of similar work? Ask to see photos of previous painting projects or check their MyJobQuote profile.
- Do they have positive reviews? Check their MyJobQuote profile to read feedback from previous customers.
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FAQs
When Painting a Room, in Which Order Should I Paint the Walls, Ceilings, and Skirting Boards?
Generally, the ceiling should be painted first, then the walls, and then the skirting and door frames last. Priming is only needed on surfaces that have not been painted before, such as new plaster or bare wood.
How Much Cleaning Is Necessary Before Painting?
You should regularly remove all dirt and dust from the surface to be painted using warm, soapy water. Mould and mildew should be removed using a ready-made mould remover, wearing a mask, gloves, and goggles, with the windows open and the door shut so spores are not carried into the rest of the house. Once washed, all surfaces need to be rinsed thoroughly and allowed to dry completely before painting.
What Are the Signs a Room Needs Repainting?
Common signs of needing to repaint include peeling paint, stains, and fading. Damp patches on the surface should be investigated first, as painting over damp without fixing the cause will only lead to the same problems again. Poor preparation work on a previous painting project can also cause paint to lift or bubble over time.
How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Ceiling?
The cost to paint a ceiling is typically included in the overall room costs when hiring a painter and decorator, as a painter will typically paint a room, including both the ceiling and the walls, as part of the same job.
Can I Paint Over Old Paint?
As long as your existing paint is in good condition with no peeling, a fresh coat of paint can be applied over it. Preparation work is important, and the surface should be cleaned, with cracks filled, and a mist coat applied to new or porous surfaces before painting and decorating begins.
Can I Sleep in My Room 24 Hours After Painting?
Most modern emulsion paints are dry within a few hours, but it's best to wait at least 24 hours before sleeping in a freshly painted room, and you should keep windows open during and after the job to help the paint cure and reduce fumes.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Paint a Room?
Interior painting and decorating can be carried out at any time of year, but spring and summer are generally considered the best times, as warmer temperatures and lower humidity help paint dry more effectively.
