How Much Does It Cost for a Painter to Paint a Room?

Looking at a guide of interior painting costs? There are a lot of questions that you have to ask yourself when deciding to refresh a room in your home. The first is usually, “How much is it going to cost me to get a room professionally painted?”. Whether you are sprucing a property up for a sale or the walls in your lounge have seen better days and need a spruce up. 

Painting costs are something you’ll want to know to make sensible financial decisions. You can expect a wide variance in pricing when it comes to hiring painters. As with all things, there are a multitude of variables which can be unique to your situation. We will look at some key questions here and try to provide some advice to make your decision a sensible one.

Average Costs for Painting a Room in the UK

How much does it cost to paint a room in the UK? As of 2025, the average cost to paint a room in the UK ranges from £150 to £500. This wide range is due to the vast differences in room sizes, the quality of paint used, and regional price variations across the UK.

For a standard bedroom, which is around 3m x 3.5m with an average ceiling height, the cost for a full paint job, including materials, will be around £250-£350. A larger sitting room or open-plan area will be closer to £400-£600 or more, especially in London and the South East where labour is typically more expensive.

The majority of professional painters will charge per day or per project. Day rates are typically between £150 and £250, but this will vary depending on the location and the experience level of the tradesperson. Some painters will charge per project. This can be more cost-effective as it encourages efficiency and gives you a guaranteed price upfront.

Key Factors That Influence Painting Costs

Understanding what drives the cost of professional painting helps you anticipate expenses and identify where you might save money or where it’s worth investing more.

Room Size and Ceiling Height

The most obvious factor is the physical space requiring coverage. A small boxroom will naturally cost less than a spacious master bedroom. Standard UK ceiling heights of 2.4m are the baseline for most quotes, but period properties with 3m or higher ceilings require more paint, additional equipment like scaffolding towers, and extra time, which can increase costs by 25-40%.

Wall Condition and Preparation Work

The current state of your walls significantly impacts the final cost. Newly plastered walls in excellent condition simply need priming and painting. However, older walls with cracks, holes, or flaking paint require extensive preparation work including filling, sanding, and potentially applying multiple primer coats.

Preparation typically accounts for 50-70% of the total project time. Walls with extensive damage or poor previous paint jobs may require near-complete surface restoration before the first coat of new paint can be applied.

Paint Quality and Type

Paint quality varies enormously, and this choice substantially affects both immediate costs and long-term value. Budget emulsion might cost £15 per 5-litre tin, whilst premium brands can exceed £50 for the same quantity. Higher-quality paints typically offer:

• Better coverage: Premium paints often require fewer coats, potentially saving labour costs
• Superior durability: Quality paints resist scuffs, marks, and fading, extending the time between redecorations
• Enhanced finish: Better paints provide more even coverage with a more attractive appearance
• Eco-friendly options: Low-VOC paints improve indoor air quality and are better for health

The type of paint also matters. Standard emulsion works well for most walls and ceilings, but high-traffic areas benefit from wipeable or scrubbable finishes that cost slightly more but offer practical advantages, particularly in homes with children or pets.

Number of Coats Required

Most professional paint jobs require at least two coats for satisfactory coverage and colour depth. However, several situations demand additional coats:

• Dramatic colour changes, particularly from dark to light shades
• Covering strong colours or patterned wallpaper
• Newly plastered walls requiring a mist coat plus two finish coats
• Achieving deep, rich colours that require multiple applications

Each additional coat increases both material and labour costs proportionally. Being realistic about coating requirements at the quotation stage prevents unpleasant surprises later.

Woodwork and Additional Features

Rooms aren’t just walls and ceilings. Skirting boards, door frames, window frames, and doors themselves typically receive gloss, satin, or eggshell finishes rather than emulsion. Painting woodwork is more time-intensive than walls, requiring careful masking, primer application, and multiple topcoats.

Expect to add £50-£150 to your room painting cost if woodwork painting is included. Intricate Victorian mouldings or panel doors require even more time and consequently cost more than simple modern architraves.

DIY Versus Professional Painting: Making the Right Choice

Many homeowners contemplate whether to paint rooms themselves or hire professionals. The decision isn’t purely financial; it involves considering time, quality expectations, and practical capabilities.

When DIY Makes Sense

Taking the DIY approach can save substantial money if you have:

• Time availability: Painting a room properly takes longer than most people anticipate
• Basic skills: Cutting in, achieving even coverage, and avoiding drips requires practice
• Proper equipment: Brushes, rollers, dust sheets, masking tape, and ladders represent an upfront investment
• Physical ability: Painting involves extended periods of reaching, bending, and standing

For simple redecoration projects in good-condition rooms where perfection isn’t critical, DIY can work well and save £200-£400 in labour costs.

When to Hire Professionals

Professional painters bring expertise, efficiency, and guaranteed results. Consider hiring professionals when:

• Time is limited: Professionals complete work significantly faster than DIYers
• Quality matters: For main living areas or when selling property, professional results make a difference
• Preparation is extensive: Damaged walls require skills and experience to repair properly
• Height is challenging: High ceilings or stairwells are safer for experienced tradespeople
• Colour confidence: Professionals help you achieve exactly the shade and finish you envision

What to Expect When Hiring a Professional Painter

Understanding the professional painting process helps you prepare properly and ensures smooth project completion.

Getting Accurate Quotes

Always obtain at least three written quotes from different painters. Detailed quotes should specify:

• Complete scope of work including preparation, number of coats, and areas covered
• Paint brands and quality levels to be used
• Project timeline with start and completion dates
• Full cost breakdown separating labour and materials
• Payment terms and schedule
• Whether furniture moving and post-work cleaning are included

Be wary of quotes significantly lower than others, as these may indicate corner-cutting, inexperience, or hidden costs that emerge later.

Questions to Ask Potential Painters

Before committing to a painter, ask:

• How long have you been painting professionally?
• Can you provide references from recent similar projects?
• Do you carry public liability insurance?
• What preparation work is included in your quote?
• How do you protect flooring and furniture?
• What happens if I’m unhappy with the finish?

Professional painters readily answer these questions and appreciate clients who care about quality outcomes.

How LB Group Supports Your Home Improvement Projects

Painting a room might be only one of a range of improvements and maintenance issues you need to consider with your property. Check out LB Group for information on other areas of your home which you may also want to take into consideration. LB Group can also put you in contact with reliable tradespeople to help you with these other jobs too.

Painting a room is often combined with other works. You may need to consider boiler servicing and maintenance, or even new radiators prior to redecorating, so you do not have to move them and damage the paintwork later. There are many different trades you can benefit from by having LB Group put you in touch with reputable tradespeople.

Tips for Reducing Painting Costs Without Compromising Quality

Several strategies help control costs whilst still achieving excellent results:

1. Prepare the room yourself: Removing furniture, taking down curtains and pictures, and cleaning walls before the painter arrives reduces billable hours significantly. You could save £50-£100 through your own preparation work.
2. Choose mid-range paint: You needn’t always select the most expensive paint, but avoiding the cheapest options pays dividends. Mid-range brands like Dulux Trade or Crown Trade offer excellent quality at reasonable prices.
3. Time your project strategically: Painters sometimes offer better rates during quieter winter months when demand drops. You might negotiate 10-15% discounts for off-season work.
4. Bundle multiple rooms: If painting several rooms, doing them simultaneously or consecutively is more cost-effective than separate projects. Painters often discount multi-room projects since setup and travel costs are spread across more work.
5. Supply your own paint: Some painters reduce their rates if you purchase paint directly, though you lose the benefit of their trade discounts and paint knowledge. Discuss this option during quotations.

Understanding the Complete Project Timeline

Knowing how long painting takes helps you plan around the disruption:

• Small bedroom (3m x 3m): Typically 1-2 days including preparation, two coats on walls and ceiling, and basic woodwork.
• Large living room (5m x 4m): Usually 2-3 days depending on ceiling height, woodwork complexity, and furniture moving requirements.
• Whole house painting: Professional teams might complete a three-bedroom house in 5-7 days, though this varies considerably based on property size and condition.

Most painters work 8-10 hour days, and rooms generally become usable the evening after final coat application, though complete curing takes several days.

How Paint Quality Affects Long-Term Value

Whilst premium paint increases immediate costs, it often represents better value over time. Quality paint typically lasts 7-10 years in average conditions compared to 3-5 years for budget alternatives. This extended lifespan means:

• Fewer redecoration cycles over your homeownership
• Reduced total lifetime costs when labour is considered
• Better resistance to everyday wear, particularly important in family homes
• Superior colour retention preventing faded, dingy appearance

When LB Group works with homeowners on property improvement guidance, they often emphasize this long-term value perspective, encouraging decisions that balance immediate affordability with lasting performance. This approach applies equally to painting projects and other home maintenance considerations, ensuring your investment delivers maximum return over time.

Recognizing Quality Workmanship

Understanding what constitutes professional-quality painting helps you assess whether you’re receiving value for money:

Signs of Excellent Work

• Clean, sharp lines: Where walls meet woodwork or different colours join, edges should be crisp without bleeding or wavering
• Even coverage: No visible patches, streaks, or variation in colour intensity across surfaces
• Smooth finish: Paint surface should be uniform without drips, runs, or brush marks
• Proper preparation: Filled holes and cracks should be invisible after painting
• Respected boundaries: Paint only where intended, with no overspray or spills on fixtures, floors, or furniture

Warning Signs of Poor Work

• Visible brush or roller marks in finished surfaces
• Paint on light switches, sockets, or other fixtures
• Gaps in coverage allowing previous colours to show through
• Dried drips or runs in the finished surface
• Poorly cut edges where walls meet ceilings or woodwork

Professional painters stand behind their work and will address any legitimate quality concerns promptly.

Timing Your Painting Project

Seasonal factors influence both cost and project success:

• Spring and Summer: Peak season for painters brings longer wait times and potentially higher rates. However, better weather enables proper ventilation, faster drying times, and comfortable working conditions.
• Autumn: Often ideal, combining reasonable availability, moderate temperatures, and less humidity than summer. Autumn timing also prepares homes beautifully for the Christmas period.
• Winter: Whilst less popular, winter painting is perfectly viable for interior work. Heating must be maintained for proper paint drying, but you’ll find better painter availability and potentially negotiable rates. Cold temperatures can extend drying times, so factor this into your timeline.

Avoid painting during extremely humid conditions regardless of season, as moisture interferes with proper paint curing and can cause finish problems.

When to Repaint: Recognizing the Right Time

Understanding when rooms genuinely need repainting helps you plan and budget effectively:

Definite Indicators

• Visible damage: Cracks, peeling, or flaking paint not only looks poor but allows underlying damage to worsen
• Staining: Water marks, smoke damage, or stubborn stains that cleaning won’t remove
• Colour fading: Sun-exposed walls showing significant colour loss or yellowing
• Lifestyle changes: New babies, growing children, or elderly relatives may necessitate different colour schemes or washable finishes

Optional Indicators

• Dated appearance: Colour trends change, and refreshing paint updates your home’s look affordably
• Pre-sale preparation: Fresh paint is one of the highest-return home improvements when selling
• Post-renovation: After other work like electrical upgrades or plastering repairs
• Seasonal refresh: Some homeowners enjoy repainting every few years to keep homes feeling fresh

Maximizing the Value of Your Painting Investment

Several practices help your newly painted rooms look excellent for longer:

• Allow proper curing: Avoid washing walls or placing items against them for at least two weeks
• Regular cleaning: Gentle dusting prevents dirt accumulation that becomes harder to remove over time
• Address damage promptly: Touch up scuffs and marks quickly before they worsen
• Maintain proper ventilation: Excessive moisture from cooking, bathing, or poor ventilation degrades paint prematurely
• Control sunlight exposure: UV rays fade paint, particularly vibrant colours; consider blinds or curtains for sun-facing rooms

These simple maintenance practices extend the life of your paint job significantly, delaying the need for complete repainting.

The Role of Professional Guidance in Home Improvement

Making informed decisions about home maintenance and improvement requires reliable information from knowledgeable sources. Whether you’re planning a simple room painting project or considering more extensive property upgrades, having access to professional guidance makes the process smoother and more successful.

LB Group understands that home improvement projects rarely exist in isolation. Painting might reveal underlying damp issues requiring attention, or heating system upgrades might necessitate wall patching and repainting afterward. Their comprehensive approach helps homeowners see the bigger picture, coordinating different maintenance needs efficiently rather than dealing with them as disconnected projects.

This holistic perspective proves particularly valuable when budgeting for multiple home improvements, ensuring work proceeds in the logical order and preventing redundant effort or wasted money.

Making Your Final Decision

Choosing whether to paint yourself or hire a professional, selecting the right painter, and determining appropriate budget levels requires balancing multiple factors. Consider:

• Your available time: Can you realistically commit to proper preparation and application?
• Skill confidence: Are you comfortable achieving the quality level you desire?
• Physical demands: Can you safely handle the physical requirements of painting?
• Budget flexibility: What can you genuinely afford, and where is quality essential versus optional?
• Project timeline: How quickly must the work be completed?

There’s no universally correct answer; the right choice depends on your specific circumstances, priorities, and resources. What matters most is making an informed decision based on realistic assessment rather than wishful thinking about either your DIY capabilities or painter costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to paint a room professionally?

A professional painter typically completes a standard-sized bedroom in 1-2 days, including preparation, two coats on walls and ceiling, and basic woodwork. Larger rooms or those requiring extensive preparation may take 2-3 days. The paint itself dries within a few hours between coats, but full curing takes several days. 

Should I move furniture before the painter arrives?

This depends on what you’ve agreed with your painter. Most professionals prefer working in empty rooms or with furniture centrally grouped and covered. Moving furniture yourself before the painter arrives typically reduces costs since you’re not paying for their time to do this work. However, some painters include basic furniture moving in their quotes. 

Can I stay in my home whilst rooms are being painted?

Yes, you can remain at home during painting work, though it may be inconvenient depending on which rooms are being painted. Modern low-VOC paints produce minimal odour, making staying home more comfortable than with traditional paints. However, you’ll need to work around the painter’s schedule, keep children and pets away from wet paint, and cope with some disruption to your normal routine.

What’s included in a standard room painting quote?

Standard quotes typically include basic surface preparation (filling minor holes, light sanding), primer application if needed, two coats of paint on walls and ceiling, and basic cleanup of the work area. However, quotes vary significantly, so always request written specification of exactly what’s included. 

How soon can I paint a newly plastered room?

Newly plastered walls must dry completely before painting, which typically takes 4-6 weeks depending on conditions. Plaster continues releasing moisture during this curing period, and painting too soon traps this moisture, causing paint failure including bubbling, peeling, and poor adhesion.