Trades · Updated 2026
House painting cost
Typical range£200–£8,000· Average cost to paint a bedroom (professional)
Interior painting and decorating costs for 2025 — per room and per house. In the UK, expect to pay between £200 and £8,000, with the typical project around £350 (average cost to paint a bedroom (professional)). Regional variation, specification tier and site access conditions all shift the final quote.
Quick answer: House painting cost in the UK typically costs between £200 and £8,000 (Average cost to paint a bedroom (professional)). London and the South East run 20–35% above this range; the North, Wales and most of Scotland sit 5–15% below.
Homeowners researching this typically also price up bathroom renovation cost and new kitchen cost. For wider context, browse our bathroom pricing, kitchen pricing and boiler & heating costs.
Cost table
Indicative price ranges (UK, GBP)
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Bedroom (two coats, walls + ceiling) — Typical single bedroom, professional decorator | £250–£500 |
Living room — Larger room, may include feature wall | £350–£700 |
Kitchen and dining room — Often includes skirting and door frames | £300–£600 |
Hallway, stairs and landing — Complex access, higher ceilings | £500–£1,200 |
Whole house interior (3 bed) — All rooms, full decoration | £2,000–£5,000 |
External house painting — Masonry, woodwork, soffits/fascias | £1,500–£6,000 |
Labour costs
Labour typically accounts for 70% of the total project cost in the UK.
Labour line items
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Decorator day rate | £180–£320/day |
Prep work (filling, sanding) | £0–£0 |
External scaffold hire | £600–£1,500 |
Materials costs
Materials and fittings make up the remainder of the budget, with specification tier driving most of the variation.
Materials & fittings
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Emulsion paint (2.5L) | £8–£40 |
Masonry paint (10L) | £20–£60 |
Primer / undercoat | £10–£30/tin |
Brushes / rollers / tape | £20–£50/room |
Factors affecting cost in the UK
- ·Region — London and the South East run 15–30% above national averages.
- ·Specification tier — premium materials and finishes can double the base cost.
- ·Access and site conditions — flats, restricted parking and listed buildings add time.
- ·Scope changes mid-project — late design decisions are the biggest cost overrun driver.
- ·Trade availability — quotes rise 10–20% in peak spring and summer months.
Ways to reduce cost
- ·Hire a decorator labour-only and supply your own trade-grade paint.
- ·Choose one neutral colour throughout to cut prep and cutting-in time.
- ·Time external work for late spring to early autumn for fastest cure times.
- ·Prep walls yourself (filling, sanding) and pay only for the painting.
- ·Bundle whole-house jobs into one contract for a 10–20% discount over single rooms.
Frequently asked questions
- How much do decorators charge per day?
- Professional decorators charge £180–£320/day in the UK, with London rates typically £260–£380/day. Most decorators price per job rather than per day for internal rooms.
- How long does it take to paint a room?
- A professional decorator can paint a standard bedroom (including ceiling, walls, two coats, and woodwork) in 1–2 days. Living rooms take 1.5–2.5 days. Hallway, stairs and landing take 2–3 days due to access complexity.
- Is it cheaper to paint a house myself?
- Yes — paint costs £8–£40 per 2.5L tin; materials for an average bedroom cost £40–£80. However, professional results are significantly better, particularly on woodwork and with neat edges. A good mid-way is to do walls yourself and hire a decorator for ceilings and woodwork.
- What paint finish should I use in different rooms?
- Matt emulsion: bedrooms and living rooms (hides imperfections). Eggshell or silk: kitchens and bathrooms (easier to wipe clean). Satin or gloss: woodwork, skirting, doors. Always use specialist bathroom paint in wet areas.