Quick Answer
Hiring a professional decorator to paint a single room costs £200–£500 in 2026. A full 3-bedroom house interior typically costs £1,500–£4,000. Day rates for decorators run £150–£250 per day. Prices vary significantly based on prep work needed, number of coats, ceiling height and finish quality.
Repainting the interior of your home is one of the most impactful and cost-effective ways to transform how it looks and feels. But how much should you budget in 2026? Whether you're freshening up a single bedroom or redecorating the whole house, this guide breaks down realistic costs by room, explains what affects the price, and helps you decide whether to DIY or hire a professional.
In this guide
Interior Painting Cost by Room Type (2026)
Professional decorating costs vary by room size, the amount of prep work needed and the type of finish. Here are typical ranges for standard-height rooms (2.4m ceilings):
- Small bedroom: £200–£350
- Double bedroom: £250–£450
- Master bedroom: £300–£500
- Living room / lounge: £300–£500
- Kitchen: £200–£400 (often less wall surface due to units and tiles)
- Bathroom: £150–£350 (moisture-resistant paint required)
- Hallway, stairs and landing: £400–£800 (complex access, usually the most expensive)
- Full 3-bed house (all rooms): £1,500–£4,000
These figures include labour and basic materials (paint, filler, masking tape). They assume walls are in reasonable condition — extensive prep work (filling, sanding, priming) will add to the cost.
Interior Painting Price Guide
| Job / Room | Low Estimate | High Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single bedroom (walls + ceiling) | ££200 | ££350 | Good condition walls |
| Double bedroom (walls + ceiling + woodwork) | ££300 | ££500 | Includes skirting, door, window frames |
| Living room (walls, ceiling, woodwork) | ££300 | ££550 | Larger surface area |
| Hallway, stairs & landing | ££400 | ££800 | Scaffold boards / ladders required |
| Full 3-bed house interior | ££1,500 | ££4,000 | Includes all rooms, woodwork |
| Decorator day rate | ££150 | ££250 | Per day, materials extra |
| Feature wall only | ££80 | ££200 | Single wall, 1–2 coats |
| Ceiling only (per room) | ££80 | ££180 | One coat or two |
| Woodwork only (per room) | ££80 | ££200 | Skirting, door, architrave |
What Affects the Cost of Interior Painting
Preparation Work
Preparation is the most variable part of a decorating quote. If walls have significant cracks, holes, old textured wallpaper, layers of flaking paint or damp staining, prep time increases dramatically. Good preparation is also the difference between a long-lasting finish and one that starts peeling within a year. See our guide on how to prepare walls before painting for more on what's involved.
Number of Coats
A dramatic colour change (e.g. going from dark red to white) may require three or four coats to achieve a clean result. Most standard repaints need two coats. Going from a similar colour to a similar colour may need only one. Ask your decorator to specify the number of coats in their quote.
Type of Finish
Matt emulsion is the standard wall finish and the least expensive. Silk emulsion costs a little more but is more washable. Specialist finishes (Farrow & Ball, Little Greene, Estate Emulsion) add material cost. Eggshell finish on woodwork costs more than standard gloss due to preparation requirements.
Ceiling Height
Standard 2.4m ceilings are priced as above. Victorian and Edwardian properties with 2.7–3m or higher ceilings cost more — larger surface area, more difficult access and more paint. Add 20–30% for high-ceilinged rooms.
Location
London and the South East command a 20–40% premium on decorator rates compared to the rest of England. Day rates in London are typically £200–£300.
What's Included vs What's Extra
Most professional decorator quotes include:
- Labour
- Standard emulsion paint (own brand or equivalent)
- Basic filler and sanding
- Masking
- Dust sheets
What is usually extra (or varies by decorator):
- Premium or designer paints (supplied by you or charged at cost + markup)
- Wallpaper hanging
- Significant repair work (deep cracks, skim plastering, dealing with damp)
- Plastering or re-lining walls before decorating
- Furniture moving (sometimes included, often your responsibility)
If walls need plastering before decorating, see our guide on plastering costs in the UK.
DIY vs Hiring a Professional Decorator
DIY painting materials for a 3-bed house typically cost £200–£500 — significantly less than professional labour. But the quality gap is real and the time investment is significant. For an honest comparison, read our guide: should you paint your own house or hire a decorator?
In short: if time is tight, the finish matters, or you have high ceilings, complex woodwork or bad walls, a professional decorator offers excellent value. If you enjoy decorating and have time, DIY is very manageable on standard rooms. For an estimate of how long it takes professionally, see our guide: how long does it take to paint a 3-bedroom house?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to paint a 3-bedroom house in the UK?+
A full interior repaint of a 3-bedroom semi-detached house costs £1,500–£4,000 professionally in 2026. The lower end assumes rooms are in good condition and standard ceiling heights. The higher end applies to high-ceilinged Victorian properties, extensive prep work or premium paint finishes.
How long does it take to paint a house interior professionally?+
A professional decorator with an assistant can typically complete a 3-bedroom house in 3–5 working days, depending on prep work required and the number of coats. See our guide on how long it takes to paint a 3-bedroom house for a full room-by-room breakdown.
Should I supply the paint or let the decorator buy it?+
Many homeowners choose their own paint colours (from Farrow & Ball, Dulux, Little Greene etc.) and supply it themselves. This gives you full control over colour and quality. Decorators often have trade accounts and can get paint at a discount, but may charge a small markup. If supplying your own paint, make sure you buy enough — your decorator can advise on quantities.
How do I find a good decorator?+
Look for decorators with positive reviews, a portfolio of recent work and a clear written quote. Ask whether they're a member of the Painting & Decorating Association (PDA) — members follow a code of conduct. Always get at least three quotes for any significant project.
Is it worth paying extra for a professional finish?+
For visible rooms (living room, hallway, master bedroom), yes. A skilled decorator achieves sharper lines, more even coverage and a noticeably better finish than most DIY efforts. For rooms that won't be seen much (utility room, loft storage), DIY is absolutely fine.
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