Updated April 2026
How Much Do Painters and Decorators Cost?
Painting and decorating costs depend on room size, the condition of the surfaces, and whether you want wallpapering or specialist finishes.
What you can expect to pay
| Description | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single room (walls and ceiling) | £150 | £280 | £400 |
| Full house interior (3-bed) | £1,500 | £2,500 | £3,500 |
| House exterior | £1,000 | £2,000 | £3,000 |
Prices are UK averages for 2026 including VAT where applicable. Your actual cost may vary based on location and specific requirements.
What affects the price
Surface preparation is where most of the time goes. Walls in poor condition need filling, sanding, and priming before any paint goes on.
Wallpaper hanging costs more per room than painting, especially with pattern-matched or large-scale designs.
Paint quality affects both the cost and the finish. Trade-quality paint lasts longer and covers better than budget alternatives.
High ceilings and stairwells require additional access equipment and take significantly longer, which increases labour costs.
How to keep costs down
- 1
Supply your own paint if you have a specific colour in mind. Decorators typically mark up materials by 10 to 20%, so buying direct from a trade counter can save money.
- 2
If you're having multiple rooms done, ask for a whole-house price. Decorators prefer longer jobs and will often discount the per-room rate.
- 3
Invest in proper preparation. It's tempting to skip the sugar-soaping and filling, but good prep is the difference between a finish that lasts two years and one that lasts ten.
- 4
Book well in advance for exterior work. Good decorators are busy in spring and summer, which is the best time for outdoor painting.
Frequently asked questions
A decorator can typically paint a standard room (walls and ceiling, two coats) in 1 to 2 days depending on the prep work needed. If woodwork (skirting, doors, frames) is included, add another half day to a full day.
Most decorators expect you to move small items and clear surfaces. They'll usually move larger furniture to the centre of the room and cover it with dust sheets. Clearing the room completely before they arrive saves time and therefore money.
Painting is almost always cheaper. Wallpaper hanging costs more in labour (cutting, pasting, pattern matching) and the wallpaper itself can be expensive. However, a feature wall with wallpaper can add character that paint alone can't achieve.
For walls, a good trade emulsion like Dulux Trade or Crown Trade gives the best coverage and durability. Matt finishes are most popular for walls. For woodwork, use a satinwood or eggshell finish. Water-based paints are now almost as durable as oil-based and much easier to work with.
Find trusted painter & decorators near you
Compare profiles, read reviews, and message directly. It's completely free.
Search Painter & Decorators