Hiring a local painter and decorator can be a great way of avoiding DIY disasters and saving time and energy. It can be difficult to find out what painters charge on average and how much does it cost to paint a room. There are so many variables that can cause the cost to vary.

But help is at hand! You can use our handy guide to figure out roughly how much you should be paying to paint the walls in your house. Then use our tips and tricks below to cut the cost of painting your room.

We have researched the typical price range to paint a small, medium, and large room. It will give you a rough idea of how much you should be paying on average to paint a room of each size.

These prices include painting the walls of a room only (excluding the ceiling and the floor). Obstacles can add to the time it takes to complete the job and may increase the cost of your project.

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Painter and Decorator Price Guide

Thousands of people ask Near Me for help with their projects every year. We track the estimates they get from local professionals, then we share those prices with you.

The average cost to paint a room varies by the size of the room, as well as your choice of paint. Here are the average costs to paint a room based on the size of a room:

The Average Cost to Paint a Room

Small Room Medium Room Large Room
Size 2.13m x 2.16m 3.3m x 3m

6.1m x 5.03m

Cost £148 – £225 £190 – £300 £240 – £425
Time 1 – 2 Days 1 – 2 Days

2 – 3 Days

How much does it cost to paint a room

Simple Ways to Reduce the Cost of Painting a Room

1. Give the Painter Precise Measurements of Your Room in Advance

The longer it takes to paint a room, the more it will cost to paint a room. Try measuring the room yourself before the painter arrives. This will help you to understand how much paint you need and save the painter’s time.

Measuring will help you to cut the cost by reducing the work the painter needs to do before beginning to paint. This will speed up the process and save you money.

Many tools, such as the B&Q Wall Painting Calculator, will calculate how much paint your room needs based on its dimensions. Knowing how much paint you need will prevent waste or shortage and make the job cheaper.

Some professional painters will provide paint for your job and add this to the price of your bid. On top of this, some painters may charge a fee for having to source the paint in advance of beginning your job. It is useful to know the average cost of paint per litre, and how much paint you will need for your particular room. It could save you money if you source and buy it yourself.

As a general rule, an undercoat should come in at around £4 to £8 per litre. Emulsion paint for walls should be approximately £4 to £6 depending on brand and the finish of the paint.

Near Me Tip: Painters will often recommend using two coats of paint per wall, to achieve a long lasting finish. Make sure you factor this into your paint cost calculations!

Choose a colour palette

2. Choose a Colour Palette That Works

Which room are you planning on painting? Different colours work better in different rooms, so take this into consideration.

For instance, a lighter colour might be better in the living room, while a rich colour would look great in a kitchen. You want the colour of the walls to match the mood of a room, so you generally wouldn’t put neon green or yellow in a bedroom.

A fresh coat of paint can brighten up any room, and an accent wall can add some visual interest to any space. If you want to make the most of a small space, consider using chalkboard paint. You’ll be able to turn an entire wall into a chalkboard! This is a great idea for student homes or kids’ rooms.

3. Use Quality Paint

Of course, once your room is completely painted, you want it to last as long as possible. It’s tempting to skimp on the paint, as many budget options are available.  Yet, in the long run, this will only end up costing you more, as you will have to repaint your walls much sooner. Choose a quality branded paint and you will be saving yourself money in the long run.

Make sure you bear this in mind if you are providing the paint yourself. Or, if the painter is providing you with paint, discuss with them what brand they will be using to paint the room. Discussing your preferences well in advance of work starting will make everyone happier.

Painter and Decorators near you

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4. Make Sure Your Walls are Ready

The condition of the walls is another key part of how long the job will take. This also affects the price of the job. Before getting a painter to inspect your walls, make sure that the plaster is in good condition. Otherwise, you may run into extra costs.

Wallpaper can be difficult to remove from walls. So if you are switching from wallpaper to paint, bear in mind that this may increase the price of the job. Doing the preparation work before the painter arrives can be another way to save money.

At Near Me, before we match you with the right professional, we ask you a few questions. These questions give local service providers the details about your job and your requirements.

You can specify exactly what work you need to be done, so there will be no hidden charges once the project begins. This gives you peace of mind, as the price that a professional has bid on Near Me will be what you end up paying for the job.

Near Me Tip: Many painters see repairing minor damage as a part of the trade, and won’t mind fixing small problems. Large undisclosed issues may set your project back, and send your budget spiralling. You don’t want to use paint to cover up water damage or a stain.

5. The Time of Year Affects the Cost to Paint a Room

As spring and summer arrive, many people revamp their homes to get rid of the winter cobwebs. This also applies to interior painting. People try to find easy and cheap ways to renovate their homes, and painting is a great option.

This means that painters and decorators are often in high demand during this summertime, and the increased demand can lead to higher prices. So, if you’re willing to wait, a lower cost to paint a room could be found in the winter.

Armed with this knowledge, you can be confident in getting a fair bid for your painting job.

Bear in mind that the following will impact the price you’ll pay for the job:

  • the size of the room
  • the condition of the walls
  • the cost of materials
  • the labour cost

You may think that all you need to paint a room is a paint brush and a bucket of paint. But, a professional painter will use many more supplies. They’ll fit your room with a drop cloth, use painter’s tape, and even a brush roller.

Preparation before painting is key to reducing the cost of painting your room.

6. Hire a Professional Painter

We can practically hear you saying “what?” to this tip. It seems counterintuitive to hire a professional if you want to save money, but the truth is that hiring a professional painter will save you money, time, and most of all, stress. So, if you’re worried about lowering the cost to paint a room, hiring a professional painter is your best bet.

A professional painter will know how to prep your walls before they paint them. They’ll also take the care needed to make sure your walls are perfectly painted and smooth.

If you’re looking for a decorative finish or mural, it’s always smart to hire a professional. Professional painters have the skill and the artistic ability to make your mural dreams a reality! Whether you want a beautiful vista painted on your feature wall or a simple coat of paint in your dining room, a professional painter can help you out.

We hope you enjoyed our guide on the cost to paint a room. Share it with anyone you think might need it! If you're looking for additional information on the price of interior painting, wallpaper hanging, or exterior painting simply click to visit our comprehensive price guides.

Now, head over to our request form and submit a free request for a painter and decorator near you. You’ll get custom bids from local painters and decorators. Then you can select the one that is right for you.

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