How much does it cost to paint the interior of a house?
Starting at £29 per hour on average
Updated on 11 August 2026
Table of contents
- Get the cost for interior painting services near you
- Interior painting cost estimates supplemented with real Taskrabbit data
- What impacts how much painting a home interior costs?
- Unexpected and additional costs to watch for
- Common interior painting projects and their typical costs
- Frequently asked questions about interior painting services
Get the cost for interior painting services near you
Browse different room painting rates in your area and select the one that fits your budget and needs.
Find help todayInterior painting cost estimates supplemented with real Taskrabbit data
A fresh coat of paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to transform your home. Whether you're refreshing a tired living room, updating a rental flat between tenants, or giving your whole house a new look, understanding what you're likely to pay upfront makes the whole process far less stressful. This guide breaks down interior painting costs across the UK, the key factors that influence pricing, and how to get the best value for your money.
Based on market research and Taskrabbit platform insights, you can generally expect to pay £29 per hour for interior painting services.
Average cost for interior painting services in major UK cities
Interior painting costs vary across the UK, and the rates charged by painters can differ from one location to another. The table below provides average hourly rates and estimated total costs across major UK cities to help you benchmark local pricing.
| City | Avg hourly rate | Avg invoice total |
|---|---|---|
| London | £41 | £222 |
| Manchester | £33 | £118 |
| Birmingham | £28 | £110 |
| Bristol | £42 | £246 |
| Reading | £36 | £220 |
| Liverpool | £37 | £87 |
| Milton Keynes | £55 | £231 |
What impacts how much painting a home interior costs?
Several factors can influence the cost of interior painting, from the size of the room to the condition of the walls and the type of paint you choose. Understanding what affects pricing can help you compare quotes, budget more accurately, and avoid unexpected costs.
Room size
The size of the room is one of the biggest factors affecting the cost of interior painting. Larger rooms require more paint, take longer to prepare and decorate, and naturally involve more labour than smaller spaces.
Most painters and decorators quote by the room or for the project as a whole. However, for larger properties or more extensive decorating work, some may charge by the day or by the square metre instead. Regardless of the pricing method used, larger rooms and open-plan spaces generally cost more because they require more time and materials to complete.
Property and room type
The type of property and the room being painted can also influence the final cost. Certain features require more time, specialist equipment, or additional attention, including;
high ceilings
stairwells
bay windows
ornate cornicing
alcoves
decorative plasterwork common in period properties
The room itself also matters. Kitchens and bathrooms often require moisture-resistant paint, while hallways and stairwells typically take longer to decorate because they can be more difficult to access.
Surface and wall condition
The condition of your walls has a significant impact on both labour time and material costs. Smooth, well-maintained walls are much quicker to paint than surfaces that need repairs or extensive preparation.
Additional work may be needed if your walls have;
cracks or holes
peeling or flaking paint
damp stains
textured finishes
old wallpaper that needs to be removed or sealed
If your walls haven't been painted for several years, or you're changing from a very dark colour to a much lighter one, additional coats of paint or primer may also be needed.
Preparation work
Preparation is one of the biggest factors affecting the overall cost of an interior painting project. The more preparation required before painting begins, the longer the job will take.
Common preparation work includes;
filling and sanding cracks or holes
removing or sealing wallpaper
applying primer or stain-blocking products
cleaning and degreasing walls, particularly in kitchens
masking skirting boards, door frames, sockets, switches, and other fixtures
moving or protecting furniture and covering flooring before work begins
Some painters include preparation in their overall quote, while others price it separately, so it's worth confirming exactly what's included before work starts.
Paint quality and finish
The type of paint you choose also affects the overall cost. Budget paints generally cost less upfront, while premium products often provide better coverage, durability, and colour retention. Although higher-quality paints cost more, they may require fewer coats and last longer before needing to be repainted.
The finish you choose also makes a difference. Matt emulsion is often the most economical option, while eggshell, satin, and gloss finishes typically cost more and are commonly used on woodwork and other high-wear surfaces.
Number of coats
Most interior painting projects require two coats to achieve an even, durable finish. Additional coats or primer may be needed when covering dark colours, painting over stains, decorating fresh plaster, or making a dramatic colour change. Each extra coat increases both labour and material costs.
Ceilings, woodwork, and trim
Painting more than just the walls will increase the overall cost of the project. Ceilings require additional time and overhead work, while woodwork such as skirting boards, doors, window frames, and architraves is usually priced separately because it requires different preparation techniques and specialist paints.
Unexpected and additional costs to watch for
Even with a solid quote in hand, some projects reveal extra costs once work begins. Being aware of these in advance helps you plan more confidently.
Wallpaper removal: Stripping wallpaper before painting adds both time and labour cost. Depending on how many layers there are and how well they come away, this can add £50 to £200 or more to a room.
Damp or mould treatment: UK homes, particularly older or poorly ventilated ones, can suffer from damp. If a painter uncovers mould or water damage behind existing paint, the surface will need treating before repainting, which adds cost.
Lead paint in older properties: Homes built before the 1970s may contain lead-based paint. Disturbing or removing it requires specialist handling and can significantly increase costs.
Moving furniture: Most painters expect rooms to be cleared before they start. If you need help moving heavy furniture, discuss this with your painter in advance, as some charge extra.
Plaster repairs: Cracks, holes, or crumbling plaster need to be made good before painting. If the repair work is extensive, a plasterer may be needed separately before the painter can begin.
Extra coats for bold colours: Painting over a deep red or dark navy with a pale colour often requires more coats than anticipated, increasing both time and material costs.
Common interior painting projects and their typical costs
The table below gives a general guide to what you might expect to pay for certain rooms or areas in a home. Prices estimate for labour cost only. Final cost will vary depending on materials and other factors discussed above.
| Room/area | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Kitchen | £200–£350 |
| Bathroom | £150–£300 |
| Living room | £250–£450 |
| Double bedroom | £200–£350 |
| Single bedroom | £150–£250 |
| Hallway and stairs | £300–£600 |
| Full flat (two-bed) | £800–£1,500 |
| Single feature wall | £80–£200 |
| Full house (three-bed) | £1,200–£2,500 |
DIY vs. hiring a painter
Interior painting is one of the more DIY-friendly home improvement projects, but it's not always the quickest or most cost-effective option. The right choice depends on the size of the job, the condition of the surfaces, the finish you're aiming for, and how much time you're willing to invest.
When to DIY
DIY painting is often a good option for smaller, straightforward projects where achieving a flawless finish isn't essential. You may be comfortable tackling the work yourself if you're;
painting a small, uncomplicated room with no difficult features
working with walls that are already in good condition and require very little preparation
comfortable filling small holes, sanding surfaces, and carrying out other basic preparation work
happy with a good-quality finish rather than a showroom-standard result
a tenant carrying out minor cosmetic decorating with your landlord's permission
looking to save on labour costs and willing to spend the time needed for preparation, multiple coats, and drying time
When to hire a painter
Experienced painters are often the better choice for larger, more complex, or time-sensitive projects. It's generally worth hiring help if you're;
painting rooms with high ceilings, stairwells, or other difficult-to-reach areas
dealing with walls that need extensive preparation, such as plaster repairs or wallpaper removal
looking for a high-quality finish, particularly before selling or letting a property
using premium or specialist paints that require specific application techniques
working to a tight deadline and need the job completed efficiently
painting a property to let where a professional finish is expected before new tenants move in
A painter can often complete the work more quickly and achieve a more consistent finish, particularly on larger or more detailed projects.
How to save on interior painting costs
A few simple decisions before the work begins can help reduce the overall cost of your decorating project without compromising on quality. Planning ahead, comparing quotes, and taking on some of the preparation yourself can all help you get better value.
Prepare the room yourself: Moving furniture, removing pictures and wall fixtures, and protecting floors before the painter arrives can reduce labour time and may lower your overall quote.
Carry out basic preparation work: Filling small holes, sanding minor imperfections, and cleaning the walls before painting can reduce the amount of preparation your painter needs to do. Only attempt this if you're confident you can achieve a smooth finish.
Supply your own paint: Shopping around for paint or waiting for seasonal promotions at DIY retailers can sometimes save money. If you plan to supply your own paint, check with your painter beforehand to make sure you've chosen the correct product, finish, and quantity.
Book during quieter times of the year: Painters and decorators are often busiest during spring and summer. If your decorating project isn't time-sensitive, booking in autumn or winter may give you more flexibility and, in some cases, a more competitive quote.
Decorate multiple rooms at once: Booking several rooms as part of the same project is often more cost-effective than arranging separate visits. It allows the painter to work more efficiently and spreads any call-out costs across a larger job.
Ask about the most suitable pricing structure: For larger decorating projects, a day rate or fixed project quote may offer better value than an hourly rate. When comparing quotes, ask how the work has been priced and what is included.
Choose good-quality mid-range paint: Premium designer paints aren't always necessary. Many mid-range products from well-known brands provide excellent coverage, durability, and value for everyday interior decorating.
Frequently asked questions about interior painting services
Before requesting quotes, take a few minutes to define the scope of your project. Following the steps below will help you get more accurate estimates and make it easier to compare quotes from different painters and decorators.
List everything you want painted. Note which rooms are included and whether you want the walls, ceilings, doors, skirting boards, and other woodwork painted.
Assess the condition of the surfaces. If your walls need repairs, wallpaper removal, or significant preparation, expect this to increase the overall cost.
Decide who will supply the paint. If you plan to provide your own paint, choose the brand, finish, and colours before requesting quotes, and confirm your painter is happy to use customer-supplied materials.
Get at least three written quotes. Make sure each quote covers the same scope of work so you're comparing like for like.
Allow for unexpected costs. It's sensible to set aside a small contingency in case additional preparation or extra coats are needed once work begins.
Choosing a painter and decorator isn't just about finding the lowest quote. Before booking, take the time to compare experience, reviews, and exactly what's included in the price.
When comparing painters and decorators, it's worth checking that they;
have positive reviews and recommendations from previous customers
can provide photos of recent work, particularly if your project involves period features or specialist finishes
provide a clear, written quote that explains what's included, such as preparation work, the number of coats, materials, and clean-up
carry public liability insurance to protect against accidental damage
communicate clearly about the project, including the expected timeline, paint preferences, and any access requirements
Before accepting a quote, it's also worth asking who will supply the paint, what preparation work is included, how your furniture and flooring will be protected, and whether any additional costs could arise once work begins.
A standard double bedroom typically takes a professional painter one day, including prep and two coats. Larger rooms, rooms with complex features, or rooms requiring significant prep may take longer. A full house repaint usually takes several days to a week.
If you're supplying your own materials or want to understand what a painter might be charging for them, here's a rough guide to typical UK retail prices.
Emulsion paint (standard): £5–£15 per litre
Premium emulsion (Farrow & Ball, Little Greene, etc.): £15–£40 per litre
Eggshell or satin paint: £10–£25 per litre
Gloss paint: £8–£20 per litre
Primer or undercoat: £8–£20 per litre
Paint rollers and sleeves: £5–£20
Paint brushes: £3–£15 each
Painter's tape: £3–£8 per roll
Dust sheets: £5–£20
Filler and sandpaper: £5–£15
A typical two-bedroom flat might require 10 to 15 litres of emulsion across all rooms, depending on coverage and the number of coats. Always buy a little more than you think you'll need, especially if you're matching an existing colour for touch-ups later.
