How Much Does Painting and Decorating Cost in the UK?
Decorating is usually priced per room or per day. A decorator typically charges £180–250 a day, and most rooms take one to two days to prep and paint properly.
A small room repaint at the low end; a large room with prep and woodwork at the top.
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Interior cost by room
Whole-house & exterior
What affects the price
- •Amount of prep — filling, sanding, stripping wallpaper and repairing walls is often more work than the painting itself.
- •Number of coats and whether you are covering a dark or bold colour.
- •Woodwork — doors, skirting, frames and windows are fiddly and slow.
- •Ceiling height and access, especially stairwells.
- •Paint quality — premium trade paints cost more but cover better.
Regional price variation
Labour is the biggest regional swing. London and the South East typically run 20–30% above the national average, while the North of England, Scotland and Wales tend to sit 5–15% below it. Material prices are fairly consistent nationwide — it is day rates that move the total. The ranges on this page assume South of England pricing unless stated.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to paint a room?
Painting a room costs around £180–£700 depending on size and prep — roughly £180–£350 for a small room, £300–£500 for an average room and £450–£700 for a large lounge, including walls, ceiling and woodwork.
How much does a decorator charge per day?
A decorator typically charges £180–250 per day in the UK, more in London and the South East. Many decorators price small jobs by the day rather than per m².
How much to paint the outside of a house?
Exterior masonry painting costs around £1,500–£3,500 for a typical semi, depending on the number of coats, the amount of prep and repair, and scaffolding or access needs.