What Does a Painter and Decorator Cost in the UK?
Decorating costs vary depending on the size of the room, the condition of the walls, whether you're painting or wallpapering, and your location. As a rough guide, most decorators charge between £150 and £200 per day for labour, with smaller jobs priced as a fixed rate.
Typical Room Costs (Labour Only)
- Small bedroom (box room): £200–£350
- Standard double bedroom: £300–£500
- Living room or lounge: £400–£700
- Kitchen: £250–£450
- Hallway, stairs and landing: £500–£900
- Full 3-bed house interior: £1,800–£3,500
These are labour-only estimates. Materials (paint, primer, filler, tape) typically add £50–£200 depending on the quality of paint chosen.
Wallpapering Costs
Wallpapering is more time-consuming than painting and therefore costs more. Expect to pay:
- Per roll hung: £15–£35 per roll
- Feature wall: £150–£300
- Full room wallpaper: £400–£700
Exterior Painting Costs
Painting the outside of a house involves scaffolding, prep work, and weatherproof paint. Costs for a standard semi-detached:
- Front only: £400–£800
- Full exterior repaint: £800–£2,500+
What Affects the Price?
Several factors push costs up or down:
- Wall condition — cracks, holes and uneven surfaces need more prep time
- Number of coats — going from a dark colour to white usually needs three coats
- Paint quality — trade-quality paints cost more but cover better and last longer
- Access — high ceilings or stairwells take longer and may need specialist equipment
- Your location — London and the South East tend to be 20–30% higher than the national average
How to Get an Accurate Quote
The best way to get a fair price is to get at least 3 quotes from local decorators. Be specific about what you want done — which rooms, how many coats, and whether prep work (filling, sanding) is included. Use Decorating Quotes to get up to 3 free quotes from vetted local decorators covering your area.