How Much Does it Cost to Paint a Living Room?

Painting a living room is probably the quickest and easiest way to perk up your home. A fresh coat of paint can completely turn a room around, add your own personality & also spare your walls from being battered day in, day out. It's a go-to solution for people looking for a bit of a makeover or to get a property ship-shape for sale.

Compared to going for a full-on makeover, painting is pretty cheap and can be done yourself if you want a nice result, or hire out a professional who knows what they're doing for the perfect finish. You'll pay around £475 for a professional painter to paint a living room.

In this guide, we'll be having a closer look at what painting a living room is going to cost, what makes it more or less expensive, the different styles of finish you can get on your walls and how long it will take to complete.

So, let's take a look...

How Much Does Painting a Living Room Cost?

The overall cost of painting a living room will vary depending on several factors, such as the size of the room, the ceiling height, the number of doors and windows, and whether the ceiling and any extras are included. If you are painting just the walls in a small living room, you can expect this to cost around £150 - £300.

A medium-sized living room with the walls and ceiling painted will usually cost around £250 - £500. Larger open-plan living rooms that include the walls, ceilings and extras like the doors and skirting boards will cost around £500 - £800 or more.

Higher ceilings or more windows and doors can increase the timescales and materials needed, so these could add around 10 – 30% extra onto the total cost of the job. The condition of the walls can also affect the cost. Damaged or uneven walls that require extra preparation work could add £100 - £300 onto the cost of the job. Multiple colours or feature walls can also add an extra £50 - £100.

The costs can also depend on where you live. For example, London and the South East generally have higher labour rates than other parts of the UK. So, you could end up paying 10 – 20% more for the work, depending on where you live.

When considering labour, painters charge in different ways. Some charge:

• Per room
• Per hour
• Per square metre
• Per project

This can impact your total cost. Most painters include standard preparation and materials in their quotes, but always confirm this before hiring. The average painter in the UK typically charges a daily rate, which can help you estimate your overall expenses.

For a standard job, painting a living room would typically cost within the ranges mentioned above, but always get a detailed quote for your specific requirements.

Painting a Living Room Prices

These prices represent different price points depending on the scope of work and materials chosen, helping you compare options and budget accordingly.

Painting a Living Room Supply Costs

Detail the materials required to paint a living room and the associated costs. Items to mention include:

• Standard emulsion paint (matt or silk) – This type of paint will usually cost around £10 - £30 per litre, depending on the brand and quality of the paint.
• Paint for ceiling - This will usually cost around £8 - £20 per litre.
• Paint for woodwork (trims, doors, skirting) – This will usually cost around £10 - £20 per litre.
• Undercoat or primer (if required) – If you use an undercoat or primer, you can expect to pay around £10 - £20 per litre.
• Brushes, rollers, trays, painter’s tape – You can usually expect to pay around £10 - £30 for a basic set.
• Dust sheets, filler – These will usually cost around £5 - £15 depending on the size and condition of the room.

If you decide to go the custom mix route & pick a particular colour for your paint job - be prepared for higher material costs than you'd pay for standard paint options.

Additionally, speciality paints may be necessary if you're painting a surface that requires an extra-sophisticated finish, such as a highly durable finish, or if the environment is subject to extreme conditions. These speciality paints can significantly increase your overall supply costs.

Supply costs will vary widely depending on factors such as paint quality, the size of the area you're painting, and the number of coats required. Getting that perfect, even finish is super important, especially when you're painting over dark colours or uneven surfaces - it can make a huge difference in how much paint you end up needing.

As a general rule, a pro will do two coats on walls & ceilings to get a pro finish. If you're doing the paint job yourself, you might already have some of the tools on hand from previous projects, which can help reduce your DIY supply costs.

Additional Costs

When budgeting for painting your living room, there are some additional costs that you may need to keep in mind.

Below is a list of the additional costs that may come up with this type of work:

• Feature walls or multiple colours – This could add around £50 - £100+ onto the cost of the job, depending on the size of the space and the complexity of the work that is needed.
• Repainting woodwork and trims – This will usually add around £50 - £100 onto the cost of the job.
• Prepping damaged or uneven walls – This can increase the costs by around £50 - £300, depending on how much work is needed.
• Ceiling painting (especially high ceilings) – This can increase the cost by around £80 - £200. High or textured ceilings will usually cost more.
• Furniture removal or room preparation – Depending on the scope, this could cost around £50 - £150 extra.
• Waste disposal or clean-up charges – Depending on how much work is needed on this, it could cost around £50 - £100 extra.

Be aware of hidden costs that may arise during the project, such as wall preparation, repairs, or unforeseen fees, which can impact your overall budget.

In summary, understanding all decorating costs, including any additional costs, and being aware of decorator prices is essential for accurate budgeting and avoiding unexpected charges.

Labour Costs and Timescales for Painting a Living Room

The day rate for a painter and decorator, on average, is around £180 - £400 or £30 - £50 for an hourly rate.

Here are the typical timeframes that you can expect with this type of work:

• Small room – This will usually take around 1 day to complete.
• Medium room with ceiling painting – This will usually take around 1 – 2 days to complete.
• Large room with ceiling/trim – This will usually take around 2 – 4 days to complete.

If you need to apply additional coats or if you are working on a complex finish, these could increase the overall timeframes for the work.

The drying times between each coat will usually take around 2 – 4 hours. However, this can vary depending on how well-ventilated the room is.

Cost Factors for Painting a Living Room

There are certain factors that can affect the overall cost of painting a living room.

Take a look at the list below for some of the cost factors that you may need to consider when budgeting for this type of work:

Room size and height

Larger rooms or rooms that have high ceilings may take longer to complete or may require more materials, so this can add to costs.

Amount of woodwork or built-in furniture

If you need to paint additional things like doors, window frames or skirting boards, this can add additional time onto the job and will also require more materials.

Surface condition (cracks, filler needed, old wallpaper)

Cracks, old wallpaper, or damaged plaster can all increase the prep work needed, and this will result in additional costs.

Number of colours or finishes

Multiple colours or specialist finishes can cost more.

Type of paint (premium brands or washable paint)

Premium brands or washable paints will cost more.

DIY vs a professional job

If you do the work yourself as a DIY project, this can save you money on the labour costs, but this will require some level of skill and time.

Access and furniture clearance

If the room has areas where there is difficult access or if you have large furniture items to move, this can increase the costs.

The Painting and Decorating Process

The painting and decorating process is a heck of a lot more than just slapping a new colour on your walls: it's about making sure you do all the right groundwork to get it done right.

First things first - you've got to put in the prep work before anything else can happen. Cleaning the walls, spackling any holes or cracks, and feathering out those uneven bits to get a smooth surface - that's the way to do it. Sometimes you'll need a primer, especially if you're changing colours to something bold or going over a very dark shade.

Choosing the right paint is also a significant consideration. Yes, the premium options can be pricey, but trust us, it's often worth it. You get better coverage, it lasts longer, and it looks better.

A professional can walk you through the different kinds of paint and finishes available and help you pick the right one for your particular job, whether you're painting a small room that needs a little brightening or a main traffic area that's going to get used a alot.

By understanding the entire painting and decorating process, you'll be able to plan your job effectively, set realistic expectations, and deliver results that not only look great but also stand the test of time.

Building Regulations Related to Painting a Living Room

If you are planning on painting your living room, you may be wondering whether there are any building regulations that you need to follow when completing this type of work. Luckily, there are no building regulation issues with painting a living room.

However, you may need to think about the following:

• In rented properties, landlord consent may be required before painting.
• Use of low-VOC or eco-friendly paints may be encouraged for better indoor air quality.
• Fire-safe paints might be preferred in some homes or flats.

Types of Living Room Painting Finishes

Choosing the right paint finish for your living room is just as important as choosing the right colour for the space. Each finish performs a little differently and can influence the overall look and cost of the project.

Below is a list of the most common types of paint finishes for a living room, along with a bit of information on each type:

Matt Paint

This is the most common paint finish for living room walls. It has a flat, non-reflective appearance that is good at hiding small imperfections.

It is a great choice for older properties or for homes with uneven walls. This is usually the standard, most affordable option and won't significantly affect the overall cost of the job.

It usually costs £4 to £9 per litre.

Silk Paint

This type of paint has a subtle sheen and is easier to clean than matt, so it is a popular choice for homes with children, pets or busy households.

Silk paint contains more additives to create a slight shine and also to improve durability, it costs between £3 to £8 per litre.

Eggshell Paint

This type of paint offers a soft, low-sheen finish and is typically used on woodwork and trim such as doors, skirting boards, and decorative mouldings.

It is a durable paint and can be washed easily. This is a mid-range priced paint, and the costs may increase when a separate primer or undercoat is needed.

Eggshell paint can cost anywhere from £9 to £30 per litre.

Gloss Paint

This is the shiniest and most durable paint option for a living room. It is a popular choice for doors, frames and other woodwork. It requires careful preparation and sometimes multiple coats in order to achieve a smooth finish.

With this in mind, gloss paint can often be more expensive than other types of paint in terms of both materials and labour.

Gloss paint starts from around £10 per litre to £30 per litre.

Alternative Types of Living Room Finishing

If you decide that paint isn't the right choice for you and your living room, then you may want to consider some alternative options for decorating the space.

Below is a list of alternative finishes for a living room that you may want to consider:

• Wallpaper – Traditional or peel-and-stick options cost around £10 - £30 per square metre plus labour.
• Wall panelling – MDF or pre-painted options will cost around £40 - £70 per square metre installed.
• Decorative plaster finishes – Decorative plaster or textured finishes could cost around £50 - £100+ per square metre.
• Murals or wall decals – Prices vary widely depending on the complexity of the design.
• Textured or sponge-painted effects – This can add on additional labour and material costs. You can usually expect to pay around 20 – 40% extra for this type of work.

Hiring Contractors Checklist for Painting a Living Room

If you are planning on hiring a professional to paint your living room for you, there are some things that you will need to keep in mind. Take a look at the list below and consider the following tips to help you find the right painter and decorator for the job:

• Get 3+ detailed quotes to compare costs.
• Ask for previous project photos to check the quality of their work.
• Confirm if prep and materials are included or excluded from the quote.
• Check if the contractor has insurance and guarantees.
• Request a timeline and daily work hours.
• Ensure a clear agreement on colour/finish choices before the work starts.
• Look for testimonials and reviews online.

Removing Existing Paint or Wallpaper in a Living Room

Before you go ahead with painting your living room, you may need to do a bit of prep work that includes removing existing paint or wallpaper. Surface preparation is key to a long-lasting finish.

• Removing old or flaking paint – If you need to remove old or flaking paint, you will need to scrape and sand the area. This is especially important if the existing paint is damaged.
• Stripping wallpaper – If you need to remove old wallpaper from your living room walls, you may need to use a steamer or chemical strippers. This can add some significant time and costs to the job.
• Repairing walls – Filling in cracks and sanding the wall so it is smooth is important before painting. However, this can add additional labour costs.

The cost for these types of prep work can vary widely. You can usually expect to pay around £100 - £300+ extra for this type of work, depending on the condition of the walls and the level of work that is needed.

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