Decorating a room is one of the easiest ways to give your home a fresh, new look. Whether you’re changing the wall colour, updating furniture, or adding new flooring, it’s important to understand what you’ll spend before you start. The cost of decorating a room UK can vary a lot depending on the size of your room, the materials you choose, and whether you hire a professional or do it yourself.
We’ll break down the cost of decorating a room UK, including painters, materials, and those hidden expenses that often surprise homeowners.
What Affects the Cost of Decorating a Room UK
Several factors can influence the cost of decorating a room UK. Knowing what they are will help you plan your budget more effectively.
Room Size and Condition
The size of your room is one of the biggest cost factors. A small bedroom might cost around £400–£700, while a large living room could easily reach £1,000 or more. If your walls or ceilings need repair before painting, this can add extra costs for plastering or prepping.
Labour Costs
Hiring professional painters and decorators is often the biggest part of the cost of decorating a room UK. In 2025, the average UK decorator charges between £150–£200 per day. Most rooms take one to three days, depending on size and complexity.
Materials and Quality
The quality of materials you choose has a huge impact on the overall cost of decorating a room UK. Premium paints, designer wallpapers, and sustainable materials cost more but often last longer. Budget paint might cost £15 per tin, while luxury options can reach £60 or more.
Painters and Decorators: What You’re Paying For
When hiring a professional, the cost of decorating a room UK includes much more than just the paint. Decorators handle preparation, protect your furniture, fill cracks, and ensure a smooth finish.
A professional painter will usually quote you based on:
- Room size and ceiling height
- Number of doors and windows
- Surface preparation needed
- Type of paint or finish you want
While doing it yourself can seem cheaper, hiring a professional often saves time and ensures a better result.
Material Costs: Paint, Wallpaper, and Tools
Let’s look at what makes up the material side of the cost of decorating a room UK.
Paint and Primer
Paint is usually the largest material cost. For a standard room, you might need two to three tins of paint and one tin of primer. Expect to spend £50–£150 in total for good-quality products.
Wallpaper and Adhesives
If you prefer wallpaper, the cost of decorating a room UK can rise quickly. Rolls range from £10 to £60, and you’ll need several for a full room. Don’t forget adhesive, lining paper, and tools.
Tools and Accessories
Brushes, rollers, trays, masking tape, and dust sheets are often forgotten in the budget. Even if you DIY, these can add £30–£80 to your costs.
Hidden Expenses Homeowners Often Miss
Many people underestimate the full cost of decorating a room UK because they forget hidden expenses.
Furniture Moving and Protection
If your decorator needs to move heavy furniture, this can add time and cost. Using protective covers, moving services, or storage may increase your total.
Cleaning and Waste Removal
After painting or wallpapering, leftover materials and waste must be disposed of properly. Some decorators include this in their quote, while others charge extra.
Repairs and Unexpected Work
Sometimes decorating reveals hidden problems like damp patches, cracks, or damaged plaster. Fixing these issues can increase your cost of decorating a room UK by several hundred pounds.
DIY vs Professional Decorating
Choosing between doing it yourself and hiring a professional makes a big difference to your total cost of decorating a room UK.
DIY Decorating
If you have time and patience, DIY can save money. You might spend around £150–£300 on paint and tools for a medium-sized room. However, the results depend on your skill level, and mistakes can lead to extra costs later.
Professional Decorating
Professional decorators usually charge £400–£900 per room, including labour and materials. While it’s more expensive upfront, you get a high-quality finish that lasts longer and adds value to your home.
Average Cost of Decorating a Room UK in 2025
Here’s a general idea of what to expect in 2025:
- Small room (bedroom or office): £400–£700
- Medium room (living or dining room): £700–£1,000
- Large room (open-plan or master bedroom): £1,000–£1,500+
These figures include labour, materials, and basic preparation work. If you add wallpaper, premium paints, or new furniture, the cost of decorating a room UK can increase significantly.
How to Save Money When Decorating
Even though the cost of decorating a room UK can be high, there are smart ways to save.
- Compare quotes: Always get at least three estimates from local decorators.
- Buy paint in bulk: Some suppliers offer discounts for larger quantities.
- Do prep work yourself: Removing old wallpaper or cleaning walls can reduce labour time.
- Choose mid-range materials: You can achieve a beautiful look without luxury prices.
- Plan off-season: Hiring decorators in less busy months, like winter, can lower costs.
Final Thoughts
The cost of decorating a room UK depends on many factors, from paint choice to labour rates and hidden extras. While a small room might only need a few hundred pounds, larger or more detailed projects can easily pass £1,000.
The key is planning, understanding your needs, setting a clear budget, and always including a small cushion for unexpected costs. Whether you decorate yourself or hire a professional, knowing the true cost of decorating a room UK helps you make smart decisions and achieve the perfect finish for your home.
