If you are planning to repaint a room or give your home a full makeover, one of the first questions you will ask is how much it will cost. London is expensive. That is no secret. But knowing what to expect before you pick up the phone can save you a great deal of money and stress.
Average Day Rates for a Painter and Decorator in London
Most professional painters and decorators in London charge a day rate between £180 and £350. The wide range comes down to experience, location within the city, and the complexity of the work involved. A one-man operation working in Croydon will charge far less than an established decorating firm taking on a project in Chelsea or Kensington.
Some tradespeople charge by the hour instead. Hourly rates typically fall between £20 and £45 per hour in London, though highly skilled decorators with specialist finishes can charge more.
Room-by-Room Cost Breakdown
Breaking it down by room gives you a much clearer picture.
A standard bedroom measuring around 12 x 12 feet will typically cost £300 to £600 to paint, including walls and ceiling. Add woodwork such as skirting boards, door frames, and window sills, and that figure rises to £450 to £800.
A living room or lounge tends to cost more due to larger wall areas and higher ceilings. Expect to pay £500 to £1,000 for a standard repaint. Feature walls, alcoves, and coving add to the time and the price.
Kitchens and bathrooms are usually smaller but involve more cutting in around units, tiles, and fixtures. Budget £250 to £500 for a straightforward kitchen repaint.
For a house repaint, costs vary significantly based on the property size. A typical two-bedroom London flat will cost £1,500 to £3,000. A four-bedroom house can run from £3,500 to £6,500 or more, depending on condition and finishes.
What Affects the Price?
Several factors push costs up or down.
Preparation work is one of the biggest drivers of cost. Filling cracks, sanding woodwork, stripping old wallpaper, and applying primer all take time. If walls are in poor condition, preparation alone can double the labour hours.
Paint quality matters too. Cheaper paints require more coats, which means more time. A good decorator will often recommend mid to premium-range paints such as Farrow and Ball, Little Greene, or Dulux Trade. These cost more per tin but produce a far superior finish that lasts longer.
Access affects the price as well. High ceilings, stairwells, and listed buildings all require additional care and equipment. Working with scaffolding or tall ladders in a Victorian townhouse is a very different job from painting a modern flat.
The number of coats requested also matters. A full colour change from dark to light will always need more coats than a like-for-like refresh.
Should You Hire a Sole Trader or a Company?
A sole trader is nearly always cheaper. You remove the overheads of a larger business and deal directly with the person doing the work. Many of London’s best decorators operate as sole traders and have built strong reputations through word of mouth.
A decorating company is worth considering for larger projects or when you need multiple tradespeople coordinated together. They offer more accountability and are better equipped to handle complex, large-scale work.
How to Get an Accurate Quote
Always get at least three quotes before committing. Be specific about what you want. Tell each decorator the room dimensions, the current condition of the walls, the finish you are after, and whether you will supply the paint yourself.
Ask whether the quote includes preparation, priming, and the number of coats. A low quote that excludes preparation is rarely a bargain.
Check reviews on platforms such as Checkatrade, Rated People, or Trustpilot. Ask to see photos of previous work. A professional decorator will have no hesitation showing you their portfolio.
Getting Value for Money in London
Timing your project can reduce costs. Decorators are busiest from spring through early autumn. Booking in January, February, or November can sometimes secure a better rate, simply because demand is lower.
Doing your own preparation work, such as moving furniture, removing pictures, and filling small holes, can also reduce the number of billable hours.
A well-executed paint job in London, done by someone who knows their trade, adds genuine value to your home and can transform a tired space.