How much does a painter and decorator cost in London?
Typical day rates, room prices and job costs for 2026. Every project is different — the quickest way to know your exact price is a free, no-obligation quote from A1 Decorating.
Day rates & labour
What a London painter and decorator charges
| Pricing model | Typical London cost |
|---|---|
| Hourly rate | £25 – £40 |
| Day rate | £180 – £250 |
| Per square metre (walls) | £12 – £22 |
Rates vary by location, experience and season. A fixed quote is usually the best way to lock in your exact cost.
Typical job costs
Average painting & decorating prices in London
These are guide prices for standard work in good condition. Your quote will reflect the exact rooms, finish and preparation needed.
| Job / space | Typical price range |
|---|---|
| Small bedroom | £400 – £600 |
| Large bedroom | £600 – £950 |
| Hallway, stairs & landing | £800 – £1,500 |
| Living room | £700 – £1,200 |
| Kitchen (cabinet painting) | £700 – £1,200 |
| Bathroom | £450 – £800 |
| Feature wallpapering | £250 – £450 |
| 2-bedroom flat interior | £2,500 – £4,000 |
| 3-bedroom house interior | £4,500 – £7,000 |
| Exterior painting (3-bed semi) | £1,500 – £3,000 |
Cost factors
What changes the price?
No two London properties are the same. Understanding what drives the cost helps you compare quotes fairly and avoid hidden surprises.
Room size & height
Larger rooms, double-height ceilings and period details take more time and materials.
Surface condition
Cracks, damp stains, peeling paper or old gloss all need extra preparation before painting.
Finish quality
A single coat refresh costs less than a full repaint with lining paper, priming and top coats.
Materials & paint
Premium trade paints last longer and often cover better; labour typically makes up 70-80% of the total.
Access & location
Parking, scaffolding, lift access and Central London locations can affect the final price.
What's included in an A1 Decorating quote
- Free, no-obligation site visit and quote
- Protective coverings for floors and furniture
- Filling, sanding and surface preparation
- Professional trade paint and materials quoted separately
- Clean, tidy working and a high-quality finish
Testimonials
Why London customers trust A1 Decorating.
"I had a fantastic experience with Itayi painting my new apartment. He was friendly, professional, and incredibly thorough. He even collected the paint and keys in advance, which saved me a lot of time. He painted three rooms in different colours and went above and beyond with preparation and reinstating everything perfectly. I'm extremely happy with the results."
"Itayi did a brilliant job for us. Despite an unexpected delay, he was very flexible with rearranging and easy to communicate with throughout. He treated and repainted a long-standing water stain on our ceiling and the finish looks great. We're really pleased with the result and would absolutely recommend him."
"Very grateful for Itayi's work painting my hallway, stairs, and doorways. He was very receptive to the brief and worked hard to meet my expectations. Although there were some equipment issues that caused delays, he kept me fully informed the whole way through. A professional and reliable service overall."
"Absolutely fantastic! Best work I've had done in a long time, great attention to detail and nothing was too much trouble. He even stayed longer than agreed at no extra cost to finish the job to his high standards. Would 100% recommend and will definitely be using again."
"Itayi was very professional and friendly at the same time. He immediately came to do the job after our conversation. He put matching patterns wallpaper with utmost precision. He delivered quality job even it took him long time. He believed in perfection. Highly recommend him."
"A few odd jobs around the property and Itayi did a great job on all of them. He was punctual, efficient, and very friendly throughout. He worked tidily, clearing up after himself (and even before starting), which was really appreciated. Very happy with the work and would definitely recommend."
Ready to start your project?
From first idea to final coat.
Tell us about your space — a single room, a whole house, or a commercial fit-out — and we'll arrange a free, no-obligation quote anywhere in London.
LET'S TALKFAQ
Pricing questions, answered
How much does a painter and decorator cost in London?
A London painter and decorator typically charges a day rate of £180-£250, or £25-£40 per hour. Room prices range from £400 for a small bedroom to £1,500+ for a hallway, stairs and landing, depending on size, condition and finish.
How much does it cost to paint a bedroom in London?
Painting a standard bedroom in London usually costs between £400 and £700. The price includes walls, ceiling, skirting boards and door frames, and assumes the walls are in reasonable condition.
What is the average day rate for a painter and decorator in London?
The average day rate for a painter and decorator in London is £180-£250. Central London and experienced decorators may charge at the higher end.
Is it cheaper to pay by the day or get a fixed quote?
For clearly defined jobs, a fixed quote usually gives better cost control. Day rates work well for smaller, ongoing or uncertain jobs where the scope may change.
Does the price include paint and materials?
We quote labour and materials separately so you can see exactly what you are paying for. We use trade-quality paints and can recommend the best products for your budget and finish.