How much does decorating cost in 2026? Get an instant estimate for painting, wallpapering, or both based on the number of rooms, room size, and whether ceilings are included.
Typical UK costs
£200–£4,110
Range across all configurations, before regional adjustment
Prices include materials and labour. Painting assumes 2 coats of emulsion on walls (mist coat + top coat) using mid-range trade paint. Wallpapering includes paste, lining paper where needed, and hanging. 'Both' assumes painting most walls with a feature wallpaper on one wall per room. Price varies significantly with paint and wallpaper quality - designer wallpaper can cost £50-£150+ per roll vs £10-£25 for standard. Prep work for older properties (filling cracks, sanding, sugar-soaping) can add 30-50% to the cost. Ceilings add approximately 25% to the painting price. Excludes woodwork (skirting, doors, architraves) - budget an extra £50-£100 per room if these need painting too.
Last updated: February 2026
Prices include materials and labour. Painting assumes 2 coats of emulsion on walls (mist coat + top coat) using mid-range trade paint. Wallpapering includes paste, lining paper where needed, and hanging. 'Both' assumes painting most walls with a feature wallpaper on one wall per room. Price varies significantly with paint and wallpaper quality - designer wallpaper can cost £50-£150+ per roll vs £10-£25 for standard. Prep work for older properties (filling cracks, sanding, sugar-soaping) can add 30-50% to the cost. Ceilings add approximately 25% to the painting price. Excludes woodwork (skirting, doors, architraves) - budget an extra £50-£100 per room if these need painting too.
Prices last updated: February 2026. Estimates are indicative and based on UK averages.