How Much Does a Decorator Cost in the UK?

Decorator Day Rates UK 2026

Most painters and decorators charge £150–£250 per day in the UK. London and the South East typically command £180–£300 per day. The North of England and Scotland tend to be £130–£200 per day.

Cost to Paint a Room

Painting a standard 12x12ft bedroom (walls, ceiling, and woodwork): £300–£600 including labour. A larger living room: £400–£800. These prices typically include preparation, primer, and two finish coats. Materials are usually extra at £50–£150 depending on paint quality.

Cost to Wallpaper a Room

Hanging wallpaper in a standard room costs £300–£600 for labour. Pattern-matching paper or feature walls may be priced higher due to the skill involved. Strip and prepare an existing wallpapered room adds £100–£200.

Full House Painting Costs

A full interior repaint of a 3-bedroom semi-detached house (all rooms, hallways, woodwork) typically costs £2,500–£4,500. This usually takes 5–10 days depending on the decorator's team size and surface condition.

What Affects the Price

Surface preparation time is the biggest variable — a room in poor condition with cracked walls, old wallpaper to strip, or previously dark colours will cost significantly more than a well-maintained room. Always get a site visit and detailed quote.

Supply and Apply vs Labour Only

Some decorators offer supply and apply (they buy the paint and charge a margin), others are labour only (you supply the paint). Labour-only is usually cheaper but requires you to source the right products. Clarify which arrangement applies when getting quotes.