Price guide · Updated October 2026
Room-by-room painting prices for London in 2026, how long each job takes, what pushes the price up and how to get a better finish for your money.
By the Brush & Fix team · London handyman and painters
In London and the South East, painting a standard bedroom usually costs around £480 to £700, and a living room £600 to £1,000. Repainting a whole two-bed home is typically £2,300 to £4,500. These ranges come from Fantastic Services' painting and decorating cost guide, updated September 2026.
London and the South East run roughly 20 to 30 percent above the rest of the UK, according to the same guide. The best way to know your price is to send photos of the room, including the ceiling and woodwork.
| Room or job | Typical London & South East price |
|---|---|
| Small room or hallway | £420–£580 |
| Standard bedroom | £480–£700 |
| Living room | £600–£1,000 |
| Large room or through-lounge | £750–£1,300+ |
| Ceiling only (per room) | £150–£320 |
| Woodwork (per job) | £100–£260 |
| Whole two-bed home | £2,300–£4,500 |
Source: Fantastic Services, London & South East prices, 2026. Prices usually include two coats on walls and assume walls in fair condition.
Many decorators also work on a day rate. In London and the South East this is typically £280 to £460 a day (Fantastic Services). Nationally, MyBuilder quotes £250 to £400 a day.
| Job | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Medium room, walls only | 4–6 hours |
| Several rooms (up to five) | 3–4 days |
| Hallway, stairs and landing | 2–3 days |
| Wallpapering one room | 6–8 hours |
Timings for rooms and wallpapering are from MyBuilder's painter and decorator cost guide. Hallways take longer than they look, because of tall walls, stairs and lots of woodwork.
For most London homes, a good-quality matt or eggshell emulsion on walls and a satin or eggshell finish on woodwork gives a clean, durable result. Kitchens and bathrooms benefit from paints made for humid rooms.
The British Coatings Federation publishes practical PaintSafe advice on choosing and using paints safely, which is worth a look before a big project.
Many London homes are over a hundred years old, and older layers of paint may contain lead. Do not dry sand or burn off old paint without checking first. The industry guidance on lead in painted surfaces explains the risks and safe methods in plain language.
If your home is listed or in a conservation area, painting outside, or changing original features inside a listed building, may need consent. Check the Planning Portal and Historic England, or ask your local council, before you choose a new colour for the front of the house.
A standard bedroom typically costs around £480 to £700 in London and the South East, according to Fantastic Services' 2026 guide.
London and South East decorators typically charge about £280 to £460 a day. Nationally, day rates are around £250 to £400.
A medium room usually takes about 4 to 6 hours for walls. Add more time for ceilings, woodwork and repairs.
Older paint can contain lead. Do not dry sand or burn it off. Follow the industry guidance on lead in painted surfaces, or ask a decorator to check.
If your home is listed or in a conservation area, you may need consent. Check with your local council and the Planning Portal first.
Prices quoted from third-party guides are shown with links to the original source and were checked in October 2026. They are guides, not quotes.
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