Painting a single room is one of the most common and transformative DIY projects for homeowners and renters alike. Whether you’re looking to refresh a tired space, increase your home’s value, or simply express your personal style, understanding the cost to paint one room is the crucial first step. This expense is not a single figure; it is a variable that depends on a multitude of factors, including room size, paint quality, labor, and the condition of your walls. This guide will provide a detailed breakdown of everything you need to know to accurately budget for your painting project, exploring both the DIY route and the option of hiring professional painters.
The most significant factors influencing the cost to paint one room are the size of the room and the price of the materials. A small home office or bedroom will naturally cost less than a large master bedroom or an open-plan living area. The primary material cost is, of course, the paint itself. Paint prices can vary dramatically, from budget-friendly options starting around $20 per gallon to premium designer brands that can exceed $70 per gallon. On average, most quality paints fall in the $30 to $50 per gallon range. A standard gallon of paint typically covers 350 to 400 square feet. For an average 12×12 foot room (with a typical ceiling height of 8 feet), you will need approximately 2 gallons for a single coat on walls and ceiling, though two coats are almost always recommended for a uniform, professional finish.
Beyond the paint, the material costs include all the necessary supplies. For a DIY project, this initial investment can add up. Essential items include:
- Brushes and Rollers: A variety of sizes for cutting in edges and covering large wall areas.
- Painter’s Tape: High-quality tape to protect trim, ceilings, and windows.
- Drop Cloths: To protect your floors and furniture from drips and spills.
- Paint Trays and Liners: For holding and distributing paint efficiently.
- Sandpaper and Spackling: For repairing holes, cracks, and smoothing rough surfaces before painting.
- Primer: Essential for new drywall, covering stains, or when making a dramatic color change.
The total cost for a full set of quality supplies for a DIYer can range from $50 to $150. If you are hiring professionals, they bring their own supplies, and this cost is factored into their labor rate.
Labor is the other major component of the cost to paint one room, and it represents the biggest difference between a DIY job and a professional one. If you decide to hire a professional painter, you are paying for their expertise, speed, and the quality of the finished product. Professional painters typically charge in one of three ways: a fixed price for the entire project, an hourly rate, or a per-square-foot rate. A fixed price is the most common for room painting. On average, the cost to hire a professional to paint a standard room can range from $380 to $1,000, with a national average around $650. This price usually includes all labor and materials. For an hourly rate, expect to pay between $50 and $100 per hour per painter. A single room might take a team of two professionals 4 to 8 hours to complete, which would translate to an hourly cost of $400 to $1,600.
Let’s look at some specific cost scenarios to give you a clearer picture. For a small room (like a 10×10 foot bedroom) as a DIY project, your total cost might be: 2 gallons of mid-range paint ($80) + supplies ($75) = $155. Hiring a pro for the same room might cost a flat fee of $450. For a large room (like a 20×20 foot living room), the DIY cost could be: 4 gallons of paint ($160) + supplies (you may already have some, so $50) = $210. A professional quote for this larger space could easily be $800 to $1,200. These are estimates, and your actual costs will vary.
Several other factors can significantly impact your final bill. The condition of your walls is a major one. If your walls have numerous cracks, holes, or water stains, they will require extensive prep work—sanding, spackling, and priming—which adds time and cost. The type of paint finish you choose also plays a role. Standard flat or eggshell finishes are typically included in a painter’s quote, but premium finishes like high-gloss or specialty paints (e.g., scrubbable, mold-resistant, or faux finishes) will cost more. The height of your ceilings is another consideration. Standard 8-foot ceilings are straightforward, but vaulted or cathedral ceilings require special equipment like ladders and scaffolds, increasing the labor cost. Finally, the amount of trim, doors, and windows in the room affects the price. Detailed trim work is time-consuming, as it requires precise cutting in and often a different type of paint.
To help you budget effectively, here is a step-by-step guide to estimating your own cost to paint one room:
- Measure Your Room: Calculate the total wall square footage. Add together the length of all four walls and multiply by the ceiling height. Subtract about 20 square feet for each standard door and 15 square feet for each window.
- Calculate Paint Needed: Divide your total square footage by 350 (the coverage of a standard gallon). Round up to determine how many gallons you need for one coat. Remember to plan for two coats.
- Price the Paint: Research paint prices at your local home improvement store or online.
- List Your Supplies: Tally the cost of all the supplies you will need to buy.
- Get Professional Quotes (if applicable): Obtain at least three detailed, written quotes from licensed and insured painters. Ensure the quotes specify the brand and quality of paint, the number of coats, and what prep work is included.
- Add a Contingency: Always add a 10-15% buffer to your budget for unexpected expenses, like discovering hidden wall damage.
While the upfront cost of a DIY project is lower, it’s important to consider the value of your time and the potential for error. A professional job often comes with a warranty and guarantees a high-quality, durable finish that can last for years. A DIY job can be immensely satisfying and cost-effective, but it requires a significant time investment and a willingness to learn proper techniques to avoid mistakes like drips, uneven coverage, or paint on your trim.
In conclusion, the cost to paint one room is a flexible figure that can be tailored to fit almost any budget. For a simple refresh of a small room, a DIY approach can cost as little as $150 to $300. For a larger, more complex room where perfection is desired, hiring a professional for $650 to $1,200 is a worthwhile investment. By carefully considering the room size, paint quality, necessary supplies, and the value of your own time and skill, you can make an informed decision that leaves you with a beautifully painted room you can enjoy for years to come.