How much does it cost to paint a room?
Painting a room professionally typically costs $300–$1,000. A standard 10×12 bedroom (walls only) runs $300–$600; large living rooms, high ceilings, or adding the ceiling and trim push toward $1,000+.
Ranges are typical planning guides — actual price varies by region, access, materials and your local pro. Always get a written quote.
| Room | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small bedroom (10×10) | $300–$500 | Walls only, two coats |
| Standard bedroom (10×12) | $350–$650 | Most common job |
| Master bedroom / living room | $500–$1,000 | More wall area, furniture |
| Add ceiling + trim | +$150–$400 | Per room, on top of walls |
| Accent wall only | $150–$300 | Minimum charge often applies |
What affects the price
Room size and wall area
Painters price off wall square footage. A 10×10 bedroom has roughly 320 sq ft of wall; a large living room can have double that plus taller walls.
Scope beyond walls
Ceilings, baseboards, door and window trim, and closets each add labor. A walls-only quote and a full-room quote can differ by 60% or more.
Color change and prep
Covering a dark or bold color needs primer plus two coats. Nail holes, drywall dings and glossy old paint all add prep time.
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How much does it cost to paint a room?
Typically $300–$1,000 per room — around $350–$650 for a standard bedroom walls-only, more for large rooms or when ceilings and trim are included.
Why do painters have a minimum charge?
Setup, drop sheets, cutting-in and cleanup take nearly as long for one wall as for four, so most pros set a $250–$400 minimum per visit. Bundling several rooms is much better value.
How much paint do I need for one room?
A standard bedroom takes about 1–2 gallons for two coats on the walls. Your painter includes paint in the quote, typically $30–$70 per gallon for quality lines.