This blog will walk you through the real cost of painting a 12×12 room, what affects that cost, and how to choose between doing it yourself or hiring a pro. If you’re in places like Croydon, Bromley, or anywhere else in the UK, this guide will help you plan your budget and find the right person for the job.
Average Cost to Paint a 12×12 Room
In the UK, the average cost to paint a room of this size is between £250 and £700. The final price depends on who’s doing the job, the type of paint, and how much prep work is needed. DIY is cheaper but takes more time and effort. Hiring a professional costs more but saves you hassle.
| Service Type | Estimated Cost |
| DIY (materials only) | £80 – £150 |
| Professional – Walls Only | £300 – £500 |
| Professional – Full Room | £500 – £700 |
In areas like Croydon and Bromley, decorators often charge at the higher end of the scale due to labour demand.
If you’re planning to do a bathroom renovation, read more on the top trending bathroom paint colours and themes this year.
How Much Paint Do You Need?
A 12×12 room has a floor area of about 13.4 square meters. But decorators base their price on wall area, not the floor. With standard ceiling height, the walls add up to about 35 square metres.
Most rooms need two coats of paint for a good finish. You’ll need around 5 litres of paint just for the walls. If you’re also painting the ceiling or trim, you’ll need a bit more.
Here’s a quick look at paint prices:
| Paint Type | Cost (2.5L Tin) |
| Standard Emulsion | £18 – £25 |
| Premium Paint | £35 – £60 |
| Eco-Friendly Paint | £40 – £60 |
| Primer or Undercoat | £20 – £35 |
Choosing better paint can save time. It often gives better coverage, so you use less of it.
What Affects the Cost to Paint a Room?
The total cost to paint a room UK homeowners pay can vary based on a few things.
- Labour is a big part. In most areas, painters charge £150 to £200 per day. In Croydon and Bromley, this can go up to £170 to £220.
- Wall condition also matters. If there are cracks, flaking paint, or stains, the painter will need extra time to prep the walls.
- Extra areas like ceilings, skirting boards, and doors will increase the cost.
| Extra Surface | Added Cost Estimate |
| Ceiling | £50 – £100 |
| Skirting Boards & Trim | £60 – £120 |
| Doors (each) | £20 – £50 |
| Radiators | £20 – £30 |
If you’re comparing quotes and want the best rate for painting a room, ask if prep work and materials are included.
DIY vs Hiring a Professional Painter
DIY painting can cost £80 to £150 if you already have brushes, rollers, and tape. It’s a good way to save money. But it takes time, and the finish might not look professional.
Hiring a painter costs more. The estimated cost for this size room is between £300 and £700. But it’s quicker and cleaner, and you don’t need to do any of the work.
If you’re wondering where to find interior painters near me, The Trade Core is a trusted place to start. It connects UK homeowners with reliable interior painters who are rated by real customers. You can post your job and compare quotes easily, whether you’re painting one room or the whole house.
Croydon homeowners should give a read to “Best Painters and Decorators in Croydon: A Complete Guide” to find reliable painters in the area.
Regional Pricing
Your location affects labour rates. In Greater London, including Croydon and Bromley, painters charge more than in the Midlands or the North.
| Region | Daily Rate |
| Central London | £200 – £250 |
| Croydon & Bromley | £170 – £220 |
| South East (outside M25) | £150 – £180 |
| Midlands / North | £130 – £170 |
| Rural Areas | £100 – £140 |
If you want to know how much to paint a room in your area, post your job on The Trade Core to get quotes from trusted local pros.
How to Save on Interior Painting
Want to save money without cutting corners? Here are a few tips:
- Prep the room yourself. Move furniture, cover the floor, and fill small holes.
- Use one colour to reduce your paint usage and avoid mixing.
- Buy paint during store sales or use a decorator’s trade discount.
- Paint during off-peak months like winter. Rates are often lower.
Bundling jobs also helps. If you’re planning other work like plastering or electrics, you might get a better deal by booking it all with one tradesperson.
Why Use The Trade Core
Finding a reliable painter is often harder than the painting itself. That’s where The Trade Core makes a big difference. It connects homeowners with vetted tradespeople who specialise in interior painting, home improvements, and more.
You can post a job for free and get quotes from local pros within hours. All tradespeople are verified and reviewed, so you can hire with confidence. Whether you’re painting a single room or planning a full renovation, The Trade Core helps you find trusted help without wasting time or risking poor results.
Read our article on “Top Benefits of Hiring a House Renovation Company in Bromley” to find out more reliable options.
Final Cost Summary
Here’s a final breakdown of costs:
| Option | Estimated Cost |
| DIY (materials only) | £80 – £150 |
| Professional (walls only) | £300 – £500 |
| Professional (full room finish) | £500 – £700 |
| Croydon/Bromley (full room) | £550 – £750 |
The final cost depends on wall condition, extra areas to paint, and the quality of materials.
Final Thoughts
So, how much does it cost to paint a room in the UK? For a 12×12 space, most homeowners spend £300 to £700 with a professional or £100 or less if they do it themselves.
Painting is one of the easiest ways to refresh a room. With the right painter and the right tools, it can be done quickly and affordably. If you’re ready to start and want to hire someone local and reliable, check out The Trade Core.
Whether you’re in Croydon, Bromley, or anywhere else in the UK, it’s the easiest way to find and book qualified interior painters for your next project.