How Much to Paint a Bedroom – Cost Breakdown & Estimates

Painting a bedroom is one of the most impactful and common home improvement projects, capable of completely transforming a space's mood and aesthetic. As you plan your refresh for 2025, a crucial question inevitably arises: How much does it cost to paint a bedroom? While prices can vary based on numerous factors, understanding the typical breakdown of labor, materials, and potential add-ons will help you budget effectively and ensure a smooth process, whether you're hiring professionals or tackling it yourself.

Average labor and paint material costs

The total cost to paint a bedroom is primarily driven by two components: labor and paint materials.

• Labor Costs (Professional Painters):

  • Professional painters typically charge by the hour, by the square foot, or a flat rate per room.

  • In 2025, expect labor costs to range anywhere from $2 to $6 per square foot for walls, or a flat rate between $300 to $800 per standard bedroom, depending on complexity, location, and the painter's experience.

  • This usually includes surface preparation (light sanding, cleaning, minor patching), taping, priming (if needed), applying two coats of paint, and cleanup.

• Paint Material Costs:

  • The cost of paint itself varies significantly based on quality, brand, and type (e.g., standard latex, low-VOC, specialty finish).

  • A gallon of good quality interior paint for a bedroom typically ranges from $30 to $70. Premium or specialty paints can cost $70 to $100+ per gallon.

  • You'll also need supplies like primer (if not in the paint), painter's tape, brushes, rollers, drop cloths, and sandpaper. Budget an additional $50 to $150 for these materials.

Total Average (Professionally Painted, Standard Room): For a typical bedroom (approx. 10x12 feet with 8-foot walls), expect a professional paint job to cost between $400 to $1,000, including labor and materials. Larger rooms or those with complex features will be on the higher end.

Cost variations by bedroom size

The larger the bedroom, the more paint and labor hours will be required, directly impacting the overall cost.

• Small Bedroom (e.g., 8x10 feet, 8-foot walls):

  • Approx. 300-350 sq ft of wall space.

  • Professional cost: $300 - $600

  • DIY material cost: $100 - $200 (1-2 gallons paint + supplies)

• Medium Bedroom (e.g., 10x12 feet, 8-foot walls):

  • Approx. 350-400 sq ft of wall space.

  • Professional cost: $400 - $800

  • DIY material cost: $150 - $250 (2-3 gallons paint + supplies)

• Large Bedroom (e.g., 15x15 feet, 8-foot walls, or higher ceilings):

  • Approx. 480-600+ sq ft of wall space.

  • Professional cost: $600 - $1,000+

  • DIY material cost: $200 - $350+ (3-4+ gallons paint + supplies)

Note: These estimates typically include two coats of paint on the walls.

Trim, ceiling & feature wall costs

While many estimates focus solely on walls, additional elements significantly impact the final price.

• Ceiling Painting:

  • Often quoted separately or as an add-on. Ceilings require specific paint (often flatter sheen) and more effort to paint without drips.

  • Adds approximately $100 to $300 to the cost, depending on ceiling size and condition.

• Trim Painting (Baseboards, Door Frames, Window Casings):

  • Detailed work that adds time and requires precision.

  • Adds approximately $100 to $250 per room, depending on the amount of trim.

• Feature Walls (Accent Walls):

  • If you're painting one wall a different color, this usually adds minimal cost if it's part of the main project.

  • If it involves a specialized technique (e.g., stripes, stenciling, faux finish), it will incur additional labor and potentially material costs.

• Extensive Prep/Repairs:

  • Patching large holes, repairing extensive drywall damage, or dealing with mold/mildew will increase labor costs. Painters typically charge extra for anything beyond minor spackling and sanding.

  • Addressing lead-based paint in older homes will also significantly increase costs due to safety protocols.

Repainting vs. Starting fresh

The current condition and previous color of your bedroom walls play a role in the total cost.

• Repainting (Similar Color, Good Condition):

  • If the existing paint is in good condition and you're painting a similar color (or going darker), fewer coats might be needed, and prep will be minimal. This generally falls within the average cost ranges.

• Dramatic Color Change (Dark to Light, or Very Bright to Neutral):

  • Requires more paint coats (often 3+) and sometimes a primer coat to effectively cover the old color. This increases both material and labor costs.

• Poor Surface Condition:

  • Walls with peeling paint, excessive dents, scuffs, or water stains will require more extensive preparation, including scraping, patching, and potentially specialized primers. This will drive up labor costs.

• Textured Walls:

  • Textured surfaces (e.g., orange peel, knockdown) require more paint as the texture absorbs more material, and they can be more challenging to paint evenly. This can increase both paint quantity and labor time.

Cost-saving tips and estimate examples

Even with professional painting, there are ways to manage your budget, and DIY can save you significantly on labor.

• Cost-Saving Tips:

  • DIY Prep: Do the basic cleaning, patch minor holes, and move furniture yourself to reduce professional labor time.

  • Choose Mid-Range Paint: Good quality paint offers durability without the premium price of high-end brands.

  • Get Multiple Quotes: Always obtain estimates from at least three different painting contractors to compare pricing and services.

  • Paint Off-Season: Some painters may offer slightly lower rates during their slower seasons (e.g., winter).

  • Consider DIY: If you have the time, patience, and some painting experience, tackling the project yourself will save 70-80% of the cost by eliminating labor.

• Estimate Examples (Professional):

  • Basic Small Bedroom (DIY Prep): Walls only, similar color, good condition. Might range from $300 - $500.

  • Medium Bedroom (Full Service): Walls, ceiling, trim, two coats. Might range from $700 - $900.

  • Large Bedroom (Complex): Large size, high ceilings, dramatic color change, extensive trim, some repairs. Could range from $900 - $1,200+.

Understanding how much it costs to paint a bedroom involves considering size, scope, surface condition, and whether you opt for professional help or a DIY approach. While DIY offers significant savings, a professional painter ensures a flawless, long-lasting finish, saving you time and effort. For a precise quote and a beautiful result that transforms your personal sanctuary, investing in skilled craftsmanship is always a wise choice.

Ready for a beautiful, professionally painted bedroom? Contact Masterpiece Painter today for a detailed consultation and a personalized estimate for your project!