How Much Does a Painter and Decorator Cost in Edinburgh?
A straightforward guide to decorating prices in Edinburgh — what to expect, what affects the cost, and how to get a clear, honest quote for your project.
What Does Decorating Cost in Edinburgh?
If you’re planning a redecoration, one of the first questions is usually: how much will it cost? The honest answer is that it depends. Decorating prices in Edinburgh vary depending on the size of the room, the condition of the surfaces, the type of property, and the materials used.
A small bedroom in a modern flat will cost less than a high-ceilinged living room in a Victorian tenement. A freshly plastered wall is quicker to paint than one that needs filling, sanding, and lining. And premium paints from brands like Farrow & Ball or Little Greene cost more than standard trade emulsion — but they look and last noticeably better.
At Bert’s Decorating, we always provide a free home visit and a clear, written quote before any work begins. There are no hidden costs and no surprises. Below, we’ve set out some typical price ranges to help you plan your budget.
Typical Decorating Prices in Edinburgh
The table below gives approximate price ranges for common decorating jobs in Edinburgh. These are guide prices only — your actual quote will depend on the specific condition and requirements of your property.
| Job | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Bedroom repaint (walls & ceiling) | £300 – £500 |
| Living room repaint (walls, ceiling & woodwork) | £400 – £700 |
| Hallway & stair repaint | £500 – £900 |
| Wallpapering a feature wall | £150 – £300 |
| Full flat repaint (2-bedroom) | £1,800 – £3,500 |
| Exterior painting (front of house) | £800 – £2,000 |
| Laminate flooring installation (per room) | £300 – £600 |
All prices include labour, preparation, and materials unless otherwise stated. VAT may apply. Prices are based on standard-sized Edinburgh properties.
Please note: These prices are estimates only, intended to help you budget. Every property is different, and your final quote may be higher or lower depending on the condition of surfaces, ceiling heights, access, and your choice of materials. We always provide a detailed, written quote after a free home visit — so you know exactly what to expect before any work begins.
What Affects the Cost of Decorating?
No two Edinburgh homes are the same, and several factors can push the cost of a decorating project up or down. Here are the main things we consider when quoting:
Room size and ceiling height
Edinburgh is full of properties with high ceilings — particularly traditional tenement flats in areas like Stockbridge, Marchmont, and Bruntsfield. Taller rooms take longer to paint and sometimes require scaffolding or tower access, which adds to the cost compared to a standard-height modern flat.
Surface condition and preparation
Preparation is where most of the time goes on any decorating job. Walls that are cracked, damp-damaged, or covered in old wallpaper need more work before a brush goes anywhere near them. We always prepare surfaces properly — filling, sanding, priming, and lining where necessary — because a good finish starts with good prep.
Paint and materials
We use quality trade paints as standard, but if you’ve chosen a premium brand like Farrow & Ball, Little Greene, or Tikkurila, the material cost will be higher. Some colours — particularly deep reds, blues, and greens — also require extra coats to achieve full, even coverage.
Property type
The type of property makes a real difference. A two-bedroom tenement flat in Newington with standard ceiling heights is a very different job from a four-bedroom Victorian villa in Morningside with ornate cornicing and a three-storey stairwell. We tailor every quote to the specific property.
Access and logistics
Ground-floor flats with easy parking are straightforward. Upper-floor tenements with narrow stairwells, or properties that need external scaffolding, require more planning. Exterior painting on taller buildings may also need specialist access equipment.
How Edinburgh Property Types Affect Decorating Costs
Edinburgh has one of the most varied housing stocks in the UK, and the type of property you live in has a direct impact on decorating costs. Traditional tenement flats — found across Marchmont, Bruntsfield, and Stockbridge — typically have high ceilings, original cornicing, and deep window reveals that take more time and care to paint than a standard modern room. Victorian and Edwardian villas in areas like Morningside and Trinity often feature ornate plasterwork, multi-storey hallways, and large sash windows — all of which add to preparation and access time. Meanwhile, Georgian townhouses in the New Town may have grand proportions and delicate period mouldings that require specialist finishing techniques. Modern apartments and new-builds are generally quicker and more straightforward, with lower ceilings and smoother wall surfaces.
Examples of Recent Decorating Projects
To give you a better idea of what’s involved, here are a few examples of recent projects we’ve completed across Edinburgh:
- Victorian living room redecoration in Bruntsfield — Full preparation of original plasterwork, spray-painted cornice and ceiling rose, bold feature colour on the walls, and all woodwork refreshed in satin white. A high-ceilinged room with period details that needed careful handling.
- Room repaint in Trinity — Wall repairs following electrical work, deep blue feature colour applied with precision, and full ceiling and woodwork repaint. A good example of how thorough prep makes a tricky colour look its best.
- Kitchen cabinet painting in Stockbridge — IKEA kitchen cabinets spray-painted offsite in a bespoke light blue finish with a durable lacquer topcoat. A cost-effective way to transform a kitchen without a full refit.
- Laminate flooring installation in Blackhall — Full carpet removal, subfloor levelling, moisture membrane, and dark walnut laminate fitted throughout a ground-floor property.
Example: Victorian Living Room in Bruntsfield
To give a real-world example, our Victorian living room redecoration in Bruntsfield involved full preparation of original plasterwork, spray-painting of a decorative cornice and ceiling rose, a bold orange feature colour on the walls, and all woodwork finished in satin white. For a high-ceilinged room with period details like this, a typical quote would fall in the £600 – £900 range, depending on the exact condition of the surfaces and the paints chosen.
You can see more of our work on the project showcase page.
How to Get an Accurate Quote
Online price guides — including this one — can only give you a rough idea. Every property is different, and the only way to get an accurate price is with a proper home visit.
When we visit your home, we’ll look at the surfaces, measure the rooms, discuss your colour and material preferences, and talk through any challenges specific to your property. You’ll then receive a clear, itemised quote with no hidden extras.
Our home visits are completely free and come with no obligation. We cover all of Edinburgh, from New Town and Canonmills in the centre to Morningside, Trinity, and everywhere in between.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to repaint a room in Edinburgh?
A standard bedroom typically takes one to two days, including preparation and drying time. Larger rooms with high ceilings — common in Edinburgh tenement flats — may take an extra day. A full two-bedroom flat usually takes four to six working days depending on the condition of the walls and the number of coats required.
Do I need to move furniture before the decorators arrive?
We handle all the preparation on the day, including moving and covering furniture. We use heavy-duty dust sheets and protective film to keep your belongings and floors safe throughout the project. You don’t need to do anything in advance.
Is it cheaper to paint or wallpaper a room?
Painting is generally the more affordable option. A straightforward repaint costs less in both materials and labour. Wallpapering involves more preparation and precision, especially with patterned or paste-the-wall papers, but it can add real impact to a feature wall or period property. We’re happy to advise on the best approach for your space and budget.
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Get Your Free Edinburgh Decorating Quote
Every project starts with a free, no-obligation home visit. We’ll discuss your ideas, assess the work needed, and provide a clear, honest quote — no hidden costs, no pressure. Just straightforward advice from experienced Edinburgh painters and decorators.
