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Decorating
Refresh and transform your home with professional decorating advice. This guide covers painting costs, preparation, colour ideas, decorating timelines and how to find trusted local painters and decorators.
Last reviewed: August 2026 · Reviewed by: The TopTenTrades Editorial Team
Planning a Decorating Project
Decorating is one of the simplest ways to transform the look, feel and comfort of your home. Whether you're refreshing a single room, preparing a property for sale or completing a full house makeover, good preparation is the key to achieving a professional finish. A successful decorating project involves more than choosing paint colours. Surface preparation, repairing damage, selecting suitable materials and understanding how each room is used all contribute to a result that looks better and lasts longer.
Why This Project?
- check_circleRefresh tired rooms
- check_circleUpdate outdated colours
- check_circleImprove kerb appeal before selling
- check_circleProtect walls and surfaces
- check_circleCreate a new style
- check_circleRepair wear and damage
- check_circleImprove natural light
- check_circlePersonalise living spaces
Costs
| Type | Typical Cost (UK) | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Single room refresh | £300–£800 | 1–3 days |
| Bedroom decoration | £400–£1,200 | 2–4 days |
| Living room decoration | £500–£1,500 | 3–5 days |
| Whole house decoration | £3,000–£10,000+ | 1–4 weeks |
| Premium finishes | £10,000+ | Varies |
Poor preparation is one of the main reasons decorating projects fail, so experienced decorators often spend significant time getting surfaces ready before applying finishes.
Planning Your Project
Matt Paint
A popular choice for walls and ceilings.
- •Hides minor imperfections
- •Creates a modern finish
- •Easy to apply
Satin and Eggshell Paint
Often used for woodwork and high-traffic areas.
- •More durable
- •Easier to clean
- •Suitable for busy rooms
Bathroom and Kitchen Paint
Specialist moisture-resistant paints help protect surfaces in humid environments.
- •Bathrooms
- •Kitchens
- •Utility rooms
Exterior Paint
Outdoor surfaces require weather-resistant coatings designed for:
- •Brickwork
- •Render
- •Timber
- •Masonry
Feature Walls
Create impact using:
- •Bold colours
- •Wallpaper
- •Textured finishes
- •Panelling
Colour Schemes
Consider how lighting affects colours throughout the day before choosing paint. Popular approaches include:
- •Neutral tones
- •Warm earthy colours
- •Natural greens
- •Soft blues
- •Statement colours
Wall Panelling
A popular way to add character to bedrooms, hallways and living spaces.
Wallpaper
Wallpaper can create texture and patterns that paint cannot achieve. Common styles include:
- •Botanical designs
- •Geometric patterns
- •Textured finishes
- •Traditional patterns
Preparing Surfaces Before Decorating
Professional results depend heavily on preparation. If walls are damaged, uneven or showing signs of damp, repairs should be completed before decorating begins. Preparation may include:
- •Removing old wallpaper
- •Filling cracks
- •Repairing plaster damage
- •Sanding surfaces
- •Cleaning walls
- •Applying primer
- •Protecting floors and furniture
Timeline
| Stage | Typical Time |
|---|---|
| Colour planning | 1–2 weeks |
| Material selection | 1 week |
| Surface preparation | 1–3 days |
| Painting | 1–5 days |
| Wallpaper installation | 1–3 days |
| Final finishing | 1 day |
Which Tradespeople Will You Need?
Painters & Decorators
Professional decorators prepare surfaces, apply finishes and complete detailed work such as woodwork, wallpapering and specialist finishes.
Find experienced Painters & Decorators near youPlasterers
Plasterers repair damaged walls, smooth surfaces and prepare areas before decoration.
Find skilled Plasterers near youCarpenters
Carpenters can install or repair skirting boards, architraves, doors, wall panelling and built-in features.
- Skirting boards
- Architraves
- Doors
- Wall panelling
- Built-in features
Flooring Specialists
Decorating projects often work best when walls, flooring and furnishings are considered together.
Find Flooring Specialists near youChecklist
- check_circleDecide on your colour scheme
- check_circleMeasure rooms
- check_circleChoose paint finishes
- check_circleRepair damaged surfaces
- check_circleRemove old wallpaper if needed
- check_circleProtect furniture and flooring
- check_circlePrepare materials
- check_circlePlan the order of rooms
- check_circleCheck ventilation
- check_circleAllow drying time
DIY or Hire a Professional?
| Suitable DIY Jobs | Professional Recommended |
|---|---|
| Painting small rooms | High ceilings |
| Feature walls | Wallpaper installation |
| Touch-ups | Specialist finishes |
| Furniture painting | Extensive preparation |
| Shelving | Plaster repairs |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- check_circleChoosing colours without testing samples
- check_circleSkipping surface preparation
- check_circleUsing unsuitable paint finishes
- check_circlePainting over damp problems
- check_circleApplying too few coats
- check_circleIgnoring drying times
- check_circlePoor cutting-in around edges
- check_circleNot protecting floors
- check_circleBuying low-quality materials
- check_circleUnderestimating preparation time — good preparation is usually the difference between an average finish and a professional result
Maintenance
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Clean painted walls | As required |
| Touch up marks | Annually |
| Check for peeling paint | Annually |
| Refresh high-use areas | Every 3–5 years |
| Repaint exterior woodwork | Every 3–7 years |
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Home Improvement Guides
Our homeowner guides are written to provide practical, impartial advice for UK property owners. Content is reviewed regularly to reflect current building practices, regulations and homeowner priorities. Where specialist work is involved, we recommend using appropriately qualified and insured tradespeople.
Ready to Start Decorating?
Don't leave it to chance — use this guide to plan ahead, save important details to your projects, and connect with trusted local tradespeople when professional help is needed.
- •Save this project to My Projects and track it over time.
- •Request quotes from trusted local tradespeople.
- •Compare professionals based on experience, reviews and completed projects.
Request multiple quotes · Compare trusted professionals