Interior Painting Cost 2025: Price Per Sq Ft & Room Guide
A fresh coat of paint is the single most affordable way to transform a home, increasing its value and appeal instantly. But before you buy the rollers and drop cloths, you need to budget accurately. How much does interior painting cost in 2025?
The national average cost to paint a home's interior is between $2 and $6 per square foot of floor space. For a single 12x12 bedroom, expect to pay $400 to $900 for professional labor and materials. Prices vary drastically depending on ceiling height, wall texture, and the quality of the paint used.
In this guide, we provide a transparent breakdown of labor rates, paint finish prices, and the hidden costs of prep work like drywall repair.
⚠️ Lead Paint Warning
If your home was built before 1978, the existing paint likely contains Lead. Sanding this paint releases toxic dust that causes severe brain damage in children. You MUST hire an EPA-certified contractor for removal. (See our Hazardous Material Guide).
1. National Average Cost by Room Size
Professional painters typically charge by the room rather than by the hour for standard jobs. Here is what you can expect to pay for labor and materials.
| Room Type | Average Size | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom / Powder Room | 50 - 80 sq ft | $200 - $500 |
| Bedroom / Office | 120 - 150 sq ft | $400 - $900 |
| Living Room | 250 - 400 sq ft | $800 - $1,800 |
| Whole House (2,000 sq ft) | Multiple Rooms | $4,000 - $10,000 |
2. Cost Breakdown: Labor vs. Materials
Where does the money go?
Labor (70%-80%): Painters charge $50 to $90 per hour. This includes moving furniture, taping edges, sanding walls, and cleanup.
Materials (20%-30%): A gallon of high-quality paint (Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore) costs $40 to $80 and covers about 350-400 square feet.
3. Paint Finishes and Prices
The type of "sheen" (shininess) you choose affects durability and price.
| Finish Type | Best For | Durability |
|---|---|---|
| Flat / Matte | Ceilings, Low-traffic areas | Low (Hard to clean) |
| Eggshell / Satin | Living Rooms, Bedrooms | Medium (Wipeable) |
| Semi-Gloss | Kitchens, Bathrooms, Trim | High (Moisture resistant) |
4. Hidden Factors That Increase Price
- Wall Repairs: Patching holes in drywall costs extra. If you have major damage, check our Drywall & Finishing Guide.
- Textured Walls: Painting over "Popcorn Ceilings" or heavy texture requires 30% more paint.
- High Ceilings: If your ceilings are over 10 feet, painters need scaffolding, which increases labor cost by 25%.
- Accent Walls: Adding a dark color requires a tinted primer and extra coats.
Conclusion
While DIY painting is popular, hiring a professional ensures crisp lines, no drips, and a job done in days rather than weeks. For the best ROI, stick to neutral colors like "Greige" (Gray + Beige) or Off-White.
Planning to redo the floors after painting? Read our guide on Flooring Installation Costs to coordinate the schedule.
Disclaimer: Costs are national averages for 2025 and may vary by location, paint brand, and contractor availability. Always obtain three quotes from licensed and insured painters. This guide is for informational purposes only.