Interior Painting Quotes: Room-by-Room Guide
Master the art of quoting interior painting projects with specific pricing strategies, calculations, and tips for every room type. Part of our comprehensive painting quote guide.
What is the Average Cost for Interior Painting?
Interior painting costs average $2-6 per square foot or $200-750 per room. A typical 2,000 sq ft home costs $2,000-6,000 to paint entirely. Prices vary based on paint quality, wall condition, ceiling height, and regional labor rates.
Room-by-Room Pricing Breakdown
Living Room
Typical Specifications
- • Size: 200-400 sq ft
- • Walls: 350-600 sq ft surface
- • Ceiling: Optional (+$150-300)
- • Trim: 100-150 linear ft
Pricing Range
- • Basic (1 color): $400-600
- • Standard (2 colors): $500-800
- • Premium (accent walls): $600-1,000
- • With ceiling: +$150-300
Pro Tip: Living rooms often have high ceilings and large windows. Add 10-15% for rooms over 9ft height and factor in extra cutting-in time around windows.
Bedroom
Typical Specifications
- • Size: 100-200 sq ft
- • Walls: 300-400 sq ft surface
- • Ceiling: Usually included
- • Closet: Add $75-150
Pricing Range
- • Small bedroom: $300-450
- • Medium bedroom: $400-600
- • Master bedroom: $500-750
- • With walk-in closet: +$100-200
Kitchen
Special Considerations
- • Extensive prep work needed
- • Grease/stain blocking primer
- • Semi-gloss or satin finish
- • Cabinet painting separate
Pricing Range
- • Walls only: $350-550
- • Walls + ceiling: $450-700
- • Cabinet painting: $1,500-3,500
- • Complete kitchen: $2,000-4,500
Bathroom
Special Requirements
- • Moisture-resistant paint
- • Mildew-resistant primer
- • Extra prep for humidity damage
- • Careful work around fixtures
Pricing Range
- • Half bath: $200-300
- • Full bath: $300-500
- • Master bath: $400-700
- • With cabinet painting: +$300-600
How to Calculate Interior Painting Costs
Step-by-Step Calculation Method
Measure Wall Square Footage
Wall SF = (Room Perimeter × Wall Height) - (Doors + Windows)
Calculate Paint Needed
Gallons = (Total SF ÷ Coverage Rate) × Coats + 10% waste
Estimate Labor Hours
Hours = (Prep Time + Paint Time + Cleanup) × Difficulty Factor
Calculate Total Price
Price = (Labor Cost + Material Cost) × (1 + Overhead + Profit)
Interior Painting Production Rates
| Task | Sq Ft/Hour | Hours/Room | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall prep (patching, sanding) | 150-200 | 1-2 | Medium |
| Priming (when needed) | 200-250 | 1.5-2 | Easy |
| Rolling walls | 180-250 | 1.5-2.5 | Easy |
| Cutting in edges | 100-150 | 1-2 | Hard |
| Trim painting | 50-75 linear ft | 2-3 | Hard |
| Ceiling painting | 150-200 | 1-1.5 | Medium |
Common Interior Quoting Mistakes
Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Forgetting to subtract openings from square footage
- ✗Not accounting for ceiling height over 8 feet
- ✗Underestimating prep work for older homes
- ✗Using same price for all paint sheens
Best Practices
- ✓Always measure each room individually
- ✓Include detailed prep work in quotes
- ✓Specify exact paint products and sheens
- ✓Add 10-15% contingency for unknowns
Interior Painting FAQs
How much does interior painting cost per room?
Interior painting costs vary by room type and size:
What's included in an interior painting estimate?
A complete interior painting estimate includes:
How long does it take to paint a room?
Professional painting timeframes:
- • Small bedroom: 4-6 hours
- • Master bedroom: 6-8 hours
- • Living room: 6-8 hours
- • Kitchen: 5-7 hours
- • Bathroom: 3-5 hours
Add 2-4 hours for extensive repairs or multiple colors.
Should I paint ceilings when painting walls?
Yes, paint ceilings with walls because:
What's the best paint sheen for interior walls?
Higher sheen = more durable but shows more imperfections.
How many coats of paint do interior walls need?
Standard coating requirements:
- • Most walls: 2 coats for full coverage
- • Dark over light: 2-3 coats
- • New drywall: 1 primer + 2 paint coats
- • Color change: Often needs 3 coats
- • Touch-ups only: 1 coat if matching
Do I need to move furniture for interior painting?
Furniture handling options:
Always remove valuables and wall decorations yourself.
What's the cost difference between DIY and professional interior painting?
- • Materials: $150-$400/room
- • Time: 16-24 hours/room
- • Tools: $100-$300 initial
- • No warranty coverage
- • Total: $300-$1,000/room
- • Time: 4-8 hours/room
- • Tools included
- • 2-5 year warranty
Professionals save 75% time with better results and warranty protection.