Introduction

Painting the interior of your home is one of the most cost-effective ways to refresh your space, boost home value, and create a new atmosphere. But how much should you expect to spend? Whether you’re tackling one room or the whole house, understanding the cost breakdown will help you budget wisely and avoid surprises.

At Refresh Painting, we’ve worked on countless homes in Richmond, VA, and we know that pricing can vary based on factors like size, paint quality, and labor costs. In this guide, we’ll break down the real cost of an interior painting project and what influences the price.

Average Cost to Paint the Interior of a Home

The cost of interior painting is typically measured per square foot or per room size. Here’s a general estimate:

Size of AreaEstimated Cost (Labor & Materials)

• Small Room (10x10 ft)$400 - $800
• Medium Room (12x12 ft)$600 - $1,200
• Large Room (14x16 ft)$900 - $1,800
• Entire 1,500 sq. ft. Home$4,000 - $7,500
• Entire 2,500 sq. ft. Home$6,000 - $10,000

🔹 DIY vs. Professional Cost: While a DIY project may seem cheaper, professional painters ensure quality, speed, and durability, which can save you money in the long run.

What Factors Affect the Cost?

1️⃣ Size of the Area

• The bigger the space, the more paint and labor are required.

2️⃣ Type & Quality of Paint

• Standard paint: $25 - $50 per gallon
• Premium, durable, or low-VOC paint: $50 - $100 per gallon

3️⃣ Number of Coats Required

• Dark-to-light color changes may require extra coats, increasing material and labor costs.

4️⃣ Wall Condition & Prep Work

• Repairing holes, sanding, and priming can add to the total price.

5️⃣ Ceilings, Trim, & Accent Walls

• Painting ceilings and trim costs extra since they require different paints and techniques.

6️⃣ Labor Costs (If Hiring a Pro)

• Professional painters typically charge $2 - $6 per square foot or $20 - $50 per hour depending on experience and location.

Ways to Save on Interior Painting

✅ Choose Neutral Colors – Lighter shades usually require fewer coats.
✅ Bundle Rooms Together – Painting multiple rooms at once can save on setup costs.
✅ Do Prep Work Yourself – Removing furniture, patching holes, and taping edges can cut labor costs.
✅ Ask for a Free Estimate – Many painters (like us at Refresh Painting!) offer free quotes so you can plan accordingly.

Final Thoughts: Is Interior Painting Worth the Cost?

Absolutely! A fresh coat of paint transforms your space, increases home value, and improves indoor air quality (especially with low-VOC paints). Whether you DIY or hire professionals, understanding the costs upfront ensures a smooth, stress-free project.