The average room painting cost in Melbourne is typically between $500 and $2,500, depending on the size of the room, the condition of the walls, the type of paint and the amount of preparation required.

A small room with smooth walls may cost around $500–$900 to paint. A standard bedroom may cost approximately $700–$1,500, while a large living room requiring ceiling painting, repairs or additional coats may cost $2,000–$3,500 or more.

Room Painting Cost Calculator

The following table provides a quick guide to professional room painting costs in Melbourne.

Room Size	Approximate Dimensions	Walls Only	Walls + Ceiling
Small room	Up to 9 m², such as 2.5m × 3m	$500–$900	$700–$1,200
Standard room	9–15 m², such as 3m × 4m	$700–$1,200	$900–$1,500
Large room	15–25 m², such as 4m × 5m	$900–$1,500	$1,200–$1,900
Very large room	25–40 m², such as 5m × 6m	$1,300–$2,200	$1,700–$2,800

These prices are general estimates. The final cost can vary depending on the condition of the surfaces, the number of coats required and whether doors, skirting boards and other trims are included.

If you are planning to paint several rooms or the entire interior of your home, you may also want to compare these figures with our complete guide to interior house painting cost in Melbourne.

For a broader overview of painting costs throughout a Melbourne property, see our house painting estimates in Melbourne guide.

Cost to Paint Different Types of Rooms

The type of room can also affect the final painting cost.

Bedroom Painting Cost

The average cost to paint a bedroom is approximately:

$700–$1,500

A small bedroom with walls in good condition may cost $500–$900.

A standard bedroom with walls and ceiling may cost approximately $900–$1,500.

Adding doors, skirting boards or extensive preparation can increase the total to $1,500–$2,300+.

If you are planning to repaint a complete bedroom or other interior spaces, our interior painting services in Melbourne page provides more information about professional interior painting.

Living Room Painting Cost

Living rooms are often more expensive to paint than bedrooms because they generally have more wall area and furniture.

The average cost is approximately:

• Walls only: $900–$1,600
• Walls and ceiling: $1,200–$2,000
• Complete painting including trims: $1,500–$2,500+

Large living rooms or open-plan areas may cost $2,000–$3,500+ depending on the scope of work.

Factors That Affect Room Painting Cost

The room size is only one part of the total cost.

The following factors can significantly change the final price of a professional painting project.

1. Wall Condition and Surface Preparation

The condition of the walls is one of the biggest factors affecting the price.

Smooth walls that are ready to paint require much less preparation than walls with cracks, holes or peeling paint.

Wall Condition	What It Usually Includes	Additional Cost
Good condition	Basic cleaning and preparation	$0–$100
Minor damage	Small holes, dents and cracks	$100–$300
Moderate damage	More filling and sanding	$300–$600
Severe damage	Major repairs or damaged plaster	$600–$1,000+

For example, a standard room with smooth walls may cost $700–$1,200. The same room with extensive preparation may cost $1,300–$2,200 or more.

If your walls have old paint that needs to be removed before repainting, read our guide on how to strip paint from a wall to understand the preparation process.

2. Changing from a Dark Colour to a Light Colour

The existing colour can affect the number of coats and the amount of primer required.

Colour Change	Example	Additional Cost
Similar colour	Light grey to beige	$0–$100
Moderate change	Blue to light grey	$100–$300
Dark to light	Navy blue to white	$150–$500+
Very difficult change	Black or dark red to white	$300–$700+

Dark colours may require additional primer or paint coats to achieve an even finish.

3. Number of Paint Coats

Most interior rooms require two finish coats.

However, an additional coat may be necessary when the existing colour is difficult to cover.

Painting Requirement	Typical Situation	Additional Cost
Two finish coats	Standard painting project	Usually included
Third coat	Poor coverage or difficult colour change	$100–$400
Primer + two coats	Major colour change or stained surface	$150–$500

The exact number of coats depends on the paint type, surface condition and colours being used.

4. Ceiling Painting

Many painting quotes include walls only. Ceiling painting is often priced separately.

Ceiling Size	Approximate Area	Additional Cost
Small ceiling	Up to 9 m²	$200–$350
Standard ceiling	9–15 m²	$300–$500
Large ceiling	15–25 m²	$400–$700
Very large ceiling	25–40 m²	$600–$1,000+

For example, a 3m × 4m room has a ceiling area of approximately 12 m². Painting this ceiling may add around $300–$500 to the project.

If your project involves repainting the entire ceiling rather than just one room, you can also see our guide to ceiling painting cost in Melbourne.

5. Doors, Skirting Boards and Trim

Walls are not always the only surfaces that need painting.

Doors, skirting boards and window trims are often priced separately.

Item	Typical Scope	Additional Cost
Interior door	One standard door	$100–$250
Skirting boards	Standard room	$200–$600
Window trims	Standard room	$100–$300+
Complete trim package	Door, skirting and architraves	$400–$1,000+

Trim painting may require additional sanding, filling and detailed preparation.

If you are only looking to repaint doors rather than the entire room, you can learn more about door painting cost Melbourne.

6. Ceiling Height

Standard-height rooms are generally the most affordable to paint.

Ceiling Height	Typical Situation	Additional Cost
Up to 2.7m	Standard residential ceiling	$0
2.7m–3.5m	High ceiling	$150–$400
Above 3.5m	Very high ceiling	$400–$1,000+

High ceilings may require additional equipment and safety measures.

7. Furniture and Room Preparation

Furniture can affect the amount of preparation and labour required.

Room Condition	Typical Work	Additional Cost
Empty room	Minimal preparation	$0
Lightly furnished	Covering and moving small items	$50–$150
Moderately furnished	Moving and protecting furniture	$150–$300
Heavily furnished	Extensive moving and protection	$300–$500+

An empty room allows the painter to work more quickly and efficiently.

8. Room Accessibility

The accessibility of the room can also affect the cost.

Access Condition	Typical Situation	Additional Cost
Easy access	Clear ground-floor room	$0
Limited access	Narrow stairs or restricted space	$100–$300
Difficult access	Specialist equipment required	$300–$1,000+

Difficult access may increase labour time and require additional equipment.

How Different Factors Change the Total Cost

The same size room can have very different painting costs depending on the condition and scope of work.

Example: 3m × 3m Room

Project Condition	Estimated Cost
Walls only, good condition	$500–$900
Minor wall repairs	$600–$1,200
Walls and ceiling	$700–$1,200
Dark-to-light colour change	$850–$1,400
Walls, ceiling and trim	$1,000–$1,700

Example: 3m × 4m Bedroom

Project Condition	Estimated Cost
Walls only, good condition	$700–$1,200
Minor preparation required	$800–$1,500
Walls and ceiling	$900–$1,500
Dark colour to white	$1,050–$1,800
Walls, ceiling and trims	$1,100–$1,800

Example: 5m × 5m Living Room

Project Condition	Estimated Cost
Walls only, good condition	$1,000–$1,700
Minor repairs required	$1,300–$2,100
Walls and ceiling	$1,400–$2,300
Dark-to-light colour change	$1,600–$2,800
Extensive preparation and high ceiling	$2,500–$4,000+

What Is Included in a Professional Room Painting Quote?

A professional painting quote may include some or all of the following:

Surface Preparation

• Filling minor holes
• Repairing small cracks
• Sanding imperfections
• Cleaning surfaces

Protection

• Covering floors
• Protecting furniture
• Masking windows and fixtures

Painting

• Primer where required
• Two coats of interior paint
• Cutting in around edges
• Rolling wall surfaces

Finishing

• Touch-ups
• Removing masking materials
• Cleaning the work area

Always check exactly what is included in a quote before comparing prices from different painters.

DIY vs Professional Room Painting Cost

Painting a room yourself can reduce labour costs, but you still need to purchase the necessary materials and equipment.

DIY painting materials may cost approximately:

$200–$600+

This may include:

• Paint
• Rollers
• Brushes
• Drop sheets
• Painter's tape
• Sandpaper
• Wall filler

Professional room painting may cost approximately:

$500–$2,500+

depending on the room size and the scope of work.

DIY may be more affordable for a small room with smooth walls. Professional painting is often a better option when the room requires extensive preparation, multiple coats or difficult access.

How Long Does It Take to Paint a Room?

The time required depends on the size and condition of the room.

Room Type	Typical Painting Time
Small room	1 day
Standard bedroom	1–2 days
Large bedroom	1–2 days
Standard living room	1–3 days
Extensive preparation required	2–4+ days

Preparation and drying time can affect the total project duration.

A professional painter may complete the painting quickly, but proper preparation is important for achieving a smooth and long-lasting finish.

How to Get an Accurate Room Painting Quote

Online price estimates are useful for budgeting, but the final cost depends on the actual condition and requirements of the room.

A professional quote should consider:

• Room dimensions
• Wall and ceiling condition
• Existing and new colours
• Number of coats required
• Doors and trims
• Furniture and access
• Required repairs
• Paint type and finish

For the most accurate price, arrange an assessment of the room before the work begins.

If you are comparing the cost of painting one room with painting an entire home, our guide to house painting estimates in Melbourne can help you understand the broader cost factors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost to paint a room in Melbourne?

The average room painting cost in Melbourne is approximately $500–$2,500, depending on the size of the room and the scope of work. A standard bedroom commonly costs around $700–$1,500.

How much does it cost to paint a 3m × 3m room?

Painting the walls of a 3m × 3m room may cost approximately $500–$900 when the walls are in good condition. Painting the walls and ceiling may cost around $700–$1,200.

How much does it cost to paint a 3m × 4m room?

A 3m × 4m room may cost approximately $700–$1,200 for walls only. Painting the walls and ceiling may cost around $900–$1,500.

How much does it cost to paint a bedroom?

The average cost to paint a bedroom is approximately $700–$1,500, depending on its size, surface condition and whether the ceiling and trim are included.

Is it cheaper to paint a room yourself?

DIY painting can be cheaper for small rooms that require minimal preparation. However, professional painting may provide a better finish and save time when the walls need repairs or multiple coats.

How much does it cost to paint a room and ceiling?

Painting both the walls and ceiling of a standard room may cost approximately $900–$1,800, depending on the size and condition of the room.

What makes room painting more expensive?

The main factors that can increase the cost include:

• Larger room size
• Extensive wall repairs
• Dark-to-light colour changes
• Additional paint coats
• High ceilings
• Doors and trims
• Difficult access
• Furniture that requires extensive protection or moving

Get an Accurate Room Painting Quote in Melbourne

Want to know exactly how much it will cost to paint your room?

The best way to receive an accurate estimate is to have the room assessed based on its size, surface condition, colour changes and the exact work required.

Contact our professional Melbourne painters for an accurate room painting quote.

Frequently Asked Questions