Living Room Painting Cost by Size
| Living Room Size | DIY Cost | Professional Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small 12×15 | $60–$120 | $250–$550 |
| Standard 15×18 | $90–$160 | $300–$700 |
| Standard 15×20 | $100–$180 | $350–$850 |
| Large 18×24 | $150–$250 | $500–$1,200 |
| Open plan 20×30 | $200–$380 | $700–$1,800 |
Additional Living Room Painting Costs
Accent wall. Adding a feature or accent wall in a different colour typically adds $50–$150 professionally and $15–$30 in extra paint for DIY.
Ceiling. Painting a 15×20 living room ceiling adds $100–$250 professionally and $25–$50 in extra ceiling paint for DIY.
Trim and baseboards. A living room with extensive trim and baseboards adds $100–$300 professionally. Semi-gloss trim paint for DIY adds $20–$40.
High or vaulted ceilings. Rooms with 10ft+ or vaulted ceilings require ladders or scaffolding. Professional labour adds $100–$300 for the extra height.
Living Room Accent Wall Cost
A single 15ft accent wall in a contrasting colour costs $50–$150 professionally and $15–$30 in paint for DIY. An accent wall is the most cost-effective way to add drama to a living room — one quart of paint is often enough for two coats on a standard accent wall.
Related Paint Calculators
- Living Room Paint Calculator →
- Paint Cost Calculator →
- How Much Paint for a Living Room? →
- Cost to Paint a Bedroom →
- How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Room? →
- How to Choose Paint Color for a Room →
- Free Paint Calculator →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to paint a living room?
A standard 15×20 living room costs $350–$850 professionally and $100–$180 DIY for walls only with two coats.
How much paint does a living room need?
A 15×20 living room needs about 3 gallons for two coats on the walls. Use the living room paint calculator for your exact dimensions.
How long does it take to paint a living room?
A professional takes 4–6 hours for an average living room. A DIYer should allow a full day including prep, two coats, and drying time.
Should I paint living room walls and ceiling the same colour?
Matching ceiling to walls creates a cocooning effect popular in formal living rooms. White or off-white ceilings are more common and make the room feel taller and brighter.
How much does an accent wall cost to paint?
A living room accent wall costs $50–$150 professionally and $15–$30 in paint for DIY — making it one of the most affordable ways to transform a room.
What is the most popular living room paint colour?
Warm neutrals dominate — SW Agreeable Gray, BM Revere Pewter, and BM Classic Gray are consistently top sellers. Warm greiges suit most living rooms and furniture combinations.