Whether you’re refreshing a single room or planning a full-home transformation, one of the first questions you’re likely asking is: how much will it cost to paint the inside of my house? The answer depends on several factors, including your home’s size, layout, and the condition of your walls — but we’ll break it all down here.
Use this guide to get real-world price ranges, cost tables by square footage and room type, and expert tips to help you budget accurately.
Quick Answer: National Averages
- Average cost per square foot: $2–$6
- Total for a full interior: $1,200 to $6,500+
- Hourly rate for painters: $20–$60/hour nationally
In West Virginia and parts of Virginia, you can often expect pricing to fall 10–20% below big-city averages.
Interior Painting Cost by Square Foot
| Home Size (Sq Ft) | Walls Only | Walls + Ceilings + Trim |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | $1,500–$3,000 | $3,000–$6,000 |
| 1,500 sq ft | $2,250–$4,500 | $4,500–$9,000 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $3,000–$6,000 | $6,000–$12,000 |
| 2,500 sq ft | $3,750–$7,500 | $7,500–$15,000 |
These ranges assume 2 coats of paint and average ceiling heights.
Interior Painting Cost by Room Type
| Room Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Bedroom | $300–$800 |
| Living Room | $600–$2,000 |
| Bathroom | $200–$600 |
| Kitchen | $300–$1,000 |
| Hallways/Stairs | $400–$1,200 |
| Ceilings Only | $150–$500 |
Larger, more detailed rooms — like open-concept living spaces or staircases — cost more due to added labor and trim work.
Labor vs. Material Costs
| Component | Percent of Total | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Labor | 70–85% | $1.50–$4.50/sq ft |
| Paint & Materials | 15–30% | $20–$80 per gallon |
Most of the cost goes toward skilled labor, especially if the job involves significant prep work.
What Affects the Cost of Interior Painting?
Several variables can impact your final price:
- Wall condition – Cracks, water stains, and rough patches increase prep time
- Ceiling height – 9-foot+ ceilings or vaulted areas require ladders/scaffolding
- Surface texture – Textured walls need more paint and time
- Number of coats – Usually two, but more may be needed for color changes
- Primer – Needed for bare drywall, patched areas, or drastic color shifts
- Color selection – More colors = more setup, cutting, and cleanup
- Paint finish – Satin and semi-gloss are pricier than flat
- Furniture handling – Moving and covering adds time
- Access difficulty – Narrow stairwells or odd-shaped rooms increase labor
Paint Quality and Coverage Comparison
| Paint Type | Cost per Gallon | Coverage per Gallon | Pros |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | $20–$30 | 250–300 sq ft | Low up-front cost |
| Mid-Grade | $30–$50 | 300–400 sq ft | Good coverage/durability |
| Premium | $50–$80+ | 350–450 sq ft | Better finish, fewer coats |
Using higher-end paint can reduce labor costs by requiring fewer coats and touch-ups.
How Often Should You Paint Interior Walls?
- Living areas: every 5–7 years
- Kitchens and bathrooms: every 3–4 years
- Bedrooms: every 7–10 years
- Kids’ rooms and hallways: every 2–5 years
High-traffic areas may show scuffs, stains, and fading faster. The better the paint and prep, the longer it lasts.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| DIY | Lower cost, more control | Time-consuming, requires skill |
| Pro | Faster, high-quality finish, insured | Higher up-front cost |
Professional painters like Brackens Painting can typically complete interior jobs in half the time with longer-lasting, smoother results.
Local Insight: What It Costs to Paint Homes in WV and VA
At Brackens Painting, we’ve painted homes throughout Martinsburg, Hedgesville, and Jefferson County for over a decade. Typical projects we complete:
- 1,500 sq ft homes: $3,000–$5,000
- 2,000+ sq ft homes with ceilings and trim: $5,000–$9,000
- Small rooms or touch-ups: starting around $300–$600 per room
Older homes may require additional drywall patching or trim prep, which we include in your quote upfront.
Get a Free Quote from Brackens Painting
If you’re thinking about repainting your home’s interior, we’d be happy to help you plan the project, choose the right products, and deliver a lasting, beautiful finish — all with upfront pricing and honest advice.
Call Brackens Painting at (304) 620-5342 or request your free quote. We proudly serve homeowners across the Eastern Panhandle and Northern Virginia.
