Hall, Stairs & Landing Painting Cost UK (2026 Guide)
Quick Answer
Painting a hall, stairs and landing in the UK starts from £650 for a 2-storey home and from £750 for 3-storey (excluding VAT). All paint-myroom.com prices include premium Dulux paint, materials, and a 5-year guarantee. It's one of the most complex interior decorating jobs — professional painters are strongly recommended.
The hallway, stairs and landing (HSL) is often the first thing you see when you enter a home — and one of the hardest areas to decorate. It involves working at height, navigating tight corners and banisters, and often requires specialist equipment. This guide explains the costs, timelines, and key considerations for getting your HSL professionally painted in the UK.
Hall, Stairs & Landing Painting Costs UK 2026
HSL is the most complex interior painting job in a standard home:
Professional HSL Painting Costs (Excl. VAT, Fully Inclusive)
paint-myroom.com prices include premium Dulux paint, all materials, and a 5-year guarantee. Up to 20% multi-room discount applies when booked with other rooms.
⚠️ HSL jobs vary significantly in price based on the height, condition of walls, and complexity of the staircase. Always get a fixed-price quote with photos.
Why Hall, Stairs & Landing Painting Is More Expensive
HSL decorating commands a premium for several reasons:
- Working at height — stairwells can be 20ft+ at the highest point, requiring specialist staircase platforms or scaffold towers
- Complexity of cutting in — banisters, spindles, and tight angles take far longer than open wall space
- Multiple surfaces — walls, ceiling, woodwork, banisters, and newel posts all need attention
- Access restrictions — furniture can't be moved out as in a bedroom, so working around the staircase takes more time
- Higher risk — working at height requires proper equipment and safety awareness
What's Included in a Hall, Stairs & Landing Quote?
A comprehensive HSL quote from a reputable decorator should include:
- Painting all walls and ceiling throughout the stairwell and landing
- Woodwork — skirting boards, architraves, door frames
- Staircase spindles and banisters (usually charged as an add-on — confirm with your decorator)
- Newel posts
- Dust sheets and floor protection
- All paint and materials
- Basic preparation (filling minor holes, light sanding)
Items typically not included: wallpaper removal, major repairs, painting individual stair treads (this is usually a separate job).
How Long Does It Take to Paint Hall, Stairs & Landing?
Due to the complexity, HSL takes longer than most rooms of equivalent size:
- 2-storey HSL (walls and ceiling only): 2–3 days
- 2-storey HSL (including banisters and spindles): 3–4 days
- 3-storey HSL (walls and ceiling only): 3–4 days
- 3-storey HSL (full including banisters): 4–5 days
Drying time is a factor — if two coats are required, the decorator will need to wait 4–6 hours between coats, which can extend the job across multiple days.
Choosing Colours for Your Hallway
The hallway is a transitional space — it connects to all other rooms, so colour choices matter:
- Neutral tones (warm whites, soft greys, greige) work well as they complement any room colour they connect to
- Bold feature walls on the staircase wall can add drama without overwhelming
- Dark colours can work beautifully in hallways — consider Dulux Heritage shades like Hague Blue or Railings
- Soft sheens and eggshell finishes are practical in hallways as they're more scrubbable than matt
- Continuity matters — consider how your hallway colour flows into the rooms it opens into
🎨 Use our free Room Visualiser to test colours in your hallway before committing. Available at paint-myroom.com.
Tips for Getting the Best Results
- Book well in advance — HSL jobs are popular and take longer to complete
- Upload photos when requesting a quote to get an accurate fixed price
- Consider booking your HSL at the same time as upstairs rooms for a 10% multi-room discount
- Discuss whether banisters and spindles are included before work starts
- If spindles are being painted, discuss colour — white spindles with a darker banister rail is a popular contemporary choice
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to paint a hallway and stairs in the UK?
A 2-storey hall, stairs and landing starts from £650 (excl. VAT) with paint-myroom.com — fully inclusive of premium Dulux paint, all materials, and a 5-year workmanship guarantee.
How long does it take to paint a stairwell?
A 2-storey stairwell typically takes 2–3 days for walls and ceiling. Including banisters and spindles adds another 1–2 days. The job is longer than it looks due to working at height and detailed cutting-in.
Should I paint my banisters the same colour as the walls?
Most designers recommend contrasting colours — for example, painted white spindles with a darker stained or painted handrail. Matching spindles and walls can look flat. Discuss with your decorator for advice tailored to your home.
Do I need scaffolding to paint a stairwell?
Professional decorators use specialist staircase access platforms (such as Youngman boards) that bridge across stair treads at different heights. These are safer and more effective than standard ladders. Scaffolding towers are used for very tall, open stairwells.
Can I get a discount if I book hall, stairs and landing with other rooms?
Yes — paint-myroom.com automatically applies a 10% multi-room discount when you book 2 or more rooms together. This includes HSL alongside bedrooms, living rooms, or any other rooms.
Flexible ways to pay
A larger decorating project doesn't have to mean one limited way to pay. Get your fixed Paint-MyRoom.com price online and choose from available payment options at checkout, including Klarna and Clearpay.
Subject to eligibility and provider terms.