Painting 2026: real rates, worked example, & what actually affects price – Aries Painting & Finishes guide
Quick Answer
What Does It Cost to Paint a Room in Minneapolis in 2026?
On average, it cost $250 to $650.
However, how much it will depend on the size of the room, the state of the walls and the quality of the paint used.
Aries Painting and Finishes provides price for whole house interior painting from $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot. It really depends on scope of work. How much will it cost to paint a room in your house? Read below.
Aries Painting and Finishes Interior Pricing
| Project Scope | Cost Per Sq Ft | 1,000 Sq Ft | 1,500 Sq Ft | 2,000 Sq Ft | 2,500 Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walls Only (Basic Painting) | $1.50 | $1,500 | $2,250 | $3,000 | $3,750 |
| Walls + Minor Repairs (Standard) | $1.75 | $1,750 | $2,625 | $3,500 | $4,375 |
| Walls + Trim + Ceilings (Full Interior) | $3.69 | $3,690 | $5,535 | $7,380 | $9,225 |
| Detailed / Premium Finishes | $4.50 | $4,500 | $6,750 | $9,000 | $11,250 |
Worked Example: Painting 12×12 Bedroom
A typical 12×12 bedroom contains 144 sq ft of space. Using the rates above:
- Walls only (basic): 144 x $1.50 = $216
- Walls + small repairs (common): 144 x 1.75 = 252.
- Inside (walls+trim+ceiling(all the inside): 144 x $3.69 = $531
- Detailed/premium finish 144 $4.50 = $648
Most professional painters which includes Aries painting and finishes, have a minimum project fee for small one-room jobs. 12 x 12 bedroom actually falls in the range of about $250 to $400 for basic to standard, and $500 to $650+ including trim, ceiling, and a top-notch finish.
What Affects Your Price
- Area of the room – the larger the room, the more paint needed, the more labor hours, and the higher the total.
- Wall condition – nail holes, scuffed corners, and outdated drywall joints need filling and sanding before a single coat goes on; damaged and more used homes need extra preparation.
- Scope – walls only versus walls, trim, and ceilings all together makes a big difference in the tier, because cutting in around windows, doors, and trim takes much longer than rolling the time on an open wall.
- Paint quality – a top-of-the-line Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore finish costs a little more per gallon but provides smoother coverage and longer-lasting results.
- Number of coats – sometimes a change from a dark to a light color or new drywall will require an additional coat. This will increase the amount of material needed and labor.
DIY vs. Professional
Painting a room yourself may appear cheaper on paper, but the difference is marginal and not as significant as most homeowners think. Two gallons of good interior paint costs around $120-$160 and additional expenses of $50-$80 for taping, drop cloths, brushes and rollers to name a few – not to mention around 8-16 hours of your hard work to prepare, tape, cut in, roll and clean up. That makes a DIY room around $170-$240 on materials alone. For a professional job only on the walls from Aries Painting and Finishes at $216-$400, it can often work out to be in a similar price bracket once you put a dollar value on your personal time – and receive a well finished job with clean lines, accuracy and no projects to tidy up the next weekend.
Why Homeowners Choose Aries Painting and Finishes
Since 2011, Aries Painting and Finishes has been providing the Twin Cities with: 500+ professional painting jobs, five-star reviews from homeowners throughout Minneapolis-St. Paul. Each room-painting job comes with a written estimate, licensed and insured crews, and the same prep standard displayed above- no sanding or priming skimping to reach a lower bid. Our history is why the pricing above is consistent in application: we know exactly what we charge on a true project, not some industry-wide estimated minimum.
FAQ’s of Room Painting Cost
Is $250 to $400 normal for a 12×12 room?
Yes – that matches what would cost on average to paint a room that size in the Minneapolis area including the standard minimum project fee.
Does furniture removal cost extra?
Light furniture moving and covering should generally be included. If you have a full removal or a crowded room then a small fee may be levied.
How long does one room take?
A simple room with just the walls is generally a one day job, a second coat (or adding in some trim or ceilings) can bring it up to two.
Get a Free Estimate
Want an exact figure for your space? Call Aries Painting and Finishes for a free quote-we’ll go through your space with you before you sign on the dotted line.
