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?
Most rooms in Minneapolis cost $400 to $1,750 to paint in 2026. A 10×10 room is about $480 to $1,440, and a 12×12 bedroom is about $575 to $675 for walls only, or $1,400 to $1,750 with trim, ceiling and a premium finish. We price by wall area at $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot.
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 has 144 sq ft of floor, but you paint the walls. With 8 ft ceilings, four walls of 12 × 8 ft add up to 384 sq ft (12 × 8 × 4 = 384).
- Walls only (basic): 384 × $1.50 = $576
- Walls + small repairs (common): 384 × $1.75 = $672
- Inside (walls+trim+ceiling(all the inside): 384 × $3.69 = $1,417
- Detailed/premium finish 384 × $4.50 = $1,728
Most professional painters which includes Aries painting and finishes, That puts a 12×12 bedroom at about $575 to $675 for basic to standard work, and about $1,400 to $1,750 with trim, ceiling and a premium 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- Wall condition – nail holes, scuffed corners, and outdated drywall joints need filling and sanding before a single coat goes on; damaged and more used homes need extra preparation.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
A professional walls-only job on a small room (about 10×10) starts around $480. Smaller jobs such as one accent wall have a minimum project fee.
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 $575 to $675 normal for a 12×12 room?
Yes. A 12×12 room with 8 ft ceilings has about 384 sq ft of wall. At $1.50 to $1.75 per sq ft, basic wall painting comes to about $575 to $675 in the Minneapolis area. Trim, ceilings or a premium finish raise that.
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.
