How to Estimate the Cost to Paint 1,500 Sq. Ft House Interior: A Room-by-Room Breakdown

Want to give your home a little bit of a makeover? Understanding the cost to paint 1,500 sq. ft house interior can be overwhelming with so many considerations: paint quality, labor rates, and so on. NYC homeowners need a clear plan, so break down what you will actually spend, room by room, so you can budget confidently.

Living Room and Dining Room: Where First Impressions Matter

The living and dining room will likely take the biggest portion of your painting budget. These high-traffic areas mostly feature tall ceilings, a lot of trim, and significant architectural details that may require more effort to paint.

You can expect to pay $800 to $1,500 for both of these spaces, depending on the height of the ceilings and overall complexity. If your walls need skim coating to achieve a smooth finish, you might need an additional $200 to $400. And for Manhattan apartments with pre-war charm, the ornate moldings will push costs higher but deliver stunning results.

Bedrooms: Simple Spaces, Straightforward Costs

Bedrooms have a bit of a reputation for having the lowest costs to paint. They have fewer architectural complications and are often smaller. Budget-wise, these are where your dollars get the most value.

For homes around 1,500 square feet with three bedrooms:

• Primary Bedroom: $400-$700
• Secondary Bedrooms: $300-$500
• Total Bedroom Painting: $1,000-$1,700

Tip: Dark accent walls need more expensive paint and may need an extra coat, increasing the price per room by $50-$100.

Kitchen & Bathrooms: Detail Work Drives Up Costs

Kitchens and bathrooms pack maximum detail into minimum space—think cabinets to paint around, tile edges to tape, and moisture-resistant primers that cost more upfront but save headaches later.

Budget breakdown:

• Kitchen (200–300 sq. ft): $500–$900
• Full bathroom: $300–$500
• Powder room: $200–$350

The kicker? Semi-gloss or satin finishes work best in these moisture-prone areas, running $5–$10 more per gallon than flat paint. But trust us—they’re worth every penny for durability and cleanability.

Hallways, Ceilings & Trim: The Often-Forgotten Extras

Don’t let hallways sneak up on your budget. These narrow spaces require just as much prep work as larger rooms, and painting ceilings demands specialized equipment and skills.

• Hallways: $150–$300
• Ceiling painting: $1–$2 per sq. ft ($1,500–$3,000 for entire home)
• Trim and baseboards: $2–$6 per linear foot

Many contractors bundle trim with wall painting, but always clarify what’s included in your quote to avoid surprise charges.

What Impacts Your Final Cost to Paint 1,500 Sq. Ft House Interior

Beyond square footage, several factors swing your total investment:

Labor rates: NYC painters charge $50–$80 per hour for experienced professionals. The difference? Precision taping, meticulous prep, and attention to detail that shows.

Paint quality: Budget-friendly options ($30–$50/gallon) work fine for rentals, but investing in premium brands ($70–$100/gallon) means fewer coats, better coverage, and colors that actually match the sample chip.

Wall condition: Patching holes, sanding rough surfaces, and addressing water damage can add 20–40% to your quote. Older Brooklyn brownstones often need extensive prep work that newer condos skip entirely.

Making Your Investment Count

Painting your 1,500 sq. ft interior is more than changing colors—it’s protecting your investment and creating a space you’ll love. Professional painters deliver flawless results in days, not weekends, ensuring quality that lasts.

Visit zicklincontracting.com/ today to connect with experienced painting professionals who understand New York homes. Get your free estimate and discover why choosing the right team makes all the difference between a paint job and a transformation you’ll admire for years.