How Much Does It Cost To Decorate A 2 Bed Flat

How Much Does It Cost To Decorate a 2-Bed Flat?

Decorating a 2-bed flat can be an exciting project, but it is important to understand the costs involved before you start. The price of decorating will vary widely based on factors such as your design choices, the size of your flat, the quality of materials, and whether you are doing the work yourself or hiring professionals. This article will explore the key cost components, provide estimated ranges, and offer tips to make the process more cost-effective.

1. Furniture

Furniture is a major expense in decorating. You will need to furnish both bedrooms, the living room, kitchen, and possibly a bathroom and hallway. The cost of furniture can range dramatically depending on your style, materials, and whether you purchase new or secondhand items.

New Furniture: A new sofa can cost anywhere from £500 to £3,000 depending on its size, style, and materials. Dining sets can range from £300 to £2,000, and bedroom furniture sets can cost between £500 and £2,000 per room.
Secondhand Furniture: Shopping for used furniture offers significant cost savings. You can find furniture in good condition at auction houses, charity shops, or online marketplaces. These options can be significantly cheaper, potentially saving you hundreds of pounds.

2. Flooring

Flooring is another substantial cost, and you will need to consider the type of flooring for each room. Carpets can be a budget-friendly option for bedrooms, while hardwood or laminate flooring may suit living areas.

Carpets: Carpet prices vary depending on the quality and material. Budget-friendly options can cost around £15-25 per square meter, while higher-quality carpets can reach £40-60 per square meter.
Laminate Flooring: Laminate is a popular and durable option. Prices can range from £10-30 per square meter depending on the quality and design.
Hardwood Flooring: Hardwood floors are more expensive, with prices ranging from £30-80 per square meter depending on the wood species and finish.

3. Paint and Decor

Paint and decor are essential to creating the desired atmosphere in your flat. You will need to choose the appropriate paints and wallpaper, along with decorative items like curtains, blinds, and artwork.

Paint: A single litre of quality emulsion paint can cost around £10-£20, and you will need to buy multiple litres depending on the size of your rooms.
Wallpaper: Wallpaper can range from £10-50 per roll depending on the design and brand.
Decorative Items: Curtains, blinds, artwork, and other decorative items can add up quickly. Budget for around £100-£500 for each room, depending on your choices.

4. Lighting

Lighting is crucial for creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing space. This includes overhead lights, bedside lamps, and accent lighting.

Overhead Lights: Chandeliers and pendant lights can range from £50 to £500 or more, while ceiling spotlights can cost between £10-50 each.
Bedside Lamps: Simple bedside lamps can be found for £20-50, while more elaborate designs can cost £50-150 each.
Accent Lights: Accent lights can add ambiance and highlight specific features. They range from £10-50 each depending on the type and design.

5. Professional Services

If you are not comfortable with DIY projects, you may need to hire professionals for certain tasks. This can include decorators, electricians, plumbers, and furniture assemblers.

Decorators: Decorators charge an hourly rate, which can range from £20-50 per hour depending on their experience and location.
Electricians and Plumbers: Electricians and plumbers also charge hourly rates, ranging from £40-80 per hour.
Furniture Assemblers: Furniture assembly costs vary depending on the complexity of the furniture. You can expect to pay around £30-50 per hour.

It is crucial to factor in the cost of labour if you are hiring professionals. You can save money by doing some tasks yourself, but ensure you have the necessary skills and safety precautions in place.

6. Unexpected Costs

It is always wise to budget for unexpected costs, as they can arise during any renovation or decoration project. These might include accidental damage, material shortages, or changes to your original plans.

Having a contingency fund of around 10-20% of your total estimated budget can help you cover these unexpected expenses. This provides flexibility and ensures that you do not have to compromise or delay your project due to unforeseen costs.