There’s never been a better time to start a career in painting and decorating. Across the UK, demand for skilled tradespeople is higher than ever, with more employers looking for qualified decorators who can deliver high-quality finishes and stay on top of design trends. Whether you want to work for a company or eventually run your own business, painting and decorating offers a rewarding, hands-on career with plenty of opportunities to grow.
If you’re considering this creative and practical career, here are four trends making painting and decorating an exciting trade to be part of in 2025.
A greener industry
Sustainability is shaping the future of the decorating trade. With more customers choosing environmentally friendly options, there’s increasing demand for decorators who understand eco-conscious practices. From low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints to natural materials and waste-reducing techniques, green decorating is becoming the norm.
Training now means you’ll be learning the latest industry standards and getting ahead of the curve, skills that could give you a competitive edge with both domestic and commercial clients.
Working on historic and heritage buildings
Painting and decorating isn’t just about freshening up modern spaces, it’s also key to preserving the past. From stately homes to listed buildings, heritage restoration is a growing area of work, especially in regions with a rich architectural history.
Decorators trained in traditional techniques, such as limewash painting, wallpaper hanging or period-accurate finishes, are in high demand. This specialist work allows you to be part of preserving beautiful, historic spaces for generations to come.
A career that supports wellbeing
Painting and decorating offers a unique combination of structure, creativity and satisfaction. Many decorators find the work rewarding and therapeutic – you’re physically active, working with your hands and seeing the results of your efforts every day.
For those looking for a career that supports mental health and wellbeing, this trade offers a positive work environment with a real sense of achievement.
Learning new and specialist techniques
The world of decorating is evolving fast. From spray painting to textured feature walls, high-end finishes like metallics or concrete effects, clients are looking for decorators who can deliver stylish, modern results.
If you’re ready to turn your creativity and practical skills into a successful career, our painting and decorating courses are the perfect place to start. You’ll train in industry-standard workshops, learn from experienced professionals and build the confidence to succeed in a growing trade.
Explore our painting and decorating course here.
