Top 5 Painters & Decorators in Exeter

Hand-picked and independently researched — the most trusted painters & decorators in Exeter, chosen on Google rankings, review signals and trade accreditations. No business pays for an organic spot.

Exeter, Devon
Independently Researched
No pay-to-rank
Updated 2026
Independently researched by the Top5Trades team·Last reviewed July 2026·How we choose our Top 5 →
Independently researched
No pay-to-rank listings
Reviews & accreditations checked
Top 5 only
1
Vivid Decor
Exeter (EX) & Devon · Interior & Exterior · 20+ Years

An Exeter painting and decorating team with over 20 years' combined experience, offering interior and exterior decorating, Venetian plaster, spraying and full project management — a genuinely local firm.

2
Simon Santucci Decorators
Exeter & Exmouth · Interior & Exterior · Since 1987

A painting and decorating firm established in 1987 with a reputation for excellence, carrying out all interior and exterior, domestic and commercial decorating across Exeter and Exmouth — a genuinely local firm.

3
Cowleys Exeter
Exeter (EX) & Devon · Interior & Exterior

A local Exeter painting and decorating firm handling interior and exterior decorating for homes across the city and surrounding Devon — a genuinely local firm.

4
Paints & Ladders
Exeter (EX) & Devon · Interior & Exterior · Family-Run · 15+ Years

A family-run brother-and-sister decorating team with over 15 years' experience, providing a high-quality interior and exterior decorating service across Exeter and the surrounding area — a genuinely local firm.

5
Terry Pike Professional Decorators
Exeter & south Devon · Interior and exterior decorating

Terry Pike Professional Decorators is an Exeter-based painting and decorating firm trading since 2005, covering interior and exterior work for homes and businesses across Exeter and the wider South West. Now a registered limited company, the team is fully insured and carries CSCS and IPAF certification for safe access work on domestic and commercial jobs.

How we chose the top 5 painters & decorators in Exeter

Every business on this page earned its place through independent research. We look at where companies rank organically on Google, the volume and quality of their reviews, ratings and verification across platforms like Checkatrade, Which? Trusted Traders and TrustATrader, relevant trade accreditations, and the kind of word-of-mouth and social proof that's hard to fake. No business can pay to appear in this organic Top 5 — the list is earned and reviewed regularly.

If you're comparing painters & decorators in Exeter, any of the five above is a sound starting point. We'd still recommend getting more than one quote and confirming current availability and accreditations directly with the business before you book.

Finding a good painter and decorator in Exeter

Exeter has a healthy mix of independent tradespeople and small local firms, and as anywhere, quality varies. Every business on this page earned its place through independent research — online reputation, verified reviews, local trading evidence and professional credentials — and none of them paid to appear.

For decorating, look for verifiable reviews, public liability insurance and a clear written quote covering preparation as well as finish — good prep is what separates a lasting job from a quick cover-up. Membership of the Painting & Decorating Association is a further mark of a professional decorator.

What do Exeter painters & decorators cover?

Most painters & decorators in Exeter also cover St Thomas, Heavitree, St Leonard's, Pinhoe, Topsham, Alphington, Whipton and Exwick. Coverage varies by business, so it's always worth confirming your postcode when you make an enquiry.

Typical jobs include interior and exterior painting and decorating — and most offer free quotes for larger work.

Frequently asked questions

Our list is based on independent research. We look at how businesses rank organically on Google, the volume and quality of their reviews, verification across platforms like Checkatrade, Which? Trusted Traders and TrustATrader, relevant trade accreditations, and local trading evidence. No business paid to be included in the organic Top 5.
We assess each decorator on verifiable reviews, local trading evidence and professional presentation. Confirm public liability insurance and get a written quote that covers preparation as well as the finish.
The organic Top 5 is based solely on our independent research and isn't open to paid inclusion. We do offer a Featured placement above the Top 5 for one local business per page — find out more about featured spots.
Most of the businesses on this list cover a wider area beyond Exeter itself, typically including St Thomas, Heavitree, St Leonard's, Pinhoe, Topsham, Alphington, Whipton and Exwick. Coverage varies by business, so always confirm your location when you make an enquiry.
We aim to review each list at least every three months, and this page was last reviewed in June 2026. If you believe a listing is out of date or inaccurate, please get in touch and we'll look into it promptly.

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