For most painters and decorators buying or leasing a new van in the UK, the “best” choice is usually a compact or medium panel van with a low load floor, a clean bulkhead and enough length for steps and dust sheets. In practice that often means a small van (easy parking, cheaper to run) if you’re mostly doing domestic work, or a medium van if you regularly carry towers, long ladders or bulk paint.
What to prioritise for decorating work
Load space shape beats headline payload. Look for a square load bay, wide side door and tie-down points. A solid bulkhead helps keep fumes and dust out of the cab and improves security.
Length for ladders/steps. If you carry long ladders, check the load length and whether there’s a factory load-through hatch (some vans allow longer items under the passenger seat). Otherwise, budget for a roof rack and factor in height restrictions for car parks.
Cleanability. Hard-wearing ply lining, rubber floor and good interior lighting make day-to-day life easier. Many decorators also like a van with a twin passenger seat for a mate/apprentice, but note it can reduce in-cab storage.
Small vs medium: the usual trade-off
Small vans suit city work: easier to park, typically better fuel economy, and often enough for paint, rollers, sheets and small steps. Medium vans are better if you carry a tower, multiple ladders inside, or want a proper racking system without losing too much floor space.
Diesel or electric?
If you work in or near Clean Air Zones, a new electric van can simplify access and running costs. The Plug-in Van Grant is currently up to £2,500 (under 2,500kg GVW) or up to £5,000 (up to 4,250kg GVW), but OZEV support is reviewed and can change—check Gov.uk when ordering. Diesel is still practical for high-mileage or rural routes, but check local CAZ rules.
Two quick checks before you order
1) Insurance and security: deadlocks, alarm and a solid bulkhead can matter as much as the van brand.
2) Real-world loading: take your longest ladder/step set to the dealer and physically test the fit—spec sheets don’t show awkward angles.
If you tell me your typical job type (domestic vs site), whether you carry ladders inside, and your postcode (for CAZ/ULEZ), I can narrow it to the right size and powertrain.
