What is the best paint sheen for Airbnb?

Author: Jennifer Doyle  |  Last update: Thursday, July 9, 2026

Most tenants won't like finishes that are too shiny or dull. That is why eggshell or satin finishes are the best choices because they offer a balance of beauty and easiness of cleaning. Even though semi-gloss and hi-gloss are easier to clean, they are also too vibrant for most people's tastes.

What paint sheen is best for rentals?

The recommended finish for your rental property is eggshell, followed by satin, as they are easier to clean. They are attractive and easy to clean. Although hi-gloss is the easiest to clean, it may not be appealing due to its sheen.

What is the best paint for Airbnb?

Consider the Brand of Paint

Spring for the brand name, the consistency truly is better and it will take fewer coats to cover — which is critical, especially if you're renovating or DIY painting your Airbnb. Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams are the classics, with Clare Paint being a new favorite.

What is the best paint finish for guest bedroom?

Bedrooms should be the most comfortable, soothing rooms in the house. Generally, there isn't too much traffic or exposure to moisture. So homeowners tend to opt for the lower end of paint sheen for these spaces, such as matte or eggshell.

What color is best for Airbnb?

This rule says you use light-colored neutrals for 60% of your space, the next 30% are for deeper-toned neutrals, and the last 10% are your pops of color. Under this rule, you would leave your walls pretty light in color throughout, except for maybe an accent wall somewhere.

How to Choose the Perfect Colors for your Airbnb with Antonio and Dominique

How can I make my Airbnb more attractive?

7 Ways to Make Your Airbnb Listing Look Even More Appealing
  1. Cut Out the Clutter. This tip applies in two ways. ...
  2. Add Some Personality. ...
  3. Make the Most of Natural Light. ...
  4. Use Angles to Your Advantage. ...
  5. First Impressions Are Everything. ...
  6. Tell a Story. ...
  7. Throw In Some Travel Tips.

What color to paint rental walls?

Opt for neutral tones like beige, gray, or off-white to appeal to a broad range of tenants. These colors provide a versatile backdrop that complements various furniture styles and personal tastes, serving as a blank canvas for potential tenants.

Is eggshell or satin better for bedrooms?

Eggshell paint works great in bedrooms and living rooms.

It's closer to matte than satin and is wipeable.

What paint finish do professionals use?

Eggshell Paint

Eggshell finish, perennially popular with professional and DIY painters alike, has a low-sheen reminiscent of flat or matte, but it is infinitely more durable than its namesake.

Should bedroom paint be matte or glossy?

The best sheen for bedrooms is a paint sheen with a low to medium gloss level. We recommend using a flat or matte paint finish for a bedroom wall, as it will not reflect as much light, creating a calming, relaxing atmosphere in your bedroom.

What is the color palette of Airbnb?

Their secondary colors are named in honor of geographical locations: Babu (greenish), Arches (bright orange), Hof (dark grey), and Foggy (light gray). The Airbnb color palette provides a feeling of playfulness and exploration coupled with sophistication.

What kind of furniture is best for Airbnb?

Prioritize Airbnb furniture that is easy to clean. Opt for materials that resist stains and are quick to wipe down, such as leather or faux leather upholstery, laminated wood surfaces, and machine-washable fabrics.

What color towels are best for Airbnb?

Best Color for Airbnb Towels

Many hosts provide white towels since they are a classic choice, offering a hotel-like feel and a clean and sophisticated look that appeals to a wide range of guests. They are also easy to clean since you can bleach them to keep them looking white and stain-free.

What paint sheen is best for bedrooms?

What Paint Finish Should I Use for Every Room?
  • Bedroom Paint Finish: A soft, calming feel can be achieved with eggshell or satin.
  • Living Room: Satin or eggshell works well to balance elegance and practicality.
  • Kitchen: Choose semi-gloss for easy cleaning.
  • Trim and Cabinets: High-gloss for a striking finish.

Is painting tax deductible for rental property?

This includes routine painting jobs aimed at keeping the property looking fresh and appealing without altering its overall value or prolonging its lifespan. Such painting tasks are often deductible in the year they are undertaken, offering immediate tax relief to landlords.

Which is better matt or soft sheen paint?

Soft Sheen

It reflects the same amount of light as silk but is much more durable. Soft sheen paint is not as flat as Matt paint and gives a subtle sheen but not quite a shine. Soft Sheen paint is a good option if you live in a house with kids as it's more hard-wearing.

When should you not use eggshell paint?

Avoid using eggshell paint in high-contact, high-traffic areas such as door and window trim, baseboards, cabinetry, and doors. It's best to use semi-gloss paint in these areas.

What gives the smoothest paint finish?

Without sanding, the new coat of paint might peel or cause an orange peel texture. Once sanded, clean the entire surface and scrub away any leftover dust, debris, or grime. Keep in mind that nothing gets smoother by adding more paint, it only gets smoother by sanding between coats.

What paint do professional painters prefer?

Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore are some of the best paint brands on earth. Both painting companies make quality paint used widely by professional painters and DIY-warrior homeowners alike.

Is satin too shiny for walls?

Is satin paint too shiny for walls? In most cases, satin paint isn't too shiny for walls. In fact, satin is likely the glossiest sheen that will work on walls. However, if you're looking to hide imperfections on your walls, opting for a flatter finish will be better.

Do designers use flat or eggshell paint?

Eggshell is always an interior designer's preferred paint finish, which is why we chose this as our ultimate finish for walls. The name eggshell stems from the fact the finish appears mostly flat with just a touch of luster... similar to a chicken egg!

What are the disadvantages of eggshell paint?

Cons:
  • May not provide as much reflectivity as satin paint, which can make smaller rooms feel more cramped.
  • Not as suitable for creating a modern or contemporary look due to its low sheen finish.
  • May require more coats than satin paint to achieve full coverage.

What colors attract renters?

Today's leading interior designers and real estate professionals agree that neutral colors are most desirable. White walls exude spaciousness, while warm beiges, grays, and khakis—even muted yellows and greens—also attract tenants in a positive way.

What shade of white do landlords use?

Semi-gloss, off-white paint. According to No Nonsense Landlord, a landlord blog, a semi-gloss finish is a time-saver, as it allows landlords to wipe walls clean between tenants and save a long weekend of top-to-bottom painting. Sensible! But why the off-white?

What is the best color for a rental?

Neutral Shades

Neutrals are the obvious choice for decorating rental properties. They're easy on the eye and work well in all styles of property.

Previous article
What is the small drawer in the fridge for?
Next article
How common is asbestos in houses?