Best Sheen for Rental Bedroom Wall
Number One idea is that you should totally pay attention toyes the sheen of paint you choose for a rental bedroom can be more important than you think. Because rentals have unique maintenance requirements, the right wall sheen can facilitate cleaning, enhance the room’s appearance and even save you cash in the long run. We will go through the fundamentals of paint sheens, why they are important for rentals and some tips to pick the best one you can use for your rental bedroom walls.
Why Does Paint Sheen Matter?
The shine/finish/grossness of the paint is called paint sheen. It alters the way light bounces off of the wall, as well as how tough and easy to clean that paint will be. In rental spaces, selecting a finish that balances design, resilience, and price enables tenants and landlords alike to maintain a fresh look with little upkeep.
Types of Paint Sheens Explained
There are several types of paint sheens, each with a different level of glossiness. Here’s a breakdown:
- Flat or Matte
The paint has no sheen so flat or matte paints are easy to recognize. The best for hiding imperfections on a wall but also the least durable. This would not be appropriate for high-traffic areas but can still be used in low-contact rooms. There is nothing more lovely than flat paint, but in rentals where you may be cleaning up others’ messes it can stain easily. - Eggshell
Eggshell — A very low sheen which gives walls a subtle radiance. More resilient than flat paint but still pretty low key with the glossiness. Eggshell also can be wiped, but not scrubbed so well, which makes it perfect for low-traffic or high-mess bedrooms. - Satin
A silky gloss rests on top of eggshell with a slightly lower shine. Popular with rental properties, it is durable and able to be washed easily. Because satin is more durable, it works well for bedrooms where things may be a bit more lived in. - Semi-Gloss
Semi-gloss is shinier than eggshell, which bounces more light off the wall. It’s very strong and simple to clean, mostly found in bathroom tiles or wall cladding. That shine can draw attention to imperfections in walls, though, so it might not serve every bedroom best unless wear-and-tear resistance is the top objective. - Gloss
Gloss is the shiniest finish and offers the most durability. That said, because of its high sheen it can easily feel too strong for most walls. Trim & molding are often glossed up too.
The Best Paint Sheen for a Rental Bedroom
Eggshell or satin are the best for nearly all rental bedrooms. These sheens come somewhere between breakdown and burnout — they can be cleaned up fairly easily, too. So let’s get a bit more into why I think each might serve a rental bedroom well.
Why Choose Eggshell Sheen?
A popular option for bedrooms, eggshell is ideal in rentals since it can work well for low-traffic beds. Here’s why:
- Low Shine: The low sheen of Eggshell gives a warm and friendly appearance, without providing too much of a shine to the walls. It works so nicely in a bedroom space, where softer finishes help create a more comfy environment.
- Hides Imperfections: Eggshell is in between a flat and satin finish, so it can camouflage some imperfections on the wall better than higher-sheen paints, making it good for more battered rentals or walls with patchy spots.
- Easy to Repaint: Whether it is touch-up time or you simply want to repaint the whole wall, eggshell paint is fairly easy to work with, new coats flow easily into old paint.
Why Choose Satin Sheen?
Satin, which is a little shinier than eggshell, is also a great option when it comes to bedrooms that are rentals as they may require some extra durability.
- More Durable: Satin paint really holds up well to wear and tear, scratches, and stains. This is a positive if bedrooms get used heavily or children are in the house.
- Easy to Clean: Satin paint is light-scrub-able, so if your walls take a bit of abuse, you can wash them off without ruining the finish. Makes this perfect for rentals as you can keep walls looking clean without having to repaint them.
- Modern Look: Satin has a very subtle sheen, and this characteristic can lend a modern feel to rooms, particularly in small areas where the reflection of light allows the room to feel larger.
Comparison Between Eggshell and Satin for Bedrooms
Feature | Eggshell | Satin |
Durability | Moderate | High |
Cleaning Ease | Light wiping | Light scrubbing |
Shine | Low | Medium |
Imperfection Hiding | Good | Moderate |
Best For | Bedrooms with low traffic | High-traffic bedrooms or those with kids/pets |
How to Pick the Right Sheen Based on Your Needs
Here are some things to think about when selecting the ideal sheen for a rental bedroom:
- Tenant Preferences: Since many tenants seek a soft feel in the bedroom, it will give you a matte texture. If this is the case with your tenants, eggshell may be a better option.
- Cleaning and Maintenance: If you want to reduce upkeep, choosing satin might be the better option as it is more durable for cleaning compared to eggshell.
- Room Size: The sheen of satin works nicely in small bedrooms because it reflects light and brightens a bedroom. Larger bedrooms can make use of eggshell for a more relaxing ambience.
- Wall Condition: Eggshell will hide wall imperfections better than satin.
Choosing Eco-Friendly Paint Options
With so many brands now offering low- or no-VOC (volatile organic compounds) eco-friendly paint, you have a healthier choice to make–especially in bedrooms within rental apartments that are often small. They are offered in all sheens, from eggshell to satin. They reduce smells and are lung-friendly, making them perfect for use in bedrooms.
Tips for Applying Paint in a Rental Bedroom
Beyond choosing the best sheen, painting a rental bedroom can be a lot! Below is a brief guide for a hassle-free cancellation process and to keep it quick!
- Use Painter’s Tape: For clean lines, tape off trims, ceilings and corners. This will provide a basic, polished appearance.
- Prime the Walls: A primer is a must, especially if you are covering anything up– this will help sticking and smooth over.
- Use Quality Brushes or Rollers: To avoid brush marks and uneven layers, retain good-quality equipment.
- Two Thin Coats are Better than One: A more even, harder wearing finish can be achieved by applying two thin coats instead of one thick coat.
Suggested Brands for Rental Bedrooms
With a rental you want to find the sweet spot between cost and quality. A few well-known brands that make eggshell and satin:
- Behr Premium Plus: Inexpensive with a good coverage and long lasting, affordable for rentals.
- Benjamin Moore Regal Select: Regarded as a top-tier brand, this offers durability and is also available in eco-friendly options.
- Sherwin-Williams Duration: Also very durable and washable, comes in satin, or eggshell.
Conclusion
The finish will make a difference in the space, so selecting the right paint sheen for a rental bedroom can be a real home run! The most ideal combination of strength, appearance and washability is offered by an eggshell or satin finish. Whichever direction you prefer—a touch of eggshell’s understated magic or satin’s sleek, easily wiped finish—will preserve your rental bedroom as a place where the invite only to settle in for years. If you pick well, your unit will be efficient to care for, aesthetically-pleasing and have a warm atmosphere for future tenants.
Why choose eggshell sheen for a bedroom wall?
Eggshell is low-reflective, hides imperfections, and is easy to clean—ideal for rental spaces.
Is flat sheen suitable for rental bedrooms?
Flat sheen is less durable but provides a smooth, modern look; however, it's harder to clean compared to satin or eggshell.
Which sheen makes a room feel cozier?
Satin and eggshell sheens create a warm and inviting ambiance while being practical for bedroom walls.
Can I use semi-gloss sheen for a bedroom wall?
Semi-gloss is more reflective and best for trim or accent walls; it may be too shiny for bedroom walls.