The Best Paint Colors & Finishes for Your Rental Property 

Choosing the right paint colors and finishes for your rental property is one of the easiest, and most cost-effective, ways to boost appeal, reduce turnover, and attract higher-quality tenants. At OKC Management, we’ve tested hundreds of color combinations across Oklahoma City rentals, and we know exactly what works, what lasts, and what helps your property stand out in a competitive market.

Why Color & Finish Matter in a Rental Property

• Neutral paint photographs better, giving you stronger online listing presence.

• Durable finishes save money on repainting between tenants.

• Modern color choices increase perceived value, helping justify higher rent.

• Consistent color palettes reduce maintenance costs, especially for investors with multiple units.

Best Interior Paint Colors for Rental Properties

1. Warm Neutrals (Most Popular Choice in OKC)

Warm neutrals make spaces feel inviting without looking outdated.

Top options:

• Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige

• Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray

• Behr Swiss Coffee

• Behr Wheat Bread

Why they work:
These colors hide dirt well, appeal to nearly every tenant, and make rooms look larger in rental photos.

2. Greige (Gray + Beige)

Greige has become the go-to rental color because it works with every flooring type, especially LVP, which most OKC rentals use.

Best greiges for rentals:

• Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray

• Sherwin-Williams Mindful Gray

• Behr Silver Drop

3. Crisp, Clean Whites for Modern Spaces

White works well for newer units or properties that lean modern.

Best rental-safe whites:

• Sherwin-Williams Alabaster

• Behr Ultra Pure White

Tip: Avoid using white in high-traffic rentals unless cleaning crews are consistent—white shows everything.

4. Dark Accent Colors (Use Sparingly)

A single accent wall can elevate the entire space without scaring off tenants.

Best accent colors:

• Naval (SW 6244) – deep navy

• Iron Ore (SW 7069) – charcoal

• Urbane Bronze (SW 7048) – warm dark brown/gray

Use these behind TV walls, in bedrooms, or in updated kitchens.

Best Paint Finishes for Rental Properties

Choosing the wrong finish means repainting every year. Here are the finishes that work best in Oklahoma City rentals:

1. Satin Finish (Best Overall Choice)

Why we recommend it:

• Easy to clean

• Hides minor imperfections

• Holds up to kids, pets, and high traffic

• Most cost-effective long-term

This is the standard finish we recommend for 95% of OKC rentals.

2. Semi-Gloss (Trim, Doors & Bathrooms)

Use semi-gloss on:

• Doors

• Trim

• Baseboards

• Kitchens

• Bathrooms

It resists moisture and wipes clean easily.

3. Eggshell (Only for Low-Traffic Areas)

If you want a more high-end look in:

• Owner-occupied units

• Luxury rentals

• Short-term rentals

Eggshell offers a soft sheen but isn’t as durable as satin.

What Paint to Avoid in a Rental

• Flat paint (shows every mark, nearly impossible to clean)

• Bold colors (limit your tenant pool)

• High-gloss (too shiny, highlights imperfections)

• Trendy colors that date quickly

Keeping a consistent, timeless color palette is far more profitable.

Pro Tip from OKC Management

Use one wall color for every property you own.
This:

• Reduces leftover paint waste

• Simplifies turnover repairs

• Helps maintenance crews work faster

• Keeps your brand consistent across your portfolio

We recommend a full palette such as:

• Walls: Accessible Beige (SW)

• Trim/Doors: Pure White (SW) – semi-gloss

• Ceilings: Ceiling Bright White (SW) – flat

Final Thoughts

The right colors and finishes won’t just make your rental look good, they make it rent faster, clean easier, and turn over cheaper. At OKC Management, we’ve seen firsthand how choosing durable, neutral, tenant-friendly colors improves both renter satisfaction and investor ROI.

If you need help updating your rental or want a free consultation on make-ready improvements, OKC Management is here to help.