Budget Friendly Finishes for Rental Properties

If you're working with a budget but still want a clean, appealing look for your rental property, here are some affordable and durable color and finish options:

• Wall Colors (Budget-Friendly & Tenant-Approved)

  1. Behr “Swiss Coffee” – A warm off-white that feels inviting.

  2. Sherwin-Williams “Agreeable Gray” – A perfect greige (gray + beige) that works with most decor.

  3. Benjamin Moore “Classic Gray” – A soft, neutral gray that won’t go out of style.

  4. Glidden “Dover Gray” – A cool gray with a modern touch.

  5. Behr “Ultra Pure White” – Great for a bright and clean feel, especially in small spaces.

  FINISH TIP: Use eggshell or satin on walls for durability and easy cleaning. Semi-gloss for trim and doors makes wiping down scuffs easier.

• Flooring (Affordable & Durable Choices)

  1. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) – Waterproof, scratch-resistant, and mimics wood. Popular budget shades:

  • TrafficMaster “Pewter Oak” (Gray-tone)

  • Lifeproof “Sterling Oak” (Neutral wood-tone)

  • MSI “Whitby White” (Light wood-look)

  1. Laminate Flooring – More budget-friendly than LVP, but not as water-resistant. Stick to medium-brown oak or grayish-brown tones.

  2. Carpet (for Bedrooms Only) – Choose a low-pile, stain-resistant carpet in light gray or beige (e.g., Shaw “Stone Path” or “Toasted Almond”).

  3. Sheet Vinyl (for Kitchens & Bathrooms) – A cheaper alternative to tile with wood or stone-look designs.

• Cabinet Colors & Finishes (Budget-Friendly Options)

  1. White (Classic & Timeless) – Use affordable melamine or thermofoil cabinets in white.

  2. Light Gray – A modern, neutral alternative (e.g., Sherwin-Williams “Dorian Gray”).

  3. Espresso or Dark Brown – Good for hiding wear in high-traffic rentals.

  4. Painted Cabinets – If updating old cabinets, use a durable cabinet paint like Behr’s “Cabinet & Trim Enamel” in white, gray, or navy.

  FINISH TIP: Use satin or semi-gloss for cabinets—it’s easy to wipe clean and resists stains.

• Countertops (Budget-Friendly but Stylish)

  1. Laminate – Affordable and durable; go for white marble-look or speckled beige tones.

  2. Butcher Block (DIY-Friendly) – A warm, inviting choice that’s cost-effective.

  3. Prefabricated Quartz or Granite – If you can splurge a little, look for budget-friendly pre-cut slabs at big-box stores.

• Fixtures & Hardware (Affordable but Trendy)

  1. Matte Black Handles & Faucets – Modern, budget-friendly, and hides fingerprints.

  2. Brushed Nickel – A classic, safe choice that goes with everything.

  3. Oil-Rubbed Bronze (for a Traditional Look) – Works well in older-style homes.

  4. Simple Subway Tile Backsplash – White ceramic subway tiles are cheap and elevate the kitchen.