Choosing the Right Paint Finish for Every Room
Walk into any paint store and you’ll face a dizzying array of choices. But beyond color, the finish (also called sheen) you choose dramatically affects how your paint looks and performs.
Here’s how to pick the right finish for every space in your home.
Understanding Paint Finishes
Paint finishes range from completely flat (no shine) to high-gloss (very shiny). The sheen level affects three key factors:
- Appearance: How light reflects off the surface
- Durability: How well it resists stains and scrubbing
- Surface coverage: How well it hides imperfections
Generally, the shinier the paint, the more durable it is—but it also shows every wall imperfection.
The Five Main Finishes
Flat (Matte)
Characteristics:
- No shine at all
- Excellent at hiding wall imperfections
- Creates a sophisticated, velvety look
- Difficult to clean without damaging the paint
Best for:
- Low-traffic areas
- Adult bedrooms
- Formal dining rooms
- Ceilings (almost always use flat)
Avoid in:
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- High-traffic hallways
- Kids’ rooms
Why we like it: Nothing beats flat paint for hiding drywall imperfections and creating a rich, elegant appearance in low-use spaces.
Eggshell
Characteristics:
- Slight sheen, like an eggshell
- Better washability than flat
- Still hides minor imperfections reasonably well
- Good balance of appearance and practicality
Best for:
- Living rooms
- Bedrooms
- Dining rooms
- Low to medium traffic areas
Why we recommend it: This is our go-to finish for most interior walls. It looks great, cleans reasonably well, and works in most rooms.
Satin
Characteristics:
- Subtle, pearl-like sheen
- Highly washable and durable
- More resistant to moisture and stains
- Shows some wall imperfections
Best for:
- Family rooms
- Hallways
- Kids’ bedrooms
- Laundry rooms
- Kitchens
Why it’s popular: Satin offers excellent durability while still looking sophisticated. It’s the workhorse finish for active households.
Semi-Gloss
Characteristics:
- Noticeable shine
- Very durable and washable
- Moisture-resistant
- Highlights surface imperfections
Best for:
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens (especially walls behind stoves/sinks)
- Trim, doors, and molding
- Cabinets
- High-moisture areas
Pro tip: We almost always use semi-gloss on trim, regardless of wall finish. It creates nice contrast and stands up to wear.
High-Gloss
Characteristics:
- Maximum shine, almost mirror-like
- Extremely durable
- Very easy to clean
- Shows every imperfection dramatically
Best for:
- Front doors
- Cabinets (modern look)
- Furniture
- Accent details
- Commercial spaces
Use sparingly: In residential settings, high-gloss is usually limited to small accent areas or doors. It’s dramatic but can be overwhelming on large surfaces.
Room-by-Room Guide
Living Room
Recommendation: Eggshell Provides a refined look while being practical enough for family use.
Kitchen
Walls: Satin or semi-gloss Cabinets: Semi-gloss or satin You need moisture resistance and easy cleaning in this high-use space.
Bathrooms
Recommendation: Semi-gloss The moisture resistance is essential. Some people use satin, but we prefer semi-gloss for longevity.
Bedrooms (Adults)
Recommendation: Eggshell or flat Lower traffic allows for the sophisticated look of less shiny finishes.
Kids’ Bedrooms
Recommendation: Satin You’ll thank yourself when cleaning crayon marks and fingerprints.
Hallways
Recommendation: Satin or eggshell Traffic levels vary, but satin is usually the safer choice.
Trim, Doors, Molding
Recommendation: Semi-gloss The durability and cleanability are worth the higher sheen. The contrast with walls looks intentional and polished.
Ceilings
Recommendation: Flat Always. The lack of sheen hides imperfections and prevents glare.
Special Considerations
Wall Condition
If your walls have lots of imperfections, stick with flat or eggshell. Shinier finishes will highlight every flaw.
Lighting
Rooms with lots of natural light can handle lower-sheen finishes. Dark rooms benefit from the light-reflecting properties of satin or semi-gloss.
Lifestyle
- Have kids or pets? Go shinier for easier cleaning
- Formal household? You can use flatter finishes
- High humidity? Choose satin or semi-gloss
Color Intensity
Darker colors often look better in lower sheens. Bright colors can handle more gloss.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using flat paint in kitchens or bathrooms: It will absorb moisture and stains
- High-gloss walls in imperfect rooms: Every drywall dimple will show
- Mismatched sheens: Trim and walls should have different finishes for visual interest
- Ignoring moisture issues: In humid areas, prioritize durability over aesthetics
Our Professional Approach
When we paint a home, we typically use:
- Ceilings: Flat white
- Most walls: Eggshell
- High-traffic/moisture areas: Satin or semi-gloss
- All trim/doors: Semi-gloss
- Exterior: Satin or semi-gloss (depending on surface)
This combination provides the best balance of appearance and durability for most homes.
The Bottom Line
Don’t just think about color—the finish matters just as much. Choose based on the room’s function, traffic level, and your lifestyle.
Planning a painting project? We can help you select the perfect colors AND finishes for your space. Contact us for a free consultation and estimate.