When it comes to painting your home, choosing the right paint sheen can make all the difference. Not only does it affect the overall look and feel of a room, but it also impacts how easy it is to maintain and clean. In this post, we will help you explore the different paint sheens available, their characteristics, and the best uses for each in interior spaces.

What Are Paint Sheens?

Paint sheen refers to the level of gloss or shine that a paint finish has once it’s dry. The sheen you choose can affect the visual impact of your walls, as well as their durability and ease of cleaning. Paint sheens are typically categorized into several levels:

Flat (Matte)
Eggshell
Satin
Semi-Gloss
High-Gloss

Flat (Matte) Paint

Characteristics: Flat or matte paint has no shine at all, creating a smooth, velvety finish that absorbs light rather than reflecting it.

We really love flat or matte paint when using dark colors in low traffic areas. A great example of this is the dining room at the Highland Home. Here we opted for Tricorn Black in a flat finish over the judges paneling painted Alabaster.

Best For: Low-traffic areas like bedrooms and ceilings where imperfections are less noticeable. It’s also a good choice for walls that you want to be less reflective, creating a more subdued and cozy atmosphere.

Pros: Hides imperfections well, easy to touch up, and offers a sophisticated, non-reflective finish.

Cons: Less durable and harder to clean compared to other finishes; not ideal for high-traffic areas.

Eggshell Paint

Characteristics: Eggshell paint has a slight sheen, resembling the surface of an egg. It reflects more light than flat paint but is still relatively subtle. We personally don’t use eggshell very often in our designs. It is still made but most paint companies have satin finishes that are just as good if not better than an eggshell finish. Some people will interchange eggshell for satin but it is important to know they are two different sheens.

Best For: Living rooms, dining rooms, and hallways where a bit of sheen is desired without being too shiny. It’s a good balance between a flat and satin finish.

Pros: More durable and easier to clean than flat paint, still hides imperfections well.

Cons: Slightly less forgiving with wall imperfections compared to flat paint.

Satin Paint

Characteristics: Satin paint has a soft sheen with a smooth, slightly glossy finish. It reflects more light than eggshell but isn’t as shiny as semi-gloss or high-gloss. Satin is our personal favorite for high traffic areas and bathrooms. We recommend it for almost every single one of our projects.

Best For: Areas that experience moderate traffic, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and family rooms. It’s also suitable for trim and moldings. If you choose if for door trim and moldings but be sure to note that it will not hold up as well in high traffic areas. It is however a favorite of ours for feature walls with a lot of trim work because it is more forgiving of imperfections than semi-gloss.

Pros: Durable, easy to clean, and offers a nice luster without being overly shiny.

Cons: Shows imperfections more than eggshell or flat paints, but less than semi-gloss.

Semi-Gloss Paint

Characteristics: Semi-gloss paint has a noticeable shine and reflects more light than satin. It’s commonly used in areas that require extra durability. We love using semi-glass for doors, door trim, base and crown molding. If you love the look of wall and trim in matching color, we recommend flat or satin for the walls with a semi-gloss trim. It elevates the color and gives you that high end look. Our personal favorite.

Best For: High-traffic areas, kitchens, bathrooms, and on trim and moldings. It’s also ideal for doors and cabinets due to its durability.

Pros: Highly durable, easy to clean, and resists moisture well.

Cons: Can highlight wall imperfections and may be too shiny for some preferences. We do not recommend semi-gloss on walls to our clients.

High-Gloss Paint

Characteristics: High-gloss paint is the shiniest finish available, offering a mirror-like reflection. It’s the most durable and easiest to clean. At this point, we do not have any design projects where we have used high-gloss paint just because we tend to gravitate toward less shine and a more casual look.

Best For: Areas that need maximum durability, such as high-traffic zones, and for highlighting architectural features like trims and moldings.

Pros: Extremely durable, easy to clean, and resistant to stains and moisture.

Cons: Shows every imperfection and can be too reflective for some spaces.

How to Choose the Right Sheen for Your Space

When selecting a paint sheen, consider the following factors:

Room Function: Choose a finish based on the room’s use and traffic level.
Lighting: Sheen can look different under various lighting conditions, so consider the natural and artificial light in the space.
Maintenance: Higher sheen finishes are easier to clean but may require more prep work to avoid highlighting imperfections.

Choosing the right paint sheen is crucial for achieving the desired look and functionality of your interior spaces.

By understanding the characteristics and best uses for each sheen, you can make an informed decision that enhances both the beauty and durability of your walls.

Whether you prefer the matte elegance of flat paint or the shine of high-gloss, there’s a finish that’s perfect for every room in your home.

Ready to transform your space with the perfect paint sheen? Reach out to us today (front page of our website) highlandhomedesign.co for expert advice and professional painting services!