Choosing a paint colour is just one part of the job. The actual finish, or sheen, is equally critical. It impacts the appearance, longevity, and cleanability of the surface. Some rooms require a finish that will hide flaws, while others require a finish that will deal with moisture or repeated wiping.
If you’re in doubt about what sheen to go with, this guide will guide you. And there’s no extra jargon—it’s just practical advice on which finish is best for each space.
Understanding Paint Sheens
“All paint finishes go from fully matte to high gloss.” The difference comes down to how much light they reflect.
- Satin or Eggshell – Low or soft sheen. It absorbs light, helping walls appear smooth and uniform.
- Eggshell — A bit of shine, like an eggshell. Good for a soft glow without being over-reflective.
- Satin – More obvious shine yet still understated. The material has a smooth finish and is easy to clean.
- Semi-Gloss —Reflects even more light with a subtle sheen. Stronger and more water-resistant.
- Gloss or High-Gloss – The shiniest type. Reflective, durable and often used for trim or cabinets.
Now, let’s consider which rooms are best for each finish.
The Best Paint Finishes for Every Room
Living Rooms and Bedrooms: the Perfect Merging of Comfort and Style
- In areas where you desire warmth and elegance, a subtle sheen is best.
- Matte or eggshell works well for bedrooms and living rooms. It makes walls look soft, smooth and not overly reflective.
- Eggshell is more durable than matte and stands up well to scuffing, making it a good option for moderate-use rooms.
- In a heavily used space — say, a child’s bedroom — satin provides just a bit more durability, without a too-shiny sheen.
This allows matte and eggshell finishes to perform well in rooms with natural light, because they won’t reflect glare.
Kitchen: Durable and Easy to Clean
- It also happens to be one of the busiest rooms in any home. Food splatters, steam and grease — not to mention sticky fingers — mean that the walls need a finish that can be wiped down easily.
- It’s best to go with satin or semi-gloss for kitchen walls. Both are durable enough to withstand stains and regular cleaning.
- Semi-gloss or gloss are good options for kitchen cabinets and trim, since they resist moisture and grease.
- If it’s open-plan, using eggshell in the dining area will create a softer feel but use satin or semi-gloss in the cooking space for durability.
Bathroom: It’s All About Moisture Resistance
- Bathrooms are subjected to humidity, splashes and condensation, so having the correct finish makes all the difference.
- A bathroom wall would best be painted in semi-gloss or satin finish. They’re moisture resistant and easy to wipe down.
- Gloss or semi-gloss is a good choice for doors, trim and cabinets because it offers added protection against water damage.
- If you like a flat finish, some specialist bathroom paints provide a more matt look but are designed to withstand moisture. They just won’t be quite as durable as semi-gloss or satin.
Hallways and High-traffic areas: Durable and easy to clean
- Hallways and corridors see an awful lot of traffic. Bags rub on walls, hands leave imprints and scuffs seem to multiply.
- The best type to use here is satin. It’s tougher than eggshell and easily wiped clean.
- Eggshell can be effective if you’re looking for something that doesn’t shine as much, but it won’t be as resistant against scrapes.
- Satin is the safer choice if you have small children or pets. It strikes the perfect balance between being stylish and being up to the rigors of daily life.
Exterior Doors, Trim and Woodwork: Crisp and Durable
- A harder, shinier finish that won’t chip is best for doors, skirting boards and mouldings.
- For woodwork, use semi-gloss or gloss. These finishes bring out details, and provide contrast against matte or eggshell walls.
- Gloss gives smooth, polished appearance, semi-gloss provides a little softer glow.
- House painters in Remuerausually use gloss/ semi-gloss white or off-white trim to define a room to make the wall colour pop.
The Effects of Lighting on Paint Finishes
- Lighting does such a big part for how a paint finish appears.
- Natural light will soften higher-sheen finishes, so semi-gloss or satin will look less aggro.
- Artificial light can accentuate sheen: gloss finishes may appear much more prominent, especially under spotlights.
- In dimly lit rooms, a matte or eggshell will be more appropriate as it won’t reflect light in a way that draws attention to imperfections.
- Try out different sheens in your space before committing to one if you can. A swatch slapped on the wall will read differently at different times of day and with different types of light in the room.
The Difference That a Good Finish Makes
- Selecting the right paint finish really isn’t all about the aesthetic; it’s practical as well.
- A matte or eggshell finish gives a soft, modern look, but is also more difficult to clean.
- Satin is durable enough for most places while maintaining a fancy look.
- Semi-gloss and gloss are durable, ideal for kitchens, bathrooms and trim.
Getting the right finish will make your paint last longer, look better and fit the way you use each space. Consider how the room is utilized, how much cleaning it will require and how much light the space receives before plumping for your final selection.
Conclusion
Paint sheen: defines durability and style In low-traffic areas, a soft matte or eggshell finish brings elegance, while kitchens, bathrooms and hallways benefit from the easy-clean properties of satin or semi-gloss. Gloss is great for durability on the door trim with doors. Choosing correctly will make your walls not just look good, but for the longest duration, while easing your daily maintenance challenges.
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