Understanding Paint Sheens: A Guide to Choosing the Right Finish for Every Room

Choosing a paint color is one of the most exciting parts of a home refresh, but there’s another equally important decision to make: the paint sheen. The sheen, or the finish of the paint, determines how much light it reflects. It can dramatically change the look of a color, hide or highlight imperfections, and most importantly, impact a room’s durability.

As a designer and a mom, I know that for a space to be truly beautiful, it has to be practical, too. And for that, you need to understand the right finish for the job. Let’s dive into a quick guide to paint sheens, so you can choose the perfect one for every room in your home.

Your Guide to Paint Sheens

From no shine at all to a mirror-like finish, each paint sheen has a specific purpose. Here is a breakdown of the most common options and where they work best.

Flat & Matte

• Look: This is a non-reflective, velvety-smooth finish that absorbs light, making colors look rich and deep. It has no shine.
• Where to Use It: Matte is perfect for low traffic areas such as formal living rooms, and ceilings. It’s ideal for hiding imperfections, as its lack of shine doesn’t highlight bumps or scuffs.
• Things to Know: While it creates a beautiful, sophisticated look, matte paint is the least durable and most difficult to clean.

Eggshell

• Look: Eggshell has a low, soft sheen, similar to the shell of an egg. It offers a great balance of beauty and durability.
• Where to Use It: Eggshell is the most popular choice for walls in most interior spaces, including bedrooms, living rooms, and offices. It provides a touch of richness without a glossy appearance.
• Things to Know: It is more durable and washable than matte and does a good job of hiding minor wall imperfections.

Satin

• Look: Satin has a silky, pearl-like sheen that is slightly more reflective than eggshell.
• Where to Use It: This is a fantastic option for moderate to high-traffic areas like kids’ rooms, hallways, and family rooms. It’s also a common choice for trim and doors.
• Things to Know: Satin is incredibly durable and easy to clean, making it a workhorse for busy spaces. Its higher sheen means it can show some wall imperfections, so make sure the surface is smooth before you start.

Semi-Gloss

• Look: This finish has a noticeable, sleek shine that reflects a significant amount of light.
• Where to Use It: Semi-gloss is a workhorse. It’s perfect for areas that need to be wiped down often, such as kitchen and bathroom walls, trim, doors, and cabinetry.
• Things to Know: While it’s incredibly durable and easy to clean, its shine will highlight any imperfections on the wall, so be sure the surface is smooth before you paint.

High-Gloss

• Look: This is the shiniest, most reflective finish, creating a glass-like appearance.
• Where to Use It: High-gloss is typically reserved for trim, doors, furniture, and cabinetry, where it makes a bold, dramatic statement and offers maximum durability.
• Things to Know: It is the most durable and easiest to clean but will show every single flaw on the surface. Application requires a very smooth surface and careful prep work.

Our Guide to Durable & Washable Paints for Active Homes

When it comes to choosing a paint that can handle real family life, you need to look for a high-quality product, regardless of the sheen. Here are some of our favorite durable paints from Benjamin Moore:

• Benjamin Moore Regal Select: This is a go-to for a reason! Regal Select is a premium paint line that is known for its incredible durability and washability. It stands up to scuffs, stains, and daily wear and tear, making it a reliable choice for active kids’ rooms.
• Benjamin Moore Aura: As their top-tier paint, Aura offers superior durability and color depth. It’s an excellent choice for a vibrant, lasting color in a high-traffic area. It’s highly resistant to scrubbing and scuffing, ensuring the color stays true and beautiful over time.
• Benjamin Moore SCUFF-X: This paint was specifically designed to resist scuffs and scuff marks, making it a revolutionary choice for kids’ rooms, hallways, and playrooms. It’s ultra-durable and holds up to repeated cleaning without burnishing (or getting shiny spots). SCUFF-X is the ultimate problem-solver for those truly high-impact walls.

Pro Tips Before You Start

• Test Your Color: Always buy Samplize stickers. This will help you see how the color looks with your lighting and surrounding furniture.
• Prep is Key: For the best results, make sure your walls are clean and smooth before you start. A little prep work goes a long way in ensuring your new paint job looks professional and lasts for years.

Choosing the right paint sheen is a practical solution that gives you the freedom to create beautiful spaces that are also truly built for real family life. What’s one space in your home that needs a fresh new look? I’d love to hear about it!