Let’s Talk Paint: The Guide to Choosing the Perfect Sheen for Your Home
- Kamila Kawai
- Sep 24, 2024
- 3 min read
Choosing the right paint sheen might not seem like a big decision, but it can completely transform the look and feel of your home. It’s not just about the colour—whether your walls are glossy or matte plays a huge part in the atmosphere of a room. Whether you’re refreshing a single space or redecorating your entire home, this guide will help you select the perfect paint sheen for each area.
What is Paint Sheen?
Paint sheen refers to how much light the paint reflects, which affects how it looks and feels in a room. It can highlight or hide imperfections and plays a major role in how easy it is to clean and maintain your walls.
Types of Paint Sheens
1. Flat (Matte) Paint Sheen
What’s it like? No shine at all—non-reflective.
Best for: Ceilings and low-traffic rooms like bedrooms or formal sitting rooms.
Pros:
Hides wall imperfections really well.
Gives a smooth, velvety finish.
Cons:
Less durable and harder to clean, so best for spaces that don’t see much wear and tear.
2. Matte Paint Sheen
What’s it like? Similar to flat, but with a touch more smoothness.
Best for: Low-traffic areas such as dining rooms or adult bedrooms.
Pros:
Easy to touch up.
Conceals imperfections effectively.
Cons:
Like flat paint, it’s not the best for high-traffic areas due to its lower durability.
3. Eggshell Paint Sheen
What’s it like? A soft sheen—just a little gloss but not too shiny.
Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, or medium-traffic areas.
Pros:
More durable than matte or flat finishes.
Easy to clean while maintaining a cosy appearance.
Cons:
Can show smudges or fingerprints in busy spaces, though it’s more resilient than flat paint.
4. Satin Paint Sheen
What’s it like? A velvety sheen with a bit more shine than eggshell.
Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and children’s rooms—anywhere with lots of activity.
Pros:
Durable and moisture-resistant, ideal for high-traffic areas.
Easy to clean.
Cons:
The slightly glossy finish can show surface imperfections.
5. Pearl Paint Sheen
What’s it like? Falls between satin and semi-gloss—offers some sheen but isn’t overly shiny.
Best for: High-traffic areas, trim, doors, and cabinetry.
Pros:
A good balance between durability and aesthetics.
Suitable for spaces that need to be wiped clean without excessive gloss.
Cons:
If you’re after a really reflective finish, you might want more gloss.
6. Semi-Gloss Paint Sheen
What’s it like? Shiny and reflective.
Best for: Trim, doors, windows, and areas with moisture, like kitchens and bathrooms.
Pros:
Highly durable and easy to clean.
Perfect for high-humidity areas like bathrooms.
Cons:
Highlights imperfections, so prepare the surfaces carefully before painting.
7. High-Gloss Paint Sheen
What’s it like? The glossiest option—it almost looks like a mirror.
Best for: Trim, doors, cabinets, and details you want to emphasise.
Pros:
Extremely durable and easy to maintain.
Creates a bold, polished look.
Cons:
Shows every imperfection, so surfaces need to be perfectly smooth before application.
Tips for Choosing the Right Paint Sheen
For Ceilings: Flat or matte finishes are best for reducing glare and hiding flaws.
For Living Rooms: Eggshell or satin provides a good mix of durability and a soft finish.
For Kitchens & Bathrooms: Satin or semi-gloss is perfect for handling moisture and easy cleaning.
For Trim & Cabinets: Semi-gloss or high-gloss adds a durable, polished finish that’s easy to maintain.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right paint sheen can make a big difference in how your space looks and functions. By understanding the pros and cons of each sheen and considering the needs of each room, you can create a home that not only looks beautiful but is also practical and easy to maintain. Good luck with your paint project—whether you're doing it yourself or hiring a professional, choosing the right finish will ensure your space looks its best for years to come!
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