How to Choose the Right Paint Finish
The finish (or sheen) matters as much as the color. Use flat paint in the bathroom and you'll have mildew problems. Use high-gloss on bedroom walls and every imperfection will glow. Here's how to pick the right finish for every surface in your home.
Quick Summary
Time needed
15 minutes
Cost
Free (decision only)
Difficulty
Easy
Understanding Paint Sheen Levels
Paint sheen describes how much light the paint reflects. It ranges from completely flat (no shine) to high-gloss (mirror-like). The level you choose affects both how the paint looks and how it performs.
The Trade-off: Higher sheen = more durable and washable, but shows every wall imperfection. Lower sheen = hides flaws beautifully, but harder to clean and less durable.
There's no one-size-fits-all answer. The right finish depends on the room, the surface condition, and how much wear it will get.
The 5 Paint Finish Levels
1. Flat / Matte
0-5% sheenNo shine at all. Absorbs light rather than reflecting it.
Pros:
- • Hides wall imperfections perfectly
- • Non-reflective, sophisticated look
- • Best for ceilings
- • Touches up easily
Cons:
- • Hard to clean - marks don't wipe off
- • Not washable without removing paint
- • Least durable option
- • Bad for high-traffic or humid areas
Best for:
Ceilings, low-traffic adult bedrooms, formal dining rooms. Any space you don't touch often.
2. Eggshell
10-25% sheenSubtle sheen like an actual eggshell. The sweet spot for most walls.
Pros:
- • Wipeable - gentle cleaning works
- • Still hides minor imperfections
- • Best all-around choice
- • Looks great in most rooms
Cons:
- • Not as durable as satin/semi-gloss
- • Can't handle serious scrubbing
- • May not be enough for high moisture
Best for:
Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, dining rooms. Most interior walls benefit from eggshell.
3. Satin
25-35% sheenSoft, velvety sheen. Noticeable shine but not glossy.
Pros:
- • Very washable and durable
- • Resists moisture and mildew
- • Good for high-traffic areas
- • Can handle kids and pets
Cons:
- • Shows wall imperfections more
- • Can look shiny on large walls
- • Needs good wall prep
- • Touch-ups can show
Best for:
Kitchens, bathrooms, kids' rooms, laundry rooms, high-traffic hallways. Anywhere that needs frequent cleaning.
4. Semi-Gloss
35-70% sheenObvious shine. Reflects light noticeably.
Pros:
- • Extremely durable and washable
- • Resists moisture, mold, mildew
- • Easy to scrub clean
- • Perfect for trim
Cons:
- • Highlights every wall flaw
- • Too shiny for most walls
- • Requires perfect wall prep
- • Can feel institutional
Best for:
Trim, baseboards, doors, cabinets, bathroom walls. Surfaces that take abuse or get wet.
5. High-Gloss
70-85% sheenAlmost mirror-like. Maximum shine and reflection.
Pros:
- • Most durable finish available
- • Ultra-washable
- • Modern, dramatic look
- • Great for accent details
Cons:
- • Shows every single imperfection
- • Can be overwhelming on walls
- • Requires expert-level prep
- • Not for beginners
Best for:
Doors, trim in modern homes, cabinets, furniture. Small accent areas where you want drama.
Quick Reference: Finish by Room
Living Room
Walls: Eggshell | Ceiling: Flat | Trim: Semi-gloss
Bedroom
Walls: Eggshell or Flat | Ceiling: Flat | Trim: Semi-gloss
Kitchen
Walls: Satin or Semi-gloss | Ceiling: Flat or Satin | Cabinets: Semi-gloss
Bathroom
Walls: Satin or Semi-gloss | Ceiling: Satin (resists mildew) | Trim: Semi-gloss
Hallways
Walls: Eggshell or Satin (high traffic) | Ceiling: Flat | Trim: Semi-gloss
Kids' Rooms
Walls: Satin (easy to clean) | Ceiling: Flat | Trim: Semi-gloss
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using flat paint in bathrooms or kitchens
Moisture and grease will ruin flat paint. You need at least satin in these areas, preferably semi-gloss.
Using high-gloss on imperfect walls
Unless your walls are perfectly smooth, glossy finishes will highlight every bump, dent, and patch. Stick to eggshell or satin for walls.
Same finish for walls and trim
Trim needs to be glossier than walls - both for durability and visual definition. Use eggshell/satin on walls, semi-gloss on trim.
Forgetting ceiling finish
Ceilings almost always need flat paint. Anything glossier reflects light in weird ways and shows every imperfection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best paint finish for living room walls?
Eggshell is the best all-around finish for living room walls. It has a subtle sheen that's easier to clean than flat paint, but doesn't show wall imperfections as much as satin or semi-gloss. It strikes the perfect balance for most living spaces.
What paint finish should I use in bathrooms and kitchens?
Use satin or semi-gloss in bathrooms and kitchens. These high-moisture areas need paint that can handle frequent cleaning and resist mold. Semi-gloss is most durable and easiest to wipe down, though it will show wall imperfections more than satin.
Should I use the same finish on walls and trim?
No, use different finishes for contrast and practicality. Walls typically get eggshell or satin, while trim should be semi-gloss or high-gloss. The glossier trim is more durable (trim takes more abuse) and creates visual definition between walls and trim.
Ready for the Next Step?
Now that you know which finish to use, it's time to calculate how much paint you'll need for your project.