Key takeaways
- Higher sheen means more durability and more reflection, so imperfections show more.
- Flat for ceilings, eggshell or matte for most walls, satin or semi-gloss for trim and doors.
- Kitchens and bathrooms benefit from washable finishes.
Sheen basics
Sheen describes how much light a dried paint reflects. From least to most reflective: flat, matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss and gloss. Higher sheens are harder and easier to wipe clean, but they also highlight every roller mark, patch and bump in the wall. Lower sheens hide imperfections and look soft and modern but are less washable.
Room by room
- Ceilings: flat. It hides drywall seams and roller marks and keeps the eye on the room, not the ceiling.
- Living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms: matte or eggshell. Modern washable matte paints are excellent and look rich.
- Hallways, stairwells, kids' rooms: eggshell or a washable matte. These walls get touched constantly.
- Kitchens and bathrooms: eggshell or satin. Moisture and splashes call for a finish you can wipe.
- Trim, doors and cabinets: satin or semi-gloss enamel. Durable, wipeable and it makes walls look crisper by contrast.
A note on older walls
If your walls have had decades of patches, or you live in a century home with plaster, a lower sheen will be far more forgiving. We will recommend the right balance of durability and forgiveness for each room during your quote.
Related questions
Can I use the same sheen everywhere?
You can, but it is rarely the best result. Mixing a flat ceiling, eggshell walls and satin trim is the classic combination for a reason.
Is matte paint washable?
Modern premium matte paints are far more washable than older flat paints. We can recommend products that look matte and still clean up well.
What sheen should I use on a feature wall?
Usually the same as the surrounding walls, so the colour does the talking. Occasionally a slight sheen difference is used deliberately as a design choice.