When you’re picking out paint, colour usually steals the spotlight. But the finish, or paint sheen, can have just as much impact on how your walls look, feel and hold up. The right sheen can help your space look polished and stay easier to clean. The wrong one might highlight things you’d rather hide, like dents in the plaster or scuff marks from everyday life.
Understanding paint sheen makes it easier to match the finish to the function of each room. Here’s how to choose the one that works best for your space.
What Is Paint Sheen and Why It Matters
Paint sheen refers to how shiny or flat a surface looks once the paint dries. It also affects how light reflects off the walls, how visible imperfections are and how easy the surface is to clean.
Higher-sheen paints reflect more light and tend to be more durable. They’re often used in kitchens, bathrooms and other busy areas. Lower-sheen paints absorb more light and create a softer look that works well in relaxing spaces like bedrooms or living rooms.
Choosing the right paint sheen helps balance appearance and practicality. It’s not just about looks, it’s about how a room functions.
Flat and Matte Paint Sheen for Calm, Low-Glare Rooms
Flat and matte finishes are ideal for bedrooms, offices and quiet living spaces. They minimize glare, absorb light and help hide small flaws in the wall. If your walls have patches, cracks or uneven textures, a flat paint sheen can help mask them.
Keep in mind that flat finishes are less resistant to cleaning. In low-traffic areas, this usually isn’t a problem. For extra durability, look for washable matte products that allow for occasional cleaning without damaging the finish.
Eggshell Paint Sheen for Balanced, Everyday Spaces
Eggshell is a common choice for spaces like hallways, dining rooms and family rooms. It offers a bit more durability than matte but still keeps a soft appearance. This paint sheen has a low glow that makes rooms feel warm and clean without being shiny.
It stands up better to light cleaning and works well in busy homes. If you want consistency across several connected rooms, eggshell helps tie them together with a unified finish that doesn’t demand constant upkeep.
Satin Paint Sheen for Kitchens, Bathrooms and High-Use Areas
Satin paint is a step up in both durability and shine. It’s a smart option for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and children’s bedrooms. These are spaces that need to handle moisture, frequent cleaning and constant contact.
The satin finish adds just enough sheen to repel splashes and stains while still feeling smooth. It’s also easier to clean than eggshell, though it can reveal more wall imperfections. To get the best result, make sure the surface is properly prepped before painting.
Semi-Gloss and Gloss Paint Sheens for Trim, Doors and Built-Ins
Semi-gloss and gloss finishes are best used on woodwork, doors, cabinets and other features that see frequent wear. These higher-sheen paints are easy to wipe clean and give a crisp, defined look to architectural details.
If you’re painting baseboards, window frames or interior doors, a gloss or semi-gloss paint sheen adds durability and contrast. While some people try high-sheen paints on walls, they tend to reflect too much light and emphasise every flaw. Keep them for the details, not the main surfaces.
Flat Paint Sheen for Ceilings and Textured Surfaces
Most ceilings benefit from a flat paint sheen. It hides minor imperfections and doesn’t reflect light down into the room. Ceilings painted in glossy or satin finishes can create distracting reflections or highlight uneven drywall seams.
In bathrooms or other humid spaces, consider a washable flat or low-sheen paint made for moisture resistance. Just be sure your ventilation is good. For older homes with textured walls, a lower sheen softens the look. A high-sheen finish on brick or plaster can make every bump stand out, which isn’t always the goal.
Before you commit, test a few sheens on the actual surface to see how they respond to the room’s lighting and layout.
Still Unsure Which Paint Sheen to Choose?
Choosing the right paint sheen matters just as much as choosing the right colour. It changes how your space looks, how easy it is to maintain and how well it stands up to daily life. At Pinnacle Paints, we’re here to help you find the right Benjamin Moore products for your space. Whether you’re painting one wall or the whole house, we can help you choose a finish that fits your needs.