Paint sheen — the level of glossiness in a finish — affects how a room looks, how easy it is to clean, and how well imperfections are hidden. Choosing the right finish for each room is just as important as choosing the right color.
Matte / Flat
Best for: Ceilings, low-traffic bedrooms, formal dining rooms
Matte finish has zero shine, which makes it excellent at hiding wall imperfections like patches, nail pops, and uneven texture. The tradeoff: it's harder to clean. Scrubbing matte paint can leave shiny spots. Use it where walls don't get touched or scuffed.
Eggshell
Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways
Eggshell has a very subtle sheen — just enough to make it washable without looking shiny. It's the most popular finish for residential walls because it strikes the perfect balance between hide-ability and cleanability.
Satin
Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, kids' rooms, laundry rooms
Satin has a noticeable soft sheen that's easy to wipe clean. It stands up to moisture, grease splatter, and little handprints. If a room gets dirty or humid, satin is your friend.
Semi-Gloss
Best for: Trim, baseboards, doors, cabinets, bathroom walls
Semi-gloss is durable and highly washable. It's the standard for all trim work because it creates a subtle contrast against eggshell or satin walls. It's also the go-to for bathroom walls in homes with children.
High-Gloss
Best for: Front doors, accent furniture, built-in millwork
High-gloss creates a dramatic, lacquer-like finish. It shows every imperfection, so surface prep must be flawless. When done right on a front door or built-in shelving, it's stunning.