A quick guide on how to choose the right paint finish for every room in a home.

When choosing a paint finish for each room, homeowners must consider both the aesthetic they want to achieve and the functional needs of the space. A higher-sheen finish offers more durability and moisture resistance, while a lower-sheen finish provides a softer, more muted look that can hide imperfections. 

Here is a guide to help your readers choose the right paint finish for every room in their home.

The paint sheen spectrum

From least to most reflective, paint finishes fall on a simple spectrum: 

• Matte or flat: Absorbs light, hiding wall and ceiling imperfections. Offers a soft, non-reflective look, but is the least durable and most difficult to clean.

• Eggshell: Offers a soft, subtle sheen, similar to the surface of an egg. It is more durable and easier to clean than matte, making it a very popular, versatile choice for walls.

• Satin: Features a soft, pearl-like sheen that is smooth and easy to clean. It is more durable than eggshell and resists mildew, making it suitable for spaces that experience wear and tear.

• Semi-gloss: Provides a noticeable, luminous shine and is highly durable and washable. However, its reflectivity means it will highlight surface imperfections.

• High-gloss: The most reflective and durable finish, with a glass-like, mirror shine. Its extreme durability is ideal for surfaces needing frequent cleaning, but it will emphasize every flaw, requiring a perfectly smooth surface. 

Guide to choosing a paint finish by room

Living rooms and dining rooms

These are generally low-to-medium traffic areas where aesthetics are a top priority. 

• Best choice: Eggshell or matte finishes.

• Why: These finishes offer a soft, elegant look that adds warmth to a space and hides minor wall imperfections. They create a sophisticated, cozy atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed gathering space.

• Pro tip: For dining rooms that see moderate traffic, eggshell provides enough durability for occasional cleaning. 

Bedrooms

Bedrooms are typically low-traffic, private spaces where the focus is on creating a relaxing and cozy atmosphere. 

• Best choice: Matte or eggshell.

• Why: The non-reflective surface of a matte finish hides imperfections and creates a rich, velvety look that feels soft and comforting. Eggshell is a great alternative that provides a bit more durability.

• Kids' rooms: For children's bedrooms and playrooms, a more durable satin or semi-gloss finish is recommended to withstand frequent scuffs and stains. 

Kitchens and bathrooms

These high-moisture, high-traffic rooms require a durable finish that is easy to clean and can resist mold and mildew. 

• Best choice: Semi-gloss.

• Why: A semi-gloss finish is highly resistant to moisture, humidity, and frequent scrubbing. It is the most practical choice for walls in kitchens and bathrooms, as well as for cabinetry and trim.

• Alternative: A satin finish can work well, especially in half-baths or kitchens with good ventilation, offering solid moisture resistance with a softer sheen. 

Hallways and entryways

These areas receive a high volume of traffic, foot-traffic, and fingerprints. 

• Best choice: Satin or eggshell.

• Why: Satin paint offers excellent durability and washability, making it ideal for resisting scuffs and stains from daily activity. It provides a soft, elegant sheen that is more forgiving than semi-gloss.

• Recommendation: Use satin or semi-gloss on doors and trim for added durability and a crisp, polished contrast. 

Ceilings

Ceilings are often the most overlooked surface but require the right finish to hide imperfections and prevent glare from lighting. 

• Best choice: Flat or matte.

• Why: These finishes absorb light rather than reflecting it, which helps to camouflage minor imperfections and drywall blemishes. Flat paint also creates a uniform, shadow-free surface for a clean, finished look.

• Exception: For ceilings in high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms, consider using a moisture-resistant eggshell or satin paint. 

Trim and doors

Trim, doors, and baseboards are high-touch surfaces that need a finish that is exceptionally durable and easy to clean. 

• Best choice: Semi-gloss or high-gloss.

• Why: These finishes stand up best to frequent cleaning, scuffs, and impacts. The higher sheen also provides a beautiful, clean contrast against the lower-sheen walls, enhancing architectural details.