Quick Selection Guide
- Flat/Matte: Ceilings, low-traffic rooms
- Eggshell: Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms
- Satin: High-traffic areas, hallways, kids' rooms
- Semi-Gloss: Bathrooms, kitchens, trim, doors
- Gloss: Cabinets, furniture, exterior doors
Paint Sheen Comparison
Flat / Matte (0-10% gloss)
Advantages
- • Hides wall imperfections best
- • Non-reflective - no glare
- • Touch-ups blend invisibly
- • Rich, velvety appearance
- • Best color depth
Disadvantages
- • Not washable - marks permanent
- • Scuffs and stains easily
- • Requires repainting vs. cleaning
- • Not moisture-resistant
- • Shortest durability
Best Applications:
- • Ceilings (industry standard)
- • Adult bedrooms with minimal traffic
- • Formal living rooms rarely used
- • Wall repairs/touch-ups (blends best)
Avoid: Bathrooms, kitchens, hallways, kids' rooms, high-traffic areas
Eggshell (10-25% gloss)
Advantages
- • Slightly washable
- • Hides imperfections well
- • Low sheen - minimal glare
- • Good for most living spaces
- • Better durability than flat
Disadvantages
- • Limited scrubbing tolerance
- • Touch-ups more visible than flat
- • Not ideal for moisture areas
- • Shows texture on rough walls
Best Applications:
- • Living rooms (most popular choice)
- • Adult bedrooms
- • Dining rooms
- • Home offices
- • Low-traffic hallways
Industry Note: Most contractors default to eggshell for walls in residential applications
Satin (25-35% gloss)
Advantages
- • Washable and scrubbable
- • Resists moisture and mildew
- • Good durability
- • Subtle sheen (not too glossy)
- • Easy to maintain
Disadvantages
- • Shows wall imperfections
- • Touch-ups very visible
- • Slight sheen may look uneven
- • Reflects light (can be distracting)
Best Applications:
- • High-traffic hallways
- • Kids' bedrooms and playrooms
- • Kitchens (walls, not cabinets)
- • Laundry rooms
- • Staircases
- • Family rooms with kids/pets
Semi-Gloss (35-70% gloss)
Advantages
- • Highly washable and durable
- • Excellent moisture resistance
- • Resists mildew
- • Easy to clean - wipes down easily
- • Long-lasting finish
Disadvantages
- • Shows every wall imperfection
- • Touch-ups nearly impossible
- • Reflective - may cause glare
- • Requires excellent prep work
- • Can look "plasticky" on walls
Best Applications:
- • Bathrooms (moisture resistance)
- • Kitchen cabinets
- • Interior trim and molding
- • Interior doors
- • Window frames
- • Baseboards
Pro Tip: Semi-gloss on trim with eggshell/satin on walls is the most common combo
High Gloss (70-90% gloss)
Advantages
- • Maximum durability
- • Extremely washable
- • Hardest, most protective finish
- • Mirror-like appearance
- • Excellent moisture resistance
Disadvantages
- • Magnifies every imperfection
- • Very reflective (shows finger prints)
- • Difficult application
- • Requires perfect surface prep
- • Touch-ups impossible
Best Applications:
- • Cabinet doors and drawers
- • Furniture
- • Exterior doors
- • Railings
- • Metal surfaces
Rarely Used: Interior walls - too reflective and shows every imperfection
Room-by-Room Recommendations
| Location | Walls | Trim/Doors | Ceiling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Living Room | Eggshell | Semi-gloss | Flat |
| Bedroom | Eggshell/Flat | Semi-gloss | Flat |
| Kids' Room | Satin | Semi-gloss | Flat |
| Hallway | Satin | Semi-gloss | Flat |
| Kitchen | Satin/Semi-gloss | Semi-gloss | Satin |
| Bathroom | Satin/Semi-gloss | Semi-gloss | Satin |
Common Questions
Can I mix sheens in the same room?
Yes - standard practice is eggshell/satin on walls with semi-gloss on trim. This creates subtle contrast and protects high-touch areas.
Should ceilings always be flat?
Generally yes. Flat hides ceiling imperfections and doesn't create glare from overhead lighting. Exception: high-moisture areas like bathrooms may use satin.
Does higher sheen cost more?
Usually yes, but minimal difference ($2-5 per gallon). Higher sheens contain more resin which increases durability but also cost slightly.
Can I change sheen when repainting?
Yes, but going from gloss to flat requires light sanding (220-grit) or liquid deglosser first. Flat to gloss doesn't require prep.