Choosing a colour is only half the decision. The sheen, meaning how much light the paint reflects, changes how the colour looks, how well the wall hides imperfections and how easy it is to clean. Here is a practical guide.
Flat and Matte
Flat and matte finishes reflect very little light. They hide surface imperfections better than any other sheen and give colours a soft, rich look.
Best for: Ceilings, adult bedrooms, dining rooms and low-traffic living spaces.
Trade-off: Traditionally less washable, though many modern premium matte paints are much more scrubbable than older flat paints.
Eggshell
Eggshell has a low, soft sheen. It is more washable than matte while still hiding minor flaws reasonably well.
Best for: Living rooms, hallways, family rooms and most walls in a busy household.
Satin
Satin has a noticeable, velvety sheen and stands up well to cleaning and moisture.
Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, kids' rooms and high-traffic hallways. Also popular for trim and doors where a slightly softer look than semi-gloss is wanted.
Semi-Gloss
Semi-gloss is shiny, very durable and easy to wipe clean, but it highlights every dent and brush mark, so preparation matters.
Best for: Trim, baseboards, doors, cabinets and railings.
A Simple Rule of Thumb
Flat or matte on ceilings, eggshell or matte on most walls, satin in wet or busy rooms, and satin or semi-gloss on trim and doors. Sheen names are not standardised between manufacturers, so look at a sample of the actual product before committing.