Understanding Paint Sheens and What Works Best for Your Home
Choosing interior paint involves more than picking a color. To get the most life out of a paint job, consider which sheen works best on walls, cabinets, trim and molding. Matching the sheen to the purpose gives you better results in the long run.
Popular Paint Sheens
Flat or Matte
Flat paint is the least reflective sheen. It hides imperfections in walls and ceilings and offers a velvety texture with rich depth of color, making it a standard choice for bedrooms and common areas. It is harder to clean, so we do not recommend it for kitchens or baths.
Eggshell and Satin
These are the go-to sheens for most homeowners and our most chosen finishes for remodels, from walls to cabinets to doors. They clean up easily and stand up to busy spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, mudrooms and playrooms without a high-gloss shine. Satin is slightly glossier than eggshell, but both have low reflectivity.
Semi-Gloss and Gloss
These are the most reflective and durable sheens and can handle repeated cleaning. They make a statement but also highlight imperfections and edges.
- Semi-gloss is the glossiest sheen we recommend for cabinets.
- Gloss is best used sparingly, usually on trim.
Quick Guide
- Bedrooms and living areas: flat or eggshell
- Kitchens, baths, mudrooms and kids' rooms: eggshell or satin
- Cabinets: satin or semi-gloss
- Trim and doors: semi-gloss or gloss
Need help with color too? See tips for choosing paint colors.
Get Expert Help
As a full design-build firm, we help you choose paint sheens and colors that help you live better in your home. Call Tracy Tesmer Design and Remodeling at 678-450-1700 or contact us online.










