Paint Types & Finishes

The finish you choose affects both the final look and how practical a room is for daily use, and it's a decision worth making room by room rather than uniformly for the whole home.

A matte finish absorbs light instead of reflecting it, which makes it excellent at hiding minor imperfections in a wall's surface — that's why it's the preferred choice for ceilings and bedrooms, where light often hits at an angle and would highlight every bump in a glossier finish. Its downside is that it's harder to clean, so it's not ideal for high-contact spots.

Satin or "eggshell" finish offers a balance: it has a light, subtle sheen and cleans far more easily than matte, without reaching the glossiness of a shiny paint. It's our most common choice for living rooms, hallways and kids' rooms, where walls take more of a beating from daily life.

Semi-gloss is the most moisture-resistant option, particularly suited to kitchens and bathrooms where there's frequent steam and a need for easy stain removal. Across the board, we prefer low-VOC (low volatile organic compound) paints — they don't leave a strong smell after drying and are safer for homes with young children, pets, or anyone with respiratory sensitivities.