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Choosing the Right Paint Sheen
Flat, eggshell / satin, pearl, or semi-gloss — the finish you choose changes everything
You picked the perfect colour. But then the painter asked, "What sheen?" and you freeze. The sheen — flat, eggshell / satin, pearl, or semi-gloss — determines how your paint looks, how it wears, and how easy it is to clean. It is not just a minor detail; it can make or break the final result. This guide breaks down every sheen so you can choose with confidence for every room and surface in your home.
Flat / Matte
Flat and matte finishes have virtually no shine — typically 0% to 5% gloss. They absorb light rather than reflect it, which makes walls appear smooth and velvety. This light-absorbing quality is their superpower: they hide surface imperfections like drywall seams, bumps, and uneven texture better than any other sheen. A flat sheen is also strongly recommended for deep base and dark colours — without any gloss to create distracting reflections, the colour reads as richer, deeper, and more uniform across the entire wall. That is why flat paint is the go-to choice for ceilings and low-traffic areas like formal dining rooms or adult bedrooms where walls will not take much abuse.
Pro tip: Use flat on ceilings and walls in low-traffic rooms. Avoid in kitchens, bathrooms, or kids rooms — it is not very washable.
Eggshell / Satin
Eggshell has a subtle, soft sheen of about 10% to 25% gloss — just like the surface of an actual eggshell. It reflects a small amount of light, giving walls a gentle glow without being shiny. It is more durable and washable than flat paint, making it the most popular choice for living rooms, hallways, and adult bedrooms. Eggshell strikes the perfect balance: it looks refined and sophisticated while holding up to occasional wiping and light scrubbing.
Pro tip: Eggshell is the safest default for most interior walls — it looks great, hides minor flaws, and cleans up better than flat.
Pearl
Pearl finishes sit in the 25% to 35% gloss range with a smooth, silky appearance. They reflect more light than eggshell, giving walls a soft pearl-like glow that makes colours feel richer and more vibrant. Pearl is significantly more washable and moisture-resistant, making it ideal for high-traffic hallways, kids bedrooms, laundry rooms, and family rooms. It can handle regular cleaning and light scrubbing without losing its finish.
Pro tip: Pearl is perfect for hallways and kids rooms. If you have pets or small children, pearl gives you beauty plus real-world durability.
Semi-Gloss
Semi-gloss delivers a noticeable shine at 35% to 70% gloss. It is highly reflective, extremely durable, and incredibly easy to clean — making it the standard choice for trim, baseboards, doors, window frames, and cabinetry. In kitchens and bathrooms, semi-gloss resists moisture and stands up to frequent wiping. Because it is so reflective, it will highlight every imperfection underneath, so proper surface prep is critical. On trim and doors, that reflectivity is actually desirable — it creates beautiful contrast against flatter wall sheens.
Pro tip: Always use semi-gloss on trim, doors, and cabinets. In bathrooms and kitchens, semi-gloss walls make cleanup effortless.
Sheen Comparison at a Glance
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