A bright, modern living room with a vaulted ceiling, exposed beams, large windows, and a fireplace with a white brick chimney. The room has comfortable furniture, potted plants, and artwork on the walls.

A paint sheen guide helps you choose the right level of shine for your paint, impacting both aesthetics and durability. Sheens range from flat (no shine) to high-gloss (high shine), with eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss falling in between. Generally, higher sheens offer more durability and are easier to clean, while lower sheens are better at hiding imperfections. 

Here's a breakdown of common paint sheens:

  • Flat/Matte:

    Minimal to no sheen, ideal for low-traffic areas like ceilings throughout the house, as the matte finish helps hide surface irregularities and bedrooms where hiding imperfections is a priority. 

  • Eggshell:

    Offers a soft, subtle sheen and is a good choice for walls in Family rooms and living spaces and Bedrooms, especially kids’ rooms, dining rooms, and hallways due to its durability and ease of cleaning. 

  • Satin:

    A bit more sheen than eggshell, satin is a versatile choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, kids' rooms and entryways that see dirt, scuffs, & daily wear and tear as it's durable and easy to clean. 

  • Semi-Gloss:

    Provides a noticeable shine and is highly durable, making it suitable for doors, door frames, window trim, baseboards and crown molding, where a durable and easy to clean finish is important

    Cabinets and built-in shelving, where frequently touched surfaces benefit from a harder, more durable finish that resists chipping and wear. 

  • Gloss:

    The shiniest option, high-gloss is very durable and easy to clean, but it also highlights imperfections, making it best for trim, decorative accents, and areas needing maximum durability. 

Consider these factors when choosing a sheen:

  • Room Use:

    High-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms benefit from more durable sheens like satin or semi-gloss. 

  • Light and Shadow:

    Higher sheens reflect more light, which can be desirable in some spaces but can also highlight imperfections. 

  • Maintenance:

    Higher sheens are generally easier to clean, which is important in areas prone to spills or messes. 

  • Aesthetics:

    Flat and matte finishes offer a soft, elegant look, while higher sheens can create a more dramatic or modern feel.