What paint finish should I use for walls?
Matte vs. eggshell
Matte (also called flat) has the least shine. It absorbs light, so it hides drywall flaws, patches, and brush marks. It's ideal for low-traffic rooms like bedrooms, dining rooms, and ceilings. However, it's harder to clean—scrubbing can leave shiny spots.
Eggshell has a slight sheen, like the shell of an egg. It's more durable and easier to wipe clean than matte, so it works well in hallways, living rooms, and family rooms. The subtle shine can highlight wall imperfections, so good prep is key.
Other finishes and where they work
Satin has more shine than eggshell and is highly washable. It's often used in kitchens, bathrooms, and kids' rooms, but on large walls it can look shiny and show flaws. Semi-gloss and gloss are very durable and easy to clean, but they're usually reserved for trim, doors, and cabinets because they reflect light strongly.
Some manufacturers offer specialty finishes like scrubbable matte or washable flat. These aim to combine the look of matte with better stain resistance. They can be a good compromise for high-traffic areas where you still want a flat look.
- Matte/flat: bedrooms, ceilings, low-traffic areas
- Eggshell: living rooms, hallways, family rooms
- Satin: kitchens, bathrooms, kids' rooms
- Semi-gloss: trim, doors, cabinets
- Gloss: trim, doors, high-moisture areas
Common mistakes
- Using a shiny finish on walls to make them washable, then being unhappy with how it highlights every bump.
- Assuming all matte paints are equally durable; some are much more scrubbable than others.
- Choosing a finish based only on color without considering how light will reflect off the sheen.
