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Tips for Selecting the Best Paint Sheen for Different Rooms

Newtown, PA

10/27/2024 07:38 AM

Tips for Selecting the Best Paint Sheen for Different Rooms in Newtown, PA

When it comes to painting your home, choosing the right paint color is only half the work.

The paint sheen, or finish, is just as important as the former, and can dramatically impact both the appearance and durability of your walls.

However, different spaces in your house serve distinct purposes, and each of them may require a specific sheen to handle its unique conditions.

All of this can be confusing for the average homeowner!

But worry not, in this guide we’ll walk you through some Tips for Selecting the Best Paint Sheen for Different Rooms.

1. Understand the Different Types of Sheens

Before getting right into it, you should get acquainted first and understand the different types of paint sheens available out on the market.

To help you with this, here is a basic list of paint sheens and their functionality:

Flat (Matte): Has no shine and offers a smooth, non-reflective finish. Great at hiding imperfections but is less durable.
Eggshell: A low-luster finish with a slight sheen, providing a soft and smooth appearance. It offers more durability than flat paint but remains subtle.
Satin: Slightly glossier than eggshell, providing a smooth finish that is easy to clean. It offers a good balance of beauty and durability.
Semi-Gloss: Features a noticeable shine and is highly resistant to moisture and stains.
High-Gloss: The most reflective and durable option, providing a glass-like finish but highlighting surface imperfections.

In reviewing these, you should be able to understand that each of these sheens provides a specific purpose and a distinct functionality, making it easier to determine which one you should need for your upcoming painting project!

2. Flat or Matte Sheen: Ideal for Low-Traffic Areas

If you’re painting a low-traffic area such as your bedroom or ceiling space, you should go for a flat or matte sheen.

This paint sheen offers a soft, velvety texture and does an excellent job of concealing surface imperfections.

Flat/matte paint sheens also helps create a calm, warm aesthetic, as it appropriately takes in light and provides a cozy, homey feel to a space.

On the other hand, flat/matte paint sheen won’t be ideal for high-traffic areas or spaces prone to stains, as it’s not very durable or easy to clean.

In retrospect, if the space is unlikely to encounter frequent scuffs or fingerprints, flat/matte paint sheen will be a great choice.

3. Eggshell Sheen: The Go-To for Living Rooms and Hallways

If you're looking for something with a bit more durability but still want a low-luster appearance, eggshell is the way to go.

It’s often used for living rooms, hallways, and family rooms because it strikes a perfect balance between style and practicality, as the soft sheen adds a hint of elegance without becoming too shiny.

Eggshell finishes are also more resistant to stains than flat paint sheens and are relatively easy to wipe clean.

It’s a versatile choice for spaces where you want the walls to look beautiful but also need them to withstand moderate traffic.

4. Satin Sheen: Great for Kitchens, Bathrooms, and Kid’s Rooms

Satin is an excellent option for areas that experience frequent use and moisture, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and children's rooms.

Satin sheens have a slightly glossy finish that allows you to wipe off spills, fingerprints, and smudges with ease, making it ideal for rooms prone to messes.

This finish also provides a smooth, soft glow that will make a space feel warm and stylish while being highly durable and easy to clean.

As a testament to its durability, it actually offers decent moisture resistance, making it an excellent choice for bathrooms or laundry rooms, where humidity levels tend to be higher.

5. Semi-Gloss and High-Gloss Sheens: Perfect for Trim and High-Moisture Areas

Lastly, semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes are the most reflective and durable of all the sheens, making them ideal for areas that require frequent cleaning or exposure to moisture.

These finishes are typically reserved for trim, doors, cabinets, and bathrooms since they are excellent at withstanding humidity, stains, and wear.

This is because high-gloss sheens, while extremely durable, can be too reflective for large wall surfaces, as they highlight imperfections and may create glare.

However, they work beautifully on accents, cabinetry, and decorative molding, adding a sleek and polished touch to your space.

But, for spaces such as your bathrooms and kitchens, a semi-gloss finish may provide excellent moisture resistance and are easy to clean, ensuring the walls stay fresh despite exposure to water and steam.