Advice
Matt, eggshell or gloss? Choosing a paint finish
A decorator’s guide to paint sheens: which finish to use on walls, ceilings, woodwork, kitchens and bathrooms, and why it matters.
14 April 2026 · 2 min read · By Harry
The finish you choose affects how a room looks, how easy it is to clean and how well it hides the flaws in your walls. Colour gets all the attention, but getting the sheen wrong is one of the most common reasons a paint job disappoints.
How sheen works
Paint finishes range from flat matt, which reflects almost no light, through eggshell and satin to high gloss. The shinier the finish, the tougher and more wipeable it tends to be, but the more it shows every bump, crack and roller mark underneath.
Walls
For most living rooms and bedrooms, a matt emulsion gives the softest, most modern look and hides uneven plaster well. In hallways, kitchens and children’s rooms, choose a durable or scrubbable matt. These can be wiped clean without polishing up to a shiny patch.
Ceilings
Always flat matt in a white or very pale tint. Any sheen on a ceiling catches the light from windows and shows every joint in the plasterboard.
Woodwork
Skirting boards, doors and frames take knocks from shoes, vacuum cleaners and pets. Satin is our usual recommendation: durable and easy to clean, with a gentle sheen. Gloss suits traditional interiors and front doors. We use water-based enamels because, unlike old oil-based paints, they do not yellow over time.
Kitchens and bathrooms
Steam and splashes call for moisture-resistant paint. Many brands make dedicated kitchen and bathroom emulsions in a soft sheen that resist mould and can be wiped down.
Period homes
Lime-plastered walls in Victorian and Georgian houses need to breathe. A breathable mineral or clay paint in a flat finish lets moisture escape and avoids the blistering you get from modern vinyl emulsions on old walls.
If you are unsure, we are always happy to bring sample boards to your home so you can see each finish in your own light before you decide. Our interior painting service includes a free colour and finish consultation.
Questions
What is the most hard-wearing finish for walls?
A durable matt or eggshell. Modern durable matts can be scrubbed without leaving shiny patches, so you rarely need a sheen on walls.
Should skirting boards be gloss or satin?
Satin is the most popular choice today. It is tough and wipeable but less shiny than gloss, so it hides small imperfections in older joinery.
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