The Art of Interior Paint Sheens: A Guide to Shiny, Satin, and Everything In Between

Welcome, fellow interior aficionados, to the wonderful world of paint sheens! 

If you've ever stood befuddled in the paint aisle, pondering the difference between eggshell and semi-gloss, fear not! We're about to embark on a journey through the glossy realms of paint sheens, where we'll uncover the secrets to achieving that perfect finish for every surface in your home.

So grab your paintbrushes and let's dive in!

Sheen and Gloss

What's the difference between sheen and gloss, you ask? (maybe you didn't but we will ask for you!) Our eyes perceive them as different and may even interpret the same color as a different color. Gloss results in a shiny and crisp look. Sheen has a softer look with more depth. How light reflects off the the painted surface is the difference between Gloss and Sheen.

Understanding the Sheen Spectrum

First things first, let's decode the sheen spectrum. From flat matte to high-gloss shine, paint sheens vary in their level of reflectivity and durability. Here's a quick rundown:

• Flat/Matte: This sheen offers a velvety smooth finish with minimal shine. It's perfect for hiding imperfections on walls and ceilings, making it a go-to choice for bedrooms, living rooms, and other low-traffic areas.

• Eggshell: Slightly more lustrous than flat paint, eggshell provides a subtle hint of sheen while still maintaining a soft, elegant appearance. It strikes a balance between durability and aesthetics, making it suitable for most interior walls.

• Satin: With a gentle glow and enhanced durability, satin sheen adds a touch of sophistication to any room. It's ideal for high-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms, where easy maintenance is key.

• Semi-Gloss: Offering a noticeable shine and superior resistance to moisture and stains, semi-gloss is a top pick for trim, doors, and cabinets. Its reflective surface adds depth and dimension to these architectural elements, while also making them easier to clean.

• Gloss: The shiniest of them all, gloss paint commands attention with its mirror-like finish. Reserved for special accents like furniture and molding, gloss sheen adds drama and glamour to any space.

Now that we've got the basics down, let's explore where each sheen shines brightest in your home:

Walls: From Whispering Matte to Subtle Satin.

When it comes to painting walls, the choice of sheen can greatly impact the overall look and feel of a room. Here's a rule of thumb to help you navigate the wall sheen spectrum:

• Flat/Matte: Perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere in bedrooms, home offices, and formal dining rooms. Its non-reflective surface minimizes glare and hides surface imperfections, ensuring a smooth and inviting backdrop.

• Eggshell: Versatile and forgiving, eggshell is well-suited for living rooms, hallways, and family spaces where durability is a priority. Its subtle sheen adds depth to walls without overpowering the room's decor.

• Satin: Want to elevate your kitchen or bathroom walls? Look no further than satin sheen. Its soft glow adds a touch of luxury to these high-traffic areas while offering easy cleanup for inevitable spills and splashes.

Ceilings: Reaching for the Stars with Flat Paint

Ceilings often get overlooked in the paint selection process, but choosing the right sheen can make all the difference in defining the visual height and spaciousness of a room:

• Flat/Matte: The undisputed champion for ceiling paint, flat sheen minimizes surface glare and creates a seamless, uniform appearance overhead. Opt for a crisp white finish to visually lift the ceiling and enhance the room's overall brightness.

Trim and Doors: Going Glossy for Impact

Trim and doors serve as the architectural backbone of a room, framing and defining its design aesthetic. Here's how to make them stand out with the perfect sheen choice:

• Semi-Gloss: For trim that pops and doors that make a statement, semi-gloss sheen is the way to go. Its reflective surface not only accentuates the intricate details of moldings and baseboards but also provides superior protection against scuffs and stains.

• Gloss: Reserve gloss sheen for special accents like front doors, cabinetry, and built-in shelving. Its high shine adds a touch of glamour and sophistication to these focal points, transforming them into eye-catching features within your home.

Kitchen and Bath: Where Satin Shines Brightest

In the heart of the home, where spills and splatters abound, choosing the right paint sheen for kitchen and bathroom walls is essential for both style and functionality:

• Satin: With its blend of durability and subtle sheen, satin paint is a natural choice for kitchen and bathroom walls. Whether you're whipping up culinary creations or indulging in a relaxing soak, satin sheen offers easy cleanup and lasting beauty in these moisture-prone spaces.

Final Tips for Sheen Success

Before you embark on your painting adventure, here are a few additional tips to ensure sheen success:

• Sample Swatches: Always test paint swatches in your home's lighting conditions to see how they look throughout the day. You can purchase small cans of different sheens. Test 3 strips/stripes of paint in a room to see how the light reflects. What do you like? How does the color and sheen combination feel for you? Which sample accomplishes the mood, feel and needs of the room?

• Surface Preparation: Properly prepare surfaces by cleaning, sanding, and priming as needed to ensure optimal paint adhesion and durability.

• Consistency is Key: Maintain a consistent sheen level throughout interconnected spaces for a cohesive and harmonious flow. Changing sheens where two rooms connect like a an open concept kitchen and living room will feel like you ran out of one paint and had to fill in with another. Your paint should compliment your rooms. Not be the main attraction (especially in this way!)

• Consider Functionality: Think about how each room is used and choose sheen accordingly to meet both aesthetic and practical needs.

With these expert tips and tricks up your sleeve, you're now equipped to confidently navigate the world of interior paint sheens like a seasoned pro. So go forth, unleash your creativity, and paint the town (or rather, your home) in style!

Happy painting!

Casey & Jess

Need some more resources from the places you buy your paint?

Sherwin-Williams Sheen Guide

Benjamin Moore Sheen Guide

Home Depot Sheen Guide

Lowes Sheen Guide