What’s the Best Paint Finish for Each Room in My Home?

That 1 Painter is the fastest-growing painting company in the world. Painting your house can be complicated, but with our expertise, we make the process easy and stress-free for homeowners. With locations across the nation, we have helped tens of thousands of homeowners make the best choices for their homes without sacrificing quality, and we are here to show you how.

What Paint Finish Should You Use?

It’s one of those questions you don’t think about until you’re standing in front of the paint display, wondering what the difference is between “matte,” “eggshell,” and “satin” and whether it actually matters.

It does.

But it doesn’t have to be complicated.

What’s the best finish for ceilings?

Flat or matte.

Ceilings tend to show every little ripple and bump, and shiny paint only makes it worse.

A flat finish keeps things soft and subtle.
No glare. No shine. Just clean lines overhead.

What about walls?

You’ve got a few options here.

Matte gives you a smooth, modern look. It’s low-sheen and effortlessly cool, but it’s a little tricky to clean.

Eggshell is the sweet spot.
It has a touch of sheen that helps with durability, but still feels soft on the eyes.

Satin steps it up.
A bit more shine and a lot more wipe-ability.
Perfect for hallways, playrooms, or anywhere that sees fingerprints and snack spills on the regular.

Here’s a quick way to think about it:

• Matte: great for a soft, moody vibe in quiet rooms
  
• Eggshell: reliable for everyday spaces like bedrooms and living rooms
  
• Satin: a go-to for kids’ rooms, dining rooms, or anything high-traffic
  

What should you use on trim, doors, and cabinets?

This is where you want something tougher and a little shinier.

Go for semi-gloss or gloss.

These finishes are made to take a beating. Constant touching, opening, slamming, wiping.
And that subtle shine adds definition, which helps trim and cabinetry pop.

Thinking about high-gloss for cabinets?

We love the Gallerie line from Sherwin-Williams.
It gives you that luxe, smooth look and holds up beautifully over time.

So, quick cheat sheet:

• Flat or matte: ceilings
  
• Eggshell or satin: walls
  
• Semi-gloss or gloss: trim, doors, cabinets
  

Choosing the right paint finish can make a bigger difference than you’d expect.

It’s not just about shine.
It’s about how your home feels and functions.

Still unsure?

Call a pro (like That 1 Painter).
We’ll help you choose the right one, and take care of the rest.