Choosing the Right Paint Finish for Every Room

The finish of your paint matters almost as much as the colour itself. Choosing the wrong sheen level can make a room feel flat, highlight imperfections, or create surfaces that are impossible to keep clean.

Matt Finish

Matt is the most popular finish for living rooms and bedrooms. It absorbs light rather than reflecting it, creating a soft, sophisticated look. Matt is excellent at hiding surface imperfections — a real bonus in older SE London properties.

Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, low-traffic areas.

Eggshell Finish

A slight sheen that's more durable than matt and wipeable. This makes it ideal for woodwork like skirting boards and doors, or any wall that might get touched regularly.

Best for: Hallways, kitchens, woodwork, family rooms.

Satin Finish

A noticeable but not overwhelming sheen. Satin is easy to clean, making it perfect for kitchens and bathrooms where walls are subject to moisture and splashes.

Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, children's rooms.

Gloss Finish

High gloss is highly reflective and extremely durable. It's the traditional choice for exterior woodwork — front doors, window frames, and fences — where maximum protection is needed.

Best for: Exterior woodwork, front doors, radiators.

Written by the team at Residence Decorating — professional painters and decorators serving Southeast London since 2015.