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How to Choose the Best Paint Sheen

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Last Updated on August 8, 2022 by lindseymahoney

Choosing the right paint sheen for your project is almost as important as getting the right paint color – ALMOST. 🙂 Paint comes in a variety of sheens ranging from no shine at all to very shiny paint. As a general rule of thumb, you want your walls to blend into the design of your space.

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How to choose the perfect paint sheen for your next home project | Building Bluebird #paintsheen #diy

When you apply a sheen that is not appropriate for the space, it can be quite distracting to the eye. Today I am breaking down how to choose the appropriate paint sheen for your next paint project!

Once you choose the proper paint sheen, check out my full tutorial on how to paint a room like a pro.


Paint Sheen Options:

  • Flat
  • Matte
  • Eggshell
  • Satin
  • Semi-gloss
  • High Gloss

Flat or Matte Sheen

Flat or matte sheens are most commonly used on ceilings. It can be recommended for other low-traffic areas like bedrooms, but honestly, I only use it for ceilings. It has low to no luster (shine) which is great for hiding imperfections but it is difficult to clean and you can even remove the paint when scrubbing off the dirt. Funny story, when we bought our first home in Denver, I had no idea what the appropriate sheens were and used a semi-gloss for our ceiling! It was definitely shiny and reflected light whenever pictures were taken!

Clark + Aldine blue ceiling in a flat paint sheen | Building Bluebird #interior paint #diy
Source :: Clark & Aldine
Flat paint sheen for ceilings | Building Bluebird #paintingtips #diy
Source :: Budget Friendly Nursery

Eggshell

The eggshell sheen reflects a little more light than the flat sheen and is slightly more durable. Eggshell is recommended in low-traffic areas like bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms.

Eggshell paint sheen for low-traffic areas and less shine | Building Bluebird #paintingtips

Satin

Satin is slightly more light-reflective (shiny) than eggshell. This is my preferred sheen for most home paint projects. It is the most durable sheen without being too shiny and holds up really well in households with kids and pets. I used the satin sheen on my kitchen island and backsplash – it looks fantastic and blends in with the other factory-made cabinets. Recently, I have started to prefer this sheen for the trim and doors in our house as well. The satin sheen is also frequently used on ceilings in bathrooms rather than flat. The durability holds up better with moisture and steam.

Satin paint sheen is great for homes with kids and pets. It is durable and great in kitchens | Building Bluebird #paintingtips
Source :: Kitchen Renovation

Semi-gloss

Semi-gloss is usually my go-to sheen for all trim and doors. It has just enough shine to make a space feel really sharp. The added shine makes it easier to clean. Doors and baseboards are high-traffic areas that will need to be wiped down frequently. As mentioned above, I have started experimenting with satin on trim and doors and really like this option as well.

Semi-gloss paint for trim and high traffic areas | Building Bluebird #paintingtips #diy
Source :: Master bathroom renovation

High Gloss

The high gloss sheen is exactly how it sounds – super shiny! Use this sheen in high-traffic areas and spaces that frequently need to clean. I have used high gloss paint for the trim in rental properties, but I have not used it very often.

This sheen is making a comeback with design trends and is being applied to look like lacquer. Basically take all of the basics I shared with you above and throw it out the window! I love this high gloss trend – it is super fun and brings drama to your space.

High gloss sheen on a ceiling by Ourso Designs gives the feel of a laquered jewelry box | Building Bluebird #paintsheen
Source :: ourso designs

YoungHouseLove tried out this trend on their doors and the high gloss definitely adds more flair! I think that is where I would feel safe trying out this new trend to start at least. 🙂

Younghouselove tried the high gloss trend on their door and it looks beautiful | Building Bluebird #highgloss #paintsheen
Source :: Young House Love

What is your preferred paint sheen to use?