Choosing the Right Paint Finish for Every Room
Why Paint Finish Matters
The colour you choose is only half the decision. The finish, also called sheen, affects how the paint looks, feels and performs. The right finish hides imperfections, resists moisture and stands up to daily wear. The wrong one shows every bump and scuff.
Understanding Paint Finishes
Matt (Flat)
- Look: Non-reflective, velvety appearance
- Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, ceilings
- Pros: Hides wall imperfections well, gives a modern look
- Cons: Less durable, harder to clean marks off
Matt is the go-to choice for most living spaces. It absorbs light rather than reflecting it, which creates a calm, sophisticated look. Ideal for the period properties found across Chelsea, Kensington and Fulham.
Eggshell
- Look: Very subtle sheen, between matt and satin
- Best for: Living rooms, hallways, bedrooms
- Pros: More wipeable than matt, still hides imperfections reasonably well
- Cons: Slightly more expensive than matt
Eggshell has become increasingly popular as it offers the best of both worlds. It is practical enough for busy hallways whilst still looking elegant.
Satin
- Look: Soft, pearl-like sheen
- Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, children’s rooms
- Pros: Durable, moisture-resistant, easy to wipe clean
- Cons: Shows wall imperfections more than matt
Satin is the workhorse finish. In kitchens and bathrooms where moisture and splashes are common, satin paint protects walls and cleans up easily.
Gloss and Semi-Gloss
- Look: High shine, very reflective
- Best for: Woodwork, skirting boards, door frames, window sills
- Pros: Very durable, easy to clean, moisture-resistant
- Cons: Shows every imperfection, requires good surface preparation
Gloss is rarely used on walls nowadays, but remains the standard for woodwork. Proper preparation is essential for a good gloss finish. Our carpentry team can repair any damaged woodwork before painting, ensuring the best possible result.
Room-by-Room Recommendations
| Room | Walls | Woodwork |
|---|---|---|
| Living room | Matt or eggshell | Satin or semi-gloss |
| Bedroom | Matt | Satin |
| Kitchen | Satin | Gloss |
| Bathroom | Satin (moisture-resistant) | Gloss |
| Hallway | Eggshell or satin | Semi-gloss |
| Children’s room | Satin (wipeable) | Gloss |
Professional Painting in South London
Choosing the right finish is important, but proper preparation and application make the real difference. Our painting and decorating service covers everything from single room refreshes to full house repaints. We work across Wandsworth, Putney, Streatham and all South London areas, delivering clean, professional results every time.