What’s the Right Paint Finish for Walls, Trim, or Ceilings? Here’s How to Choose Confidently.

Choosing the perfect paint colour is exciting — but choosing the right paint finish is just as important. The sheen you select can completely impact how the colour reads, how durable the surface is, and whether or not your space feels polished, cozy, or… a little bit off.

As an interior design professional, I guide clients through this decision all the time. Many homeowners don’t realize that finish plays a key role in how a room looks and performs — especially if there are wall imperfections, high-traffic areas, or features you want to highlight (or hide!).

Let’s break down what finish is best for walls, trim, and ceilings — and the simple designer rules that make the choice easy.

Matte or Flat: The Velvety Favourite

Matte (also referred to as flat) is my go-to finish in many homes.

Why I love it:

• It gives walls a soft, velvety look It hides imperfections extremely well

• It feels elegant and elevated

• Fantastic for repaints, refreshes, and older homes

Many times, when clients want a quick refresh but don’t have the budget for extensive wall repairs, matte paint is the hero finish. It smooths out uneven drywall, patchiness, and previous paint inconsistencies beautifully.

Best for:

• Living rooms

• Bedrooms

• Dining rooms

• Older walls or rooms with lots of natural light

• Spaces where you want warmth and softness

  
  

When to avoid:

• High-moisture bathrooms

• Mudrooms

• Areas prone to fingerprints or scuffs

  
  

Eggshell — A Practical, Family-Friendly Choice (Even If Matte Is the Dream)

While matte is my favourite for its velvety, designer-level finish, there are times when a space (or a family’s lifestyle) calls for something a bit more forgiving — and that’s where eggshell comes in.

Eggshell has a soft, low-sheen glow that still looks elevated, but it offers better durability and easier cleaning than a true matte. It’s a great option for:

• busy family homes

• hallways or high-traffic areas

• spaces where walls take a lot of wear

• rooms with less-than-perfect drywall

Sometimes the smartest design choice is the one that supports how you actually live day-to-day — and eggshell gives you a beautiful finish without the maintenance of a pure matte.

“Even though I love the luxury of a matte wall, sometimes the reality of a busy home or active children means choosing the finish that supports your lifestyle.”

Satin: Fabulous for Trim & Doors

Satin has a subtle sheen that reflects light gently — perfect for architectural details you want to highlight.

Why it works:

• More durable than matte or eggshell

• Easier to clean

• Adds a polished look without being overly shiny

  
  

This is my preferred finish for baseboards, casing, interior doors, and woodwork, because it contrasts nicely against matte walls.

Semi-Gloss: High Shine, High Impact

Semi-gloss is durable, reflective, and striking — but should be used intentionally.

It’s ideal for:

• Kitchens

• Bathroom vanities

• High-traffic trim

• Millwork you want to stand out

  
  

But beware: high gloss highlights everything, including dents and texture. Use where surfaces are smooth and well-prepped.

Ceiling Paint: Keep It Flat

Ceilings should almost always be flat/matte.Why? Because light floods downwards, making any shine or texture extremely noticeable.

Flat ceilings:

• Hide drywall seams

• Reduce glare

• Make the room feel calmer

Even if your walls are eggshell or satin, keep your ceilings matte for a clean, seamless look.

Designer Cheat Sheet — What Paint Finish Goes Where?

Surface	Recommended Finish	Why
Walls (most rooms)	Matte / Eggshell	Soft look, hides imperfections, great for living spaces
Walls (high traffic)	Eggshell	More durable + easier to clean
Bathrooms / kitchens	Eggshell / Satin	Moisture-resistant and more wipeable
Trim	Satin	Durable, clean, polished look
Doors	Satin or Semi-Gloss	Higher wear; looks more elevated
Ceilings	Flat / Matte	Best for hiding imperfections + minimizing glare
Cabinetry	Satin or Semi-Gloss	Hardest-wearing, smooth, wipeable

Why Finish & Colour Must Be Chosen Together

A soft white in matte looks calming and diffused — but the same white in semi-gloss will feel brighter and sharper. Deeper colours in satin show more texture and may look lighter because of reflected light.

As an interior design professional, I always consider:

• Room lighting (natural + artificial)

• Wall texture and age

• The feeling you want to create

• The colour palette

• The durability needed

This is why colour + sheen are never chosen separately.

During a recent refresh, the homeowners wanted a modern, clean look but weren’t planning to skim their older walls. Using matte paint allowed us to hide previous imperfections without additional drywall work — saving them money and achieving the soft, elegant look they wanted.

The power of the right finish is huge. You get the look you love and avoid unnecessary costs.

Choosing the right paint finish doesn’t need to be overwhelming. When you match the sheen to the function of the room — and consider lighting, wear, and the overall aesthetic — everything comes together beautifully.

Need help choosing the perfect paint colour and finish for your home? Book our signature design consultation, and I’ll guide you through colours, undertones, finishes, and placement so your home feels cohesive, calm, and beautifully designed.

Thanks for reading!

Lenore 🤍