Interior Paint Finishes Explained: Flat, Eggshell, Satin & Semi-Gloss

Choosing a paint color is the fun part — but the finish (or sheen) you pick matters just as much. The right finish makes a room easier to clean, hides imperfections, and holds up to daily life. Here’s a plain-English guide to the four finishes we use most.

Flat / Matte

Flat has almost no shine, which makes it excellent at hiding bumps, patches, and imperfect walls. It’s a great choice for ceilings and low-traffic spaces like formal living rooms and adult bedrooms. The trade-off: it’s the hardest finish to clean, so we usually steer families away from it in high-touch areas.

Eggshell

Eggshell has a soft, subtle glow — like the surface of an egg. It’s more washable than flat while still hiding minor flaws, which makes it a favorite for living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms. For most main living spaces, this is the sweet spot.

Satin

Satin has a gentle sheen and stands up to scrubbing, so it shines (literally and figuratively) in hallways, kids’ rooms, laundry rooms, and busy kitchens. It’s durable and wipeable without looking glossy.

Semi-Gloss

Semi-gloss is shiny, tough, and moisture-resistant — perfect for trim, doors, cabinets, and bathrooms. It wipes clean easily and holds up to humidity, which is why it’s the go-to for anything that gets touched, splashed, or steamed.

Quick Cheat Sheet

• Ceilings & low-traffic rooms: Flat
• Living rooms & bedrooms: Eggshell
• Hallways, kitchens & kids’ rooms: Satin
• Trim, doors & bathrooms: Semi-gloss

Not sure which is right for your space? Our designers help every customer pick the perfect color and finish for each room.