What paint finish should I use for different rooms?

Choosing the right paint finish for each room depends on factors like durability, moisture levels, and the desired look. Here’s a breakdown of common finishes and where they work best: **Matte Finish:** Matte paint has a non-reflective, flat appearance that helps hide wall imperfections. It’s ideal for low-traffic areas like bedrooms and living rooms where you want a soft, cozy feel. However, matte finishes can be harder to clean and may show marks more easily, so they’re not the best choice for kitchens or bathrooms. **Eggshell Finish:** Eggshell offers a slight sheen—more than matte but less than satin—making it a popular middle ground. It’s durable enough for moderate-traffic rooms like dining rooms, family rooms, and bedrooms. Eggshell is easier to clean than matte, so it can work well in kitchens if you prefer a softer look rather than a glossy finish. **Semi-Gloss Finish:** Semi-gloss paints are smooth and shiny, highly durable, and moisture-resistant, making them perfect for high-traffic or high-humidity areas like kitchens, bathrooms, trim, and doors. They’re easy to wipe clean but tend to highlight surface imperfections, so proper wall prep is important. **Summary Recommendations:** - **Bedrooms and living rooms:** Matte or eggshell for a cozy, elegant look with some washability. - **Kitchens and bathrooms:** Semi-gloss or satin for moisture resistance and easy cleaning. - **Trim and doors:** Semi-gloss for durability and a crisp, polished appearance. By matching paint finish to room function, you get the best balance of aesthetics and practicality.