TL;DR
Eggshell for living rooms and bedrooms. Satin for kitchens, bathrooms, and kids' rooms. Semi-gloss for trim, doors, and cabinets. Flat only for ceilings and low-traffic adult spaces.
Flat / matte
- →Lowest sheen. Hides wall imperfections best.
- →Use: ceilings, formal dining rooms, low-traffic adult bedrooms.
- →Avoid: kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, kids' rooms (impossible to clean).
Eggshell
- →Slight sheen. The most common modern wall finish.
- →Use: living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, home offices.
- →Wipes clean with a damp cloth without burnishing.
Satin / pearl
- →Soft, low-luster sheen. Most washable wall finish.
- →Use: kitchens, bathrooms, kids' rooms, hallways, mudrooms.
- →Note: shows wall imperfections more than eggshell.
Semi-gloss
- →Hard, reflective finish. The trim and cabinet standard.
- →Use: baseboards, door casings, doors, kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities.
- →Avoid: walls (too reflective, shows every imperfection).
Common questions.
You can, but trim painted in eggshell scuffs, and walls painted in semi-gloss show every flaw.
Last updated 2026-01-03← All guides