The Best Paint Finish for Walls, Ceilings, Trims, Doors & More…
PAINT FINISHES 101
Not sure which paint finish is best for your surface? Once you determine your needs, it can be easier to figure out which sheen is best (excluding Charlie; he’s a hot mess).
For example…
- You sometimes get minor scuffs on your walls = you need wipeability
- You have four kids, three dogs, two gorillas, and a donkey in your home, and you need a Hazmat suit to wipe down your walls = you need washability
- You have textured or damaged walls = you should consider sheen
In this photo, there are four different paintable surfaces with different needs
First, I’ll give you a quick n’ dirty summary. HOWEVER, please take the time to read the rest of this blog post, as it has IMPORTANT information and considerations!
- BEST PAINT FINISH FOR CEILINGS: flat
- BEST PAINT FINISH FOR TRIMS, DOORS & MOULDINGS: satin
- BEST PAINT FINISH FOR WALLS: matte or eggshell
- BEST PAINT FINISH FOR CABINETS: satin
- BEST PAINT FINISH FOR PAINTED BRICK: eggshell
- BEST PAINT FINISH FOR PAINTED WOOD/TONGUE & GROOVE CEILING: eggshell or satin, depending on the glow you want
Now, let’s learn a little about what you can expect from the above finishes in SHEEN or GLOSS!
By the way, there is variation in percentages between finishes, brands, and paint lines—these are approximate numbers.
FLAT FINISH PAINT
0-5% gloss
Flat paint has little to no sheen. Because of this, it’s usually not washable or even very wipeable. Some higher-end brands have some luck with basic washability (Benjamin Moore Aura and Sherwin Williams Emerald), but I’m skeptical over the long term for high-use areas.
The only TRULY WASHABLE paint that I trust on my walls is Benjamin Moore ScuffX. And no, I’m not paid to say that.
MATTE FINISH
5-10% gloss
Matte paint can have a 5-10% gloss finish, which makes it slightly more washable but still less durable than a shinier finish.
Ideas to Update Your Staircase
EGGSHELL FINISH
10-25% VISIBLE SHEEN
An eggshell finish is similar to an actual eggshell; not flat, not shiny – kind of in-between.
SATIN OR PEARL FINISH
25-35% VISIBLE GLOSS
Satin or pearl is the next step up from eggshell. Satin/pearl has a reasonable amount of sheen without being as glossy as a semi-gloss.
The 5 FOOL-PROOF White Paint Colors
Satin finish (and glossier finishes) can slightly brighten and enhance color compared to flat and eggshell finishes (due to light reflectance).
SEMI-GLOSS FINISH
70-85% VISIBLE SHEEN
This one has some kick to it with a sheen level that will reflect light back into your room.
The white barn door is shinier than it needs to be.
HIGH GLOSS
85%+ VISIBLE SHEEN
This is the full meal deal in the sheen world. A high gloss finish adds drama and impact and has supreme washability. I usually find it to be way more than is necessary, and prefer satin or semi-gloss.
The sheen on this door is so strong; it’s distracting.
However, the sheen is irrelevant if you buy crappy paint. The better quality your paint is, the more durable your finish should be – a la moi
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s look at what you could use in your own home.
THE BEST PAINT FINISH FOR TRIMS, DOORS & MOLDINGS
SATIN/PEARL
Hands down, satin is the most popular finish for any trims, doors, and mouldings. Why is it so popular? It’s washable without being overly glossy.
- Older heritage homes look fabulous with a semi-gloss trim, but can easily handle a satin finish.
- Newer or modern homes tend to suit a satin finish.
- Shiny finishes can expose flaws, so make sure your trim is in tip-top shape. The same goes for your painting skills.
The 3 Colors I Would NEVER Paint My Trim or Cabinets
The 10 Questions You Need to Ask BEFORE You Hire a Painter!
THE BEST PAINT FINISH FOR THE CEILING: FLAT
In 99% of cases, a flat finish—flat or textured — is best for a traditional ceiling. Why? There are a few reasons.
8 Ideas: How to Make a Low Ceiling Look Higher
- You don’t want your ceiling reflecting light at you, and shinier finishes are reflective.
- Ceilings are often textured, and shiny paint will enhance a textured finish and any flaws and imperfections.
- If you have white trim, a matching white ceiling makes a good visual connection.
- If you have wood trim, there’s more of a chance your ceiling could handle a non-white (50/50).
Not sure what color to paint your ceiling? I’ve got you covered…
PART 1: Should My Ceiling Match My Trim or Walls?
PART 2: The Best Paint Colors for Ceilings: White, Medium, & Dark
PART 3: How to Deal With An Angled Ceiling
PART 4: What Color To Paint a Tray Ceiling
PART 5: What Color Should You Paint a HIGH Ceiling
THE BEST PAINT FINISH FOR WALLS: MATTE OR EGGSHELL
When it comes to walls, there are many considerations…
The Best Teal-Inspired Paint Colors
THE BEST PAINT FINISH FOR WALLS IN GREAT SHAPE
- If your walls are smooth and in good condition, and you don’t have kids or dogs, you can definitely consider a quality matte finish.
- If your walls are smooth and in good condition, and you DO have kids, dogs, or a spouse with Dorito fingers, you may want an eggshell finish. A great alternative is washable paint like Benjamin Moore ScuffX in matte finish, as it’s far more washable than the average paint (it’s the only paint I’ll use in my home in the future).
THE BEST PAINT FINISH FOR DAMAGED WALLS
- As mentioned earlier, I highly recommend ScuffX. And no, I don’t get paid to say that (I pay myself in Starbucks, white wine, and personal high-fives)—I just love its washability and overall finish.
- Any sheen will expose flaws on your walls. While ScuffX matte has a particular sheen at a certain ANGLE, its overall look is very muted.
- However, if you have kids/dogs/spouse/gorilla, you may need to sacrifice that low sheen for some wipeability with eggshell (IF you aren’t using ScuffX).
THE BEST PAINT FINISH FOR TEXTURED WALLS
- The great thing about textured walls is that the texture will help disguise any fingerprints, smudges, etc…
- If you’re worried about washability, you can use eggshell, but it will slightly enhance the look of your textured areas. Again, check out ScuffX (yes, I am passive-aggressive).
THE BEST PAINT FINISH FOR DARK PAINT COLORS (WALLS)
- If you’re painting a medium or dark-toned color (feature wall or whole room), it can look tacky with too much sheen (there are few exceptions). Ideally, you would use a washable matte finish (this doesn’t apply to cabinets – only walls).
By the way, the only eggshell finish that is really different is Behr’s, which is more like a satin finish (I would use it for furniture or trim, not walls, personally).
THE BEST PAINT FINISH FOR KITCHEN CABINETS & VANITIES
I’ve yet to meet a semi-gloss or high-gloss cabinet I love, even if it’s on a flat panel cabinet in a more modern setting. Satin is almost ALWAYS the best finish for cabinets (some brands refer to it as ‘Pearl’.
In the above photo, look to the left of the island to see the sheen level of Benjamin Moore Advance – satin finish. Check out more of these painted maple cabinets.
- A satin finish is great for washability, without reflecting my purdy lil face back at me. I have painted some furniture pieces in semi-gloss, and they looked sharp but were too reflective. Again, the shinier the paint is, the more you will see flaws, so if you’re painting your own cabinets, satin will have a bit more forgiveness than semi-gloss for a less-than-perfect job.
Should you really paint your cabinets white? And if so, which white is best?
Painting Kitchen Cabinets: How to Pick the Best Color
SAMPLING PAINT COLORS WITH PEEL & STICK
SAMPLIZE peel-and-stick paint color samples are more AFFORDABLE, EASIER and arrive on your door in 1 DAY!
Visit the SAMPLIZE website HERE
THE BEST PAINT FINISH FOR YOUR FRONT DOOR: SATIN
When it comes to the front door, satin is usually a safe bet. Why?
- Direct natural light can expose flaws such as dents, scuffs, brush and roller marks. Add a glossy finish, and it’ll be a hot mess.
- Dark colors in a glossy finish can be a bit garish if not suited to the home.
- Flat or eggshell finishes can look chalky on the front door and aren’t washable enough for the wear and tear that doors get.
- Satin finish on the front door is my fave. Wipeable, classy – not glassy.
What are the Best Paint Colors for My Front Door?
THE BEST PAINT FINISH FOR A BRICK OR STONE FIREPLACE
Brick can look abrasive when shiny yet dull when flat. For this reason, I like eggshell for a brick fireplace (more than satin).
The Best Neutral, Off-White Paint Colors
- If you paint your brick a dark color, eggshell finish looks best.
- If you paint your brick a light/white color, eggshell or MAYBE satin.
A FEW MORE TIPS
- The more coats of paint you put on, the more sheen you will get. What looked eggshell at TWO coats can look shinier at FIVE!
- The quality of your brush and roller matters DESPERATELY! Invest well.
At the end of the day, you get to decide which finish makes the most sense. Talk to your local paint store, as they can be a wealth of knowledge and may have a few tips particular to your region.
Well, that about covers it! If you’re considering hiring a painter, I highly recommend you read this: The 10 Questions You Need to Ask BEFORE Hiring a Painter!
Get 3 Paint Colors Custom-Picked for You & Your Home
Kylie M Interiors Online Color Consulting
READ MORE
The Dreaded Popcorn or Textured Ceiling: Info You Need Before You Scrape
8 Ideas: How to Make a Low Ceiling Look Taller
Don’t Hire a Painter Before Asking These 10 Questions
The 12 Best WHOLE Home Paint Colors
Originally written May 2017, updated 2025
Our interior doors and trim were recently painted with satin. We just got hardwood floors and need to paint the baseboards. Would it be weird to do those in semigloss instead of satin? Or should they match doors and trim?
Hi Debbie, I would be MOST inclined to doing them all the same finish for consistency. Finish can shift how a colour looks, so I’d be going satin all over!
~Kylie
Came here after a search… just finished my guest/toddler bath, and while the color is gorgeous, the sheen is crazy. I used Behr PP Ultra in Majestic Blue, a rich and deep color, eggshell finish. The trim is the same paint in Ultra Pure White semi gloss. The deep blue actually looks glossier than the two step up in sheen trim! Ack!! All that time and deliberation about such a deep (yet luxurious) color… looks tacky instead. Where we now live, walls are textured (side note that I can’t stand that, having come from another part of the country). So every little bump shows as highlights. This is the second room we’ve painted from builder greige, in the same manner. Only the first room, the walls are a light grey. Eggshell looks fine in that room. Both rooms got two coats. Is the deep color the reason for the added sheen? Both in terms of contrast between highlights and shadows, and added materials/pigment? I got a sample of Behr PP (not Ultra) flat, but it looks too dull. And this is a bathroom, after all. The guy at the paint store said Behr PP Ultra matte is the same as Behr PP flat, but the chips looks a little glossier. Long-winded, but do you think the matte will be a safe compromise between the too-shiny eggshell and dull flat for a bathroom wall? I’m starting to not trust the sample tins, as I suspect they behave differently.
Hi Lavender, yes that is something I’ve discovered with Behr paint, is that their sheens seem to be higher than the other brands, so often, an eggshell can look like a Satin finish. Also dark colours tend to carry sheen more, so when I do dark I’m more inclined to do a matte finish. And it wouldn’t be bad if the matte was a bit shiny as when it comes to bathrooms and dark colours, you can see a lot of the moisture on the walls if they are too dry/flat looking. You’ll need that bit of sheen for wipeability…
Hi
My ceiling will be painted a flat finish, presently my crown mouldings and base boards are a pearl finish.
I will be refreshing those too.
Question is that I’m not sure if I should paint the crown mouldings this time flat just like the ceiling for a change and more modern feel.
Or should I paint them pearl again as I will doing the baseboards?
I am not sure of how it will look with different finish of baseboards and crown mouldings
Keep in mind that the paint colour will all be the same( ceiling,crown and base)
What do you think?
Thank you for you input
Hi Sotiria, if it were me, I would keep all of the trims in a consistent sheen – for sure.
WONDERFUL POST! thank you.
If I paint my trim and shiplap in a white satin finish by sherwin Williams, what finish should I use on the walls? It is a new construction modern home and I chose “big chill” for the walls.
I’m thinking EGGSHELL? I have small children, so I am steering clear of flat.
let me know 🙂
THANKS KYLIE!
Hi Stefani, eggshell is a FABULOUS finish for walls!
Hi Kylie:
Great info.
Bottom section of our kitchen is done in pine . would like to paint it a soft ivory. What sheen of paint do you recommend.
Hi Josepha, if you’re talking about walls, I would lean toward eggshell for sure. If it’s cabinets, then probably a satin/pearl finish 🙂
Thanks Kylie
Hi Kylie,
What finish would you recommended for white board and batten in a mudroom? Thanks!
Repainting my dining roon, I want to paint my chair rail, bottom 1/2 of my wall and all moulding same color, do I use the same finish paint, or use eggshell on wall portion and pear or semi for trim?
Hi Diana! I would be most inclined to do any ‘trim’ detailing in satin or semi-gloss and any ‘drywall’ in eggshell. This can be a really nice way to set off a colour as the sheens will shift the look of it slightly!
Just found your website after researching paint sheens. I am painting my basement and am going to do Benjamin Moore White Dove for the walls, wood work and ceilings. I was planning on doing the ceiling flat, walls eggshell and trim/doors satin or semi-gloss. Will doing different sheens make it look like different colors of paint? Also, my home is about 9 years old, would you go with semi or satin for the trim and doors?
Hi Kristin, you’re bang-on with the sheen, that’s perfect! And yes, the sheens will slightly alter the look of the paint, only slightly. But that being said, on every wall, with shading/lighting a colour can look slightly different anyway. I find it to be a really neat look with the trim has that touch more sheen than the walls. Super duper subtle, but lovely. As for trim and doors, I’m 50/50 but generally lean toward satin.
Great information!
Regarding ceilings-We’ll be doing our kitchen ceiling in a beadboard or shiplap-ish type of thing. Think the ceiling should be done in flat, or because it will be beadboard, should I do a satin or eggshell finish to give it just a hint of sheen?
Also-Our cabinets will look like Alabaster. Having a hard time finding a “warm” white subway tile for the backsplash. Any idea if a subway tile exists that looks like Alabaster?
Thank you for any advice!
-Marie
Hi Marie, thank you! It all depends on the room and the quality of light coming in/hitting the ceiling, but sometimes a shiplap can be a nice in an eggshell finish. As for a warm white subway tile, there are so MANY whites that it’s just a matter of going to your local stores and bringing samples home until one hits the spot! Online images are unfortunately poor renditions of the real thing!
Thank you so much for your reply, Kylie.
I appreciate it. 🙂
Hi, Kylie! What do you think about using the same paint color but in different sheens, in an open floor plan? I have a small house (seriously, small, picture small…). The kitchen, living room and short hallway are open to each other. The drywall texture is… not so nice. It’s a badly done orange peel texture. So, I thought I might try flat sheen for the living room (which is also the … ahem… “entry”), and then do low-lustre in the kitchen and hallway. Luckily, there are corners to “die” one sheen and switch to the other (almost all inside corners, only one outside corner). That way I would have more durability in the kitchen and hallway, but better looks in the living room. P.S. I’m using SW. I’ve heard that SW Cashmere’s version of eggshell, called “low-lustre,” has a slightly higher sheen than most eggshells. That’s why I’m trying to avoid using it everywhere. I just wonder if this question has ever come up for you! Thanks!
Hi Ashley, great questions!
I LOVE the same paint colour in different sheens, absolutely – but really only with whites and off-whites. Now I’ve used Cashmere eggshell a LOT in our last home and truth be told I love it, it’s nice and washable, but I BET you won’t love the sheen on it as you are right, it does. IN our new home I’ve switched to BM Regal in the ulti-matte, which obviously doesn’t help you with using SW…I would ask them for their MOST washable ulti-matte…
Hi Kylie,
Your chart with all the paint finishes is very helpful!
My question is this….would you paint the drywall and board and batten trim with the same finish? If so, what finish would you use? Thanks!!
Teresa
Hi Teresa, thank you! And yes, I think I know what you’re asking, I would paint the wall part and the trim part of board and batten the same finish – probably a nice satin!
Hi,
Wonderful article.
We are contemplating painting the entire interior Simply White from BM – regal. Was thinking of applying the eggshell finish throughout the house to keep the flow intact.
We want to use the same colour for the trims / windows and doors but using the Aurora line. Would the satin finish in this case the way to go? Would it create enough difference between the walls and trims?
Thanks.
Hi Betty! I’m just not familiar enough with the Aura finish to give you a good thought on that. What I can say is that I love the BM Advance paint in the satin/pearl finish for trims and what not – it’s like a nice cabinet finish that levels quite lovely!
I really appreciate all your information- it is so informative! I’m having a hard time deciding on a sheen for my walls and baseboards. I have 6 boys and they are HARD on my walls. Like artwork, goobers and handprints everywhere. Our walls are currently Semi-gloss and they are so shiny and I don’t really care for it. I need to be able to wash my walls, trim and doors regularly. We have a split level and the brightness and sheen is different in every spot in the house. What would you suggest? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Walls will be SW Agreeable Grey and trim/baseboards I haven’t decided yet. Probably Pure White.
Hi Melanie, it sounds like you need a durable eggshell, something like SW OPulence/Cashmere. If you’re so inclined, BM has a fabulous paint called ScuffX, which is SOOOOO durable – SW just doesn’t have anything quite like it. The ulti-matte is beautiful….
Thank you so much- I will look in to those! I’m so glad you know what you are doing 😉
Hi Kylie! I love your blog!!! You’ve helped me tremendously! Based on your advice I chose SW Colonnade Gray over BM Revere Pewter and I love it in our bedroom! It has turned out beautiful!!! I asked the guy at SW what finish was best to use for the bedroom wall and he said Satin. Yikes! I wish I’d read this article before purchasing, but I’ll be ready when I begin painting my kitchen. Definitely going with eggshell next time! Thanks again for your insight and great info!!!
Well damn, right away I was like NOOOOO, NOT SATIN! Well, now you know 😉 And I’m glad the colour info came in handy!
~Kylie
Hi Kylie,
We are going to paint the master bedroom tongue and groove vaulted ceiling . The large beams and rafters will be left as existing – dark stain ed. We have already painted the same type ceiling in the master bathroom with semi gloss white But the master bedroom has many windows and lots of bright light and I think the semi gloss will be too shiny. Should I use eggshell or flat? We live outside a National Park in a rural area and are constantly chasing cobwebs.
Thanks for your help.
Hi Lois, I might do an eggshell 🙂
Hi, I see the chart at the end says semi or high for trim on older homes and then doors says satin. My home is 30 years old and while the doors were replaced 6 years ago, the trim is not in the greatest shape and just needs to be replaced also. I have 3 questions. Do you think it would look silly to have 4 panel eyebrow doors but completely flat baseboard and casing? Doors are already semi, should I stick with that or change everything (doors casing and baseboard) to satin? What type of Sherwin Williams paint is best for those types of areas? We seem to be pretty rough on the trim in some areas and I planned to do the pure white.
We’ve also been slowly painting repainting the entire house walls with satin and have a little less than half done, but I will be making that change to eggshell and then eventually repainting the areas already done. I do notice the wall imperfections more. So glad I stumbled upon these posts.
Thoughts on “ceiling paint” vs. flat paint in the same white color as cabinets for ceiling? Would you suggest using the “ceiling paint” that comes in all the major brands (I’ll probably use Behr) or a flat paint in the same white color that I’m painting the cabinets and trim/molding in my house? The house has lower ceilings and the white cabinets will run straight into the ceilings. I’m worried the “ceiling paint may have a dingy grey tinge to it.
Hi Danielle, if it were me, I would continue with the same colour that is on the cabinets, then you don’t need to worry about clashing undertones!
Hi Kylie! We are finishing our basement. I went to Sherwin William’s and ordered the wall paint in eggshell. The rep there told me that their eggshell and satin are the same thing? I asked several times to be sure. He said there was no difference. We purchased the duration line. Have you ever heard of this? We used the paint (the can says satin). All the walls are painted. It doesn’t appear too shiny… so for the trim and interior doors he told us to use semi gloss? I’ve painted the trim and baseboards in semi-gloss and it’s definitely more shiny in appearance than the walls. So, should I do the doors in the same semi-gloss? So confused with sherwin William’s right now. I should mention two kids will be using this basement as a play area ????. Thanks!!!
Laura
Another great article! I have been using your website as a resource for my own home renos and just have to say thank you for providing such incredible content! You do amazing work 🙂
Hi Kylie,
What sheen of trim looks best with matte hardwood floors? The floors are a natural color and I am planning to paint the walls with BM White Dove in a matte finish. I’m using the same color for the trim.
Thanks!
Hi Lauren, I would look at a satin finish, so that you still get some wipeability, but don’t have TOO much gloss ;).