
It is durable, easy to clean, and dries quickly. Satin paint sits comfortably in the center of paint finishes, glossier than matte and eggshell paints yet less shiny than semi-gloss and gloss. Walls, especially in high-traffic and moisture-prone areas, like bathrooms and kitchens.And, because it isn't very reflective, it's good at concealing bumps and blemishes. While matte paint is the usual go-to for walls and ceilings, eggshell finishes are just as effective, particularly in high-traffic spaces like kitchens, hallways, and bathrooms.

That's why eggshell finishes are always used on woodwork, such as skirting, architraves, doors, window frames, paneling, wainscoting, carpentry, and furniture. Where eggshell gets one up on a matte finish is that it is easy to clean and more resilient, so marks and scuffing can easily be wiped off without damaging the color or removing a layer of paint. Bright light accentuates its sheen, while low light tones it down.Įggshell finishes are favored for their low maintenance and resistance to stains, burnishing, and everyday wear and tear. It subtly reflects light creating a soft, low-luster glow that enhances its color and adds depth and interest to the room. But what about eggshell and satin make them the go-to choice? And what's the difference between them? Read on as we decode how and which one of these finishes is what you need to make your next paint project stand out.Įggshell finishes have a low sheen that is likened to that of an eggshell - hence the name! Its sheen level is one above matte paint and much less reflective and shiny than a gloss finish. Gloss paint looks almost glass-like and is highly reflective, whereas flat paint absorbs light and is matte or velvety in appearance.Įggshell and satin are two of the most commonly used paint finishes for interiors. A paint's sheen interacts with a room's natural and artificial light.

Paint finishes are broadly categorized into five types - flat (or matte), eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss - ranked lowest to highest based on their reflectivity. The paint's finish is as influential on the overall look and feel of the room as the color. Minimalists, maximalists, and everyone in between often ponder the perfect shade, yet they forget about one essential factor: the finish. It is a very personal choice and a reflection of who we are and how we experience the world that we live in.

One of the most exciting parts of revamping a house and making it a home is picking the color of your walls.
