Babushka Market

Practical home guide

Paint Sheen Guide: Matte, Eggshell or Satin?

Choose an interior paint sheen by room use, cleaning needs and surface condition.

Home and DIY planning tools

Matte and flat finishes

Low-sheen finishes soften reflections and can make minor wall imperfections less obvious. Check the maker’s washability rating before using them in busy or moisture-prone rooms.

Eggshell and satin finishes

These finishes usually offer more wipeability and a gentle sheen, which can suit hallways, kitchens and family spaces. Glancing light may reveal uneven preparation more clearly.

Test in the actual room

Apply a sample to a representative area and inspect it in daylight and artificial light. Colour and sheen can both change with the direction and intensity of light.

Practical checklist

  • Compare technical sheets, not sheen names alone.
  • Prepare the surface to the finish level the chosen sheen will reveal.