Choosing The Right Paint Finish for Every Room
Selecting the perfect color palette for your home can be transformative in many ways. Color can bring cohesiveness to your design style, evoke emotion, define space in open floor plans, highlight architectural features, and change your perception of the room entirely.
Additionally, selecting the appropriate finish can greatly affect your paint’s appearance and resilience. When choosing a paint finish, consider the room’s purpose, traffic level, and desired aesthetic. Higher-sheen paints like semi-gloss and high-gloss are excellent for areas needing durability and easy cleaning. At the same time, lower-sheen options like flat and eggshell create a cozy, understated elegance.
By thoughtfully choosing the appropriate paint finishes, you can create stylish and practical spaces to enjoy every day. Let’s take a look!
Flat or Matte Finish
Flat or matte finishes offer a smooth, non-reflective appearance, deftly concealing surface imperfections. However, they are less resistant to scuffs and stains and can be challenging to clean.
Ideal Use: Ceilings, adult bedrooms, and formal living or dining areas benefit from flat finishes, where minimal wall contact occurs.
Eggshell Finish
With a subtle sheen adding just a bit of luster, this finish balances aesthetics and practicality. It’s easier to clean than flat paint and lower on the reflective scale, making it suitable for moderate-traffic areas.
Ideal Use: Living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and hallways are great candidates for eggshell finishes, offering elegance with manageable maintenance.
Satin Finish
Satin finishes provide a soft, velvety sheen and are known for their resilience and ease of cleaning. However, they can highlight wall imperfections, so proper surface preparation is essential.
Ideal Use: High-traffic areas like family rooms, hallways, and children’s bedrooms benefit from satin finishes due to their resilience and inviting glow.
Semi-Gloss Finish
Semi-gloss paint offers a noticeable shine and is highly durable and moisture-resistant, making it easy to clean. It does, however, accentuate surface flaws.
Ideal Use: Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and trim work are suitable for semi-gloss finishes, where frequent cleaning and moisture resistance are priorities.
High-Gloss Finish
High-gloss finishes are the most reflective, offering a sleek and polished look. They are exceptionally durable and washable but require meticulous surface preparation to avoid highlighting imperfections.
Ideal Use: Doors, cabinets, and trim benefit from high-gloss paint, adding a touch of grace and ensuring longevity in areas prone to wear and tear.
Ultimately, creating a stunning color scheme for your kitchen, bathroom (or any room) remodel is a personal journey.
“Painting is but another word for feeling” – John Constable
While guidelines and principles can provide a solid foundation, don’t be afraid to experiment and add your personal touch! Trust your instincts and choose colors in finishes that resonate with you and reflect your unique style.
When you need remodeling services in the St. Louis area, let Callier & Thompson be your go-to source regardless of scope or size. Having been awarded the BBB Torch Award for our commitment to exceptional standards and high ethics in our treatment of customers, employees, and suppliers, you can have confidence that you’re choosing the best. Visit our portfolio page, and contact us for a consultation today!
