Paint Sheen Guide: Flat, Eggshell, Satin, and Semi-Gloss

As a rule, the flatter the sheen, the better it hides surface flaws; the glossier the sheen, the easier it is to clean and the more it stands up to moisture and wear. Ceilings get flat, living areas get eggshell or satin, and trim and wet rooms get semi-gloss.

The sheens, from flat to glossy

Flat / matte

No shine. Hides roller marks, patches, and uneven drywall better than anything else. Best for ceilings, and for low-traffic walls in bedrooms and formal rooms. Harder to wipe clean, so it’s not ideal for hallways with kids or pets.

Eggshell

A very low, soft sheen. The most common choice for interior walls in living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and hallways. Wipes clean better than flat while still hiding minor wall flaws.

Satin

A step up in sheen and washability. Good for busy hallways, kids’ rooms, and family rooms, and often used on interior doors. It shows wall imperfections a little more than eggshell, so prep matters.

Semi-gloss

Noticeably shiny and the easiest to clean. Standard for trim, baseboards, crown molding, doors, and door frames, and for kitchen and bathroom walls that deal with moisture and splatter. It highlights any bumps or brush marks, so surfaces need to be smooth.

High-gloss

Very reflective and durable, used mostly for accent pieces like a front door or a railing. It demands near-perfect prep.

Where each sheen usually goes

• Ceilings: flat
• Bedrooms, living and dining rooms: eggshell
• Hallways, stairwells, kids’ rooms: eggshell or satin
• Kitchens and bathrooms: satin or semi-gloss
• Trim, doors, and cabinets: semi-gloss (satin for a softer look)
• Exterior body: flat or low-sheen for stucco, satin for siding
• Exterior trim and doors: satin or semi-gloss

A note on prep

The higher the sheen, the more it reveals. If you want semi-gloss trim or satin walls, the surfaces underneath need to be filled, sanded, and smooth. A painter should factor that into the estimate.

Common questions