When it comes to painting your home, choosing the right paint sheen is just as important as picking the perfect color. The sheen of the paint affects how it looks, how it feels, and how easy it is to clean. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand the different types of paint sheens and where to use them in your home. Here’s my go-to sheen selections for your interiors:

FLAT PAINT FOR CEILINGS

Flat paint has no shine at all. It’s perfect for ceilings because it hides imperfections and gives a smooth look. However, it’s not very easy to clean, so it’s best to keep it on the ceiling where it won’t get dirty.

Benefits:

• Hides imperfections and flaws in the ceiling surface
• Does not reflect light, avoiding unwanted glare
• Creates a smooth, uniform look
• More forgiving of application mistakes
• Helps ceilings appear higher

SATIN OR EGGSHELL FOR WALLS

For your walls, satin and eggshell are great choices.

• Eggshell has a soft, velvety finish with a little bit of shine. It’s durable and can handle some cleaning, making it perfect for living rooms and dining rooms.
• Satin has a bit more shine than eggshell and is even more durable. It’s great for high-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, and kids’ rooms because it’s easy to clean.

Benefits:

• Provides a soft, subtle sheen that adds depth
• More durable and easier to clean than flat paint
• Hides minor surface imperfections better than glossier finishes
• Versatile enough for most living spaces
• Satin offers slightly more durability and sheen than eggshell

SEMI-GLOSS FOR TRIM, CASINGS, AND DOORS

Semi-gloss paint has a shiny finish and is very durable. It’s perfect for trim, casings, and doors because it can handle a lot of wear and tear. Plus, it’s easy to clean, so it will keep looking fresh and new.

Benefits:

• Very durable and easy to clean
• Resistant to moisture, making it ideal for high-humidity areas
• Provides a noticeable sheen that highlights architectural details
• Stands up well to repeated cleaning

CREATIVE USES OF HIGH GLOSS

If you want to add a touch of creativity to your home, consider using high-gloss paint. High-gloss paint has a very shiny, almost glass-like finish. It’s perfect for:

• Built-ins and Cabinets: High-gloss paint can make built-ins and cabinets stand out and look luxurious.
• Accent Pieces: Use high-gloss paint on small accent pieces or furniture to add a pop of shine and make them the focal point of the room.

Benefits:

• Creates a dramatic, luxurious look on built-ins, cabinets, etc.
• Reflects a lot of light, which can brighten spaces
• Makes a bold statement as an accent

Your Home, Your Rules

While these are general guidelines, remember that you can always use your creative license to mix things up. The most important thing is that you love the look and feel of your home. If you have any questions or need help choosing the right paint sheen, our interior design consultation services in Carmel, Indiana, are here to help you create the home of your dreams.

Struggling with Color Choices? Book a Consultation!

Are you feeling overwhelmed with all the color and sheen choices? If you’re in the Indianapolis area and need a helping hand, why not book a color consultation with us? At Oxford Avenue, we bring our professional toolkit right to your doorstep to help you make the best decisions for your home.

Whether you’re unsure about the right finishes, need help rearranging a room, or want to check your build plans and specifications, we’re here to guide you. Our expert design consultation services cater to your needs, allowing you to work with your chosen contractors or gain access to our trusted partners and vendors.

Don’t let the stress of design choices hold you back. Book your consultation today and let’s create a space that fits you like your favorite pair of jeans. Visit the Services page to get started.

Happy painting!