Pick a color and you're halfway there. The other half is sheen, and it changes how the color looks, how the wall wears, and how easy touch-ups will be. Here is the plain-English version we walk homeowners through on every estimate.
The Five Sheens, from Least to Most Shine
Sheens are ranked by how much light they reflect:
- Flat: the least reflective, with the most uniform color.
- Matte or eggshell: a soft, low-shine finish.
- Satin: a gentle glow that wipes down easily.
- Semigloss: noticeably shiny, common on trim and doors.
- High gloss: the most reflective and the most durable surface.
Why Sheen Names Are So Confusing
Every paint manufacturer names sheens a little differently. One company's satin can look closer to another company's eggshell or matte. It can be very confusing, and the only way to know for sure is to look at an actual paint sample on your wall before committing.
Where Flat Paint Wins, and Where It Doesn't
Flat sheens give color a more uniform look with less light reflection, hide wall imperfections better than shinier finishes, and are less likely to show touch-ups down the road. The tradeoff is durability: flat paint is not as scuff resistant, so busy hallways and kids' rooms often do better with a step up in sheen.
Planning an interior repaint in Nashville?
We'll help you pick the right sheen for every room during your free consultation.
The Bottom Line
There is no single right sheen for a whole house. The right answer depends on the room, the light, and how the surface gets used. That is exactly the kind of thing we sort out during a walkthrough, sample in hand. Learn more about our interior painting process, or see what neighbors say on our reviews page.
