1. Understanding the Main Paint Finishes

Most interior projects use these common sheens:

• Flat / Matte – No shine, best at hiding imperfections, least washable
• Eggshell – Soft, low sheen, more washable than flat
• Satin – Slightly higher sheen, more durable and scrubbable
• Semi-Gloss – Shiny, very durable and moisture-resistant
• Gloss / High-Gloss – Very shiny, used for accents and specialty areas

2. Best Finish for Living Rooms and Bedrooms

Most Lewistown homeowners choose eggshell or matte for:

• Living rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining rooms

Why:

• Eggshell is washable and slightly reflective
• Matte hides wall imperfections better and gives a soft, cozy feel

If your walls have a lot of bumps or repairs, matte may be the better choice.

3. Best Finish for Kitchens and Bathrooms

For spaces with moisture, steam, and frequent cleaning, use:

• Satin or semi-gloss on walls
• Semi-gloss on trim and doors

These finishes are more resistant to:

• Grease
• Steam
• Regular scrubbing 

4. Best Finish for Hallways and Kids’ Rooms

High-traffic spaces get bumped, touched, and scuffed more often.

Ideal sheens:

• Eggshell or satin

They strike the right balance between:

• Hiding minor imperfections
• Being easy to wipe clean

5. Best Finish for Trim, Doors, and Cabinets

Trim and doors benefit from semi-gloss or gloss:

• Provides a crisp, clean contrast to wall colors
• Stands up to frequent cleaning and contact

Cabinets often use a durable satin or semi-gloss enamel specifically designed for cabinetry.

6. Ceilings

Ceilings are almost always painted flat:

• Hides surface irregularities
• Reduces glare from lighting

In bathrooms, some homeowners use a moisture-resistant matte product to prevent issues with humidity.

7. How Light and Imperfections Affect Finish Choice

Remember:

• Higher sheen = more light reflection = more visible flaws
• Lower sheen = less reflection = better at hiding imperfections

If your walls are older or have many patches, leaning toward mattes and eggshells is safer. 

Key Takeaways

• Use matte or eggshell for most living spaces
• Use satin or semi-gloss in kitchens and baths
• Use semi-gloss or gloss for trim, doors, and cabinets
• Ceilings are typically flat
• The shinier the finish, the more it shows imperfections

People Also Ask 

What paint finish is best for living rooms?
Eggshell or matte — they give a soft look while hiding most wall flaws. 

Which is better, eggshell or satin?
Eggshell hides imperfections better and is easier for beginners; satin is more durable and better for high-traffic or moisture-prone rooms. 

What finish should I use on trim?
Semi-gloss is the most common — it’s durable, easy to clean, and highlights the trim.

Not sure which finish is right for your home?

👉 Let Lewistown Painting help you choose the perfect combination of colors and sheens.
📍 Serving Lewistown, Mifflin County, Juniata County & Central PA.
Request your Free Interior Painting Estimate by calling (717) 543-0091 or contacting us here.