Matte vs. Eggshell vs. Low Sheen Paint: How to Choose the Best Finish for Your Walls
So your ready to do some painting. You have the colors selected, not you have to decide what sheen should I use? Confusing- yes! Need help- good- that is why we wrote this for you. When it comes to painting your walls, the sheen you choose can make or break the look, feel, and functionality of your space. Whether you’re a homeowner tackling a DIY project or a business owner looking to refresh your property, knowing the difference between Matte vs. Eggshell vs. Low Sheen Paint can be confusing!! We created this guideto walk you through the pros and cons of each finish, where to use them, and why brands like Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore stand out for durability and washability.
Understanding Paint Sheens
Paint sheens refer to the finish or level of shine a paint has once it dries. Each sheen offers unique benefits, making them suitable for different areas of your home or business.
Matte Sheen
- Appearance: not a true flat, very low-reflective finish that gives a soft, velvety look.
- Best For: Low-traffic areas such as bedrooms, ceilings, or formal dining rooms.
- Hides imperfections on walls effectively.
- Creates a modern, sophisticated aesthetic.
- Less durable and harder to clean than other finishes.
Low Sheen
- Appearance: Subtle shine, more reflective than matte but less than eggshell.
- Best For: Moderate-traffic areas like family rooms, hallways, and offices.
- Easier to clean than matte finishes.
- Provides a slight glow without being overly glossy.
- Can highlight surface imperfections more than matte paint.
Eggshell Sheen
- Appearance: Soft luster, resembling the surface of an eggshell.
- Best For: High-traffic areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms.
- Highly durable and washable.
- Strikes a balance between shine and subtlety.
- Slightly more expensive than matte or low-sheen finishes.
- Probably the most popular sheen used for painting
Where to Use Each Paint Sheen
Where to use each sheen does depend you and what you like more than anything else. Less shine or more shine that is the question! Overall..here is a quick and dirty quick reference on where each sheen are most commonly.
- Matte: Use in areas where the walls don’t get a lot of wear and tear, such as bedrooms or ceilings.
- Low Sheen: Great for walls where durability is needed but you want to avoid a glossy look, such as hallways or offices.
- Eggshell: Perfect for busy areas like kitchens, bathrooms, hallways and playrooms where frequent cleaning is necessary.
Comparing Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore Paints
When choosing paint, brand matters. Both Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore offer high-quality options for low sheen, matte, and eggshell finishes. (You can read more about the differences in a pasrt article we wrote) Here’s how they stack up:
Durability and Washability
- Sherwin-Williams:
- Duration – power house of washabilty!
- Known for exceptional durability and resistance to stains.
- Duration Home eggshell is particularly praised for its washability.
- Benjamin Moore:
- Aura- great washable hightraffic paint!
- Aura Matte provides great coverage and washability compared to other matte paints.
- Regal Select eggshell is also used for high-traffic areas with excellent stain resistance.
Coverage
- Both brands offer excellent coverage, but Benjamin Moore’s Aura line is often lauded for needing fewer coats, saving time and money- but it is more expensive!
- The other one we like is Emerald – but again, it is more expensive
Price
- Sherwin-Williams: $50-$75 per gallon.
- Benjamin Moore: $60-$80 per gallon.
Tips for Choosing the Right Sheen
- Assess Traffic Levels: Higher traffic areas benefit from durable finishes like eggshell or satin, while low-traffic spaces can use matte for a soft look.
- Consider Lighting: Matte finishes absorb light, making them ideal for rooms with bright lighting. Eggshell and low sheen reflect more light, enhancing dimmer spaces.
- Test Before Committing: Both Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore offer sample cans to test the finish in your space.
Other things to read abuot paint sheen- check out our Past Articles
We are a professional interior painting contractor company that services Huntley, IL, and surrounding areas like Algonquin, Crystal Lake, Elgin, Bartlett, and Pingree Grove, our team specializes in helping you select the perfect paint colors and sheen for your home or work space. Check out some of our our past articles on:
FAQs About Matte, Low and Eggshell sheens
Q: What is the best paint sheen for walls? A: It depends on the room. Matte is great for low-traffic areas, while eggshell or low sheen works well for spaces requiring durability.
Q: Can I clean matte paint? A: Matte finishes are harder to clean but can handle gentle wiping if high-quality brands like Benjamin Moore Aura Matte are used.
Q: Is eggshell better than low sheen? A: Eggshell is more durable and washable, making it better for high-traffic areas. Low sheen offers a subtle finish suitable for moderate traffic zones.
Q: What paint brands are best for durability? A: Sherwin-Williams Duration Home and Benjamin Moore Aura are top choices for durability and washability.
Why Choose Us for Your Interior Painting Needs
We’ve been serving homeowners and business owners across the Chicago suburbs with top-notch painting services tailored to each client’s needs. Whether you’re in Huntley, Elgin, Carpentersville, or South Elgin, we’re here to help transform your space with the perfect paint sheen.
Final Thoughts on Matte vs. Eggshell vs. Low Sheen Paint
Choosing the right paint sheen can elevate your space’s look and functionality. Whether you’re DIYing or hiring a professional, understanding the differences between matte, low sheen, and eggshell finishes is key. Ready to get started? Contact us today for expert advice and painting services in Huntley, St. Charles, Geneva, Algonquin, Hampshire, and other surrounding areas.
