Matt, eggshell, satin or gloss?
What the different paint finishes are for, and which we use where.
The finish, or sheen, affects how a colour looks, how it wears and how easily it cleans. Here is what we use where.
Matt
No shine. Hides imperfections in walls and ceilings and gives the softest look, which is why it is the default for living rooms and bedrooms. Standard matt marks easily; durable or washable matt costs a little more and is worth it in halls and children's rooms.
Eggshell
A very low sheen, between matt and satin. Our usual choice for woodwork, skirting, doors and kitchen cabinets. It wipes clean, does not show brush marks the way gloss does, and looks right in both modern and older houses. Also good on bathroom and kitchen walls.
Satin
A soft sheen. Tougher than eggshell and easy to clean, so it suits busy woodwork like stair spindles and door frames, and walls in utility rooms. It shows surface flaws more than matt.
Gloss
High shine, hardest wearing. Traditional for exterior doors and windows and still the right choice there. Inside it has fallen out of fashion because it highlights every bump, though it suits period front doors and some skirting.
A rule of thumb
Matt on ceilings and most walls, eggshell on interior woodwork, gloss or satin outside. Buy trade paint where you can; the coverage and durability are noticeably better than retail tins of the same brand.