Choosing the Right Sheen for Every Room in Your Tennessee Home
When picking a paint color, most homeowners focus on the shade—gray, blue, white, beige. But just as important as the color is the finish you choose. The paint finish (or sheen) affects not only how your walls look, but also how well they hold up to cleaning, moisture, and wear.
At Michael’s Painting, we help homeowners throughout Murfreesboro, Smyrna, La Vergne, and Eagleville choose the right paint finish for each space in their home. Here’s a quick guide to the most common finishes—and how to know which one is right for you.
🎨 The 4 Most Common Paint Finishes
1. Matte (Flat Finish)
Matte paint has no shine at all, which makes it great at hiding surface imperfections like nail holes, minor dents, or uneven textures.
Best for:
-
Bedrooms
-
Ceilings
-
Low-traffic areas
-
Older walls that need concealment
Pros:
-
Excellent coverage
-
Smooth, velvety appearance
-
Hides imperfections well
Cons:
-
Not very washable
-
Can scuff or stain more easily
2. Eggshell
Slightly more reflective than matte, eggshell has a soft, low sheen. It’s one of the most popular finishes for interior walls because it strikes a good balance between elegance and durability.
Best for:
-
Living rooms
-
Dining rooms
-
Hallways
-
Guest bedrooms
Pros:
-
Wipes clean with a damp cloth
-
Hides minor flaws
-
Soft, classic look
Cons:
-
Slightly less durable than satin in high-traffic areas
3. Satin
Satin finishes offer a smooth, velvety sheen and are more durable and moisture-resistant than eggshell. That makes them ideal for spaces that get more wear—or where messes are more likely.
Best for:
-
Kitchens
-
Bathrooms
-
Children’s rooms
-
Laundry rooms
-
Trim and doors (when a subtle finish is preferred)
Pros:
-
Very easy to clean
-
Resists mildew and moisture
-
Great for busy households
Cons:
-
Can highlight wall imperfections more than matte or eggshell
-
Slightly more reflective
4. Gloss & Semi-Gloss
These are the shiniest and most durable finishes, commonly used on surfaces that get touched, bumped, or need frequent cleaning. Semi-gloss is less shiny than full gloss but still highly durable.
Best for:
-
Trim and baseboards
-
Doors and cabinets
-
Bathrooms
-
Window frames
Pros:
-
Super easy to clean
-
Highlights detail and molding
-
Stands up to humidity and scrubbing
Cons:
-
Reflects light and shows imperfections more than other finishes
-
Not typically used for entire walls
💡 Pro Tip: Mix & Match Finishes for Function and Style
You don’t need to use the same finish throughout your home. A satin finish on walls and semi-gloss on trim is a timeless and practical combo. Bedrooms can often stick with matte or eggshell, while kitchens and bathrooms benefit from satin or semi-gloss protection.
Not sure what works best for your home’s layout, lighting, or wear level? That’s where we come in.
🛠️ Michael’s Painting Can Help You Choose the Right Finish
As a locally trusted painting company in Rutherford County, we bring decades of experience helping homeowners:
-
Select the right paint for their lifestyle
-
Choose between washable and decorative finishes
-
Achieve clean, consistent results that last
We work with premium products from Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, and other top brands to ensure you get a beautiful, durable result—no matter the finish.