Which paint finish should I use in each room: matt, low sheen or semi-gloss?

What does sheen actually change?

Sheen is how much light a dry paint film reflects. Dulux's range runs from matt through low sheen and low gloss to semi-gloss and gloss, and the trade-off is the same across brands: more shine is generally tougher and easier to clean, but it also makes surface flaws easier to see.

That second part surprises people. Dulux notes that gloss may show minor surface imperfections, so preparation matters more, while matt helps hide them. A wall with old patch marks, a wavy plasterboard joint or a long hallway lit from one end looks very different in matt than in semi-gloss.

What finish should ceilings have?

Flat. Ceiling paints are made with a flat finish because ceilings catch light at a low angle from windows and downlights, and any shine shows up joins, patches and roller marks. Dulux describes its ceiling paints as having a flat finish to help hide surface imperfections.

Bathroom and kitchen ceilings are the exception worth knowing about. They still get a flat finish, but in a product made for damp rooms with mould resistance built in. Our guide to mould on bathroom ceilings covers why the prep underneath matters more than the paint.

Matt or low sheen for living rooms and bedrooms?

Both work, and the choice mostly comes down to how the room is used.

Matt has the least shine. Dulux recommends it to soften glare in hallways or rooms with large windows, and it's forgiving on walls that aren't perfectly flat. That suits older homes where walls have been patched over the years. Modern washable matts are much tougher than the chalky flat wall paints of the past, but check the product says it's washable if you have kids or pets.

Low sheen has a soft, velvety look with a little more reflection. Dulux describes it as hard-wearing, easy to keep clean and suitable for almost all interior surfaces. It's a safe all-rounder for family rooms, bedrooms and hallways that get handprints and bag scuffs.

• Formal lounge, main bedroom, big bright windows: matt.
• Family room, kids' rooms, hallways: low sheen.
• Walls with visible old patches: lean towards matt.

What about kitchens, laundries and bathrooms?

These rooms get splashes, steam and frequent wiping, so washability matters more than in a bedroom. Dulux lists low sheen as a good choice where frequent cleaning is needed, such as kitchens, laundries and bathrooms, and semi-gloss as suitable for high-traffic areas like kitchens.

Just as important as sheen is choosing a product actually made for wet areas. Brands sell kitchen and bathroom versions with mould resistance, and in a steamy bathroom that matters more than the exact shine level. Whatever you choose, good ventilation still does most of the work: paint can resist mould, but it can't dry out a room that never airs.

Which finish should go on doors, skirtings and window frames?

Trims take knocks from vacuum cleaners, shoes and door handles, and they get wiped more often than walls. That's why enamel in semi-gloss or gloss is the traditional choice. Dulux recommends gloss for doors and architraves, and low gloss for doors, windows and trims if you want a hard-wearing finish with less shine.

If your existing trims are old oil-based enamel, the new finish has to be applied over the right prep or it may not stick. See painting over oil-based doors and trims before you start.

Does sheen matter outside?

Yes, but the rules are a little different. Exterior walls are commonly finished in low sheen, while exterior trims, fascias and doors are often done in a gloss or semi-gloss so they stand apart from the walls and shed water and dirt. On a weatherboard house, low sheen on the boards and a glossier finish on the trims is a common combination.

Outside, the product's weather resistance matters more than the sheen. Our guide on how long exterior paint lasts near the beach explains what salt air and strong sun do to a finish.

Can I use one finish everywhere to keep it simple?

You can use one finish for walls throughout, and many people choose low sheen for exactly that reason. It's worth keeping ceilings flat and trims in an enamel, though, because those surfaces do different jobs. Mixing finishes on the same wall, or touching up a low sheen wall with a matt leftover, usually shows as patchy bands when the light hits it.

If you're repainting and aren't sure what's on the walls now, tell us when we come to quote. The written quote for an interior repaint lists the finish going on each surface, so there are no surprises when the job's done.

Quick questions

Sources

What this guide relies on. Product advice changes, so check the maker's current instructions for the exact paint you're using.

1. How to choose a sheen level or paint finish — Dulux
2. Ceiling paint range — Dulux
3. Ceiling White +PLUS Kitchen & Bathroom — Dulux