🎨 How to Choose the Right Paint Finish (Matt, Acrylic Eggshell, Soft/Mid Sheen Explained)
- thehomedecoratings
- Apr 18
- 4 min read
When it comes to decorating, choosing the right paint finish is just as important as picking the perfect shade. The finish you select not only affects how your paint looks, but also how it performs over time — from durability and cleanability to how well it hides imperfections.
In this post, we’re breaking down the most common wall paint finishes — matt, acrylic eggshell, sheen (soft/mid), and more — so you can pick the perfect one for your space. Whether you're painting a busy hallway, a steamy bathroom, or a cozy bedroom, here's everything you need to know.
🖌️ 1. Matt Finish
Appearance: Flat, smooth, and non-reflective
Ideal For: Bedrooms, living rooms, ceilings
Matt paint offers a soft, velvety look that absorbs light, making it ideal for spaces where you want a calm and relaxing feel. It’s also great at hiding small wall imperfections — perfect for older properties or uneven walls.
✔ Pros:
Cheap as chips, near enough
Elegant, modern finish
Hides flaws in the surface
✘ Cons:
Not very durable
Marks and stains easily, hard to clean as wipes straight off with a cloth/sponge.
💡 Pro Tip: Try a durable matt or washable matt version in high-use areas — you’ll get the same stylish finish with added resilience.
🎨 2. Vinyl Matt Finish
Appearance: Flat like standard matt, but with added durability
Ideal For: Living rooms, dining rooms, lower-traffic areas
Vinyl matt gives you the soft look of matt but with a little more strength. It’s slightly more resistant to stains and scuffs, making it a practical step up if you want a stylish but slightly tougher paint.
✔ Pros:
More durable than regular matt
Hides imperfections well
✘ Cons:
Slight sheen under certain lights
Still not ideal for very busy or wet areas
✨ 3. Acrylic Eggshell Finish
Appearance: Low-sheen with a soft, velvety glow
Ideal For: Kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and high-traffic areas, anywhere really if you want.
Acrylic eggshell is a decorator's dream — durable, washable, and subtly shiny without looking overly glossy. It stands up to moisture, stains, and regular cleaning, making it ideal for busy family homes.
✔ Pros:
Highly durable and moisture-resistant
Easy to clean
Adds warmth and depth to walls
✘ Cons:
Slight sheen can highlight surface flaws
generally the most expensive out of the finishes.
💡 Pro Tip: This is your go-to finish for kitchens, bathrooms, and children’s rooms, it balances style with practicality beautifully.
💎 4. Vinyl Silk Finish
Appearance: Glossy, reflective finish
Ideal For: Kitchens, bathrooms, children’s rooms
Vinyl silk has a high sheen that reflects light, making small rooms feel bigger and brighter. It’s easy to wipe clean, but beware — it also highlights every single wall imperfection, so prep your surfaces very well, even then it's bound to show something.
✔ Pros:
Very durable and wipeable
Great in humid rooms
✘ Cons:
Shiny finish shows flaws
Can take more coats to paint, and potentially even more to repaint over!
🌟 5. Soft/Mid Sheen Finish
Appearance: Midway between matt and silk
Ideal For: Kitchens, bathrooms, high-use areas
Soft sheen offers a gentle glow — not too shiny, not too flat. It’s more durable than matt, but less intense than silk, making it a versatile choice for busy homes.
✔ Pros:
Washable and practical
Reflects light subtly
✘ Cons:
Can also show imperfections, just not as much as silk
🛡️ 6. Durable or Scrubbable Matt
Appearance: Classic matt look with added toughness
Ideal For: Hallways, children’s rooms, high-traffic spaces, but in my opinion, ANYWHERE!
Want the softness of matt without the stress? Durable matt gives you a sophisticated, modern finish that can handle everyday life. It’s wipeable, resistant to scuffs, and ideal for areas where walls take a bit more abuse.
✔ Pros:
Washable and scuff-resistant
Keeps walls looking fresh longer
Hides flaws better than soft/mid sheen or silk
✘ Cons:
Slightly more expensive than standard matt, but worth it!
🏠 Choosing the Right Paint Finish for Each Room
Here’s a quick guide to help you pick the perfect paint finish based on the space you’re working on:
Room Type | Best Finish Options |
High-Traffic Areas | Durable Matt, Acrylic Eggshell |
Kitchens & Bathrooms | Durable Matt, Acrylic Eggshell |
Bedrooms & Ceilings | Durable Matt, Acrylic Eggshell, Matt, Vinyl Matt |
Family Homes | Durable Matt, Acrylic Eggshell, Soft/Mid Sheen, Vinyl Matt |
Hallways & Entryways | Durable Matt, Acrylic Eggshell, Soft/Mid Sheen |
🎯 Final Thoughts: Don’t Forget the Brand and Quality
Choosing the right paint finish is key — but so is choosing the right brand and quality of paint.
Here’s something many DIYers miss: not all paints are created equal.
Professional decorators often stick to trusted brands because they know which paints cover better, apply smoother, and last longer. While premium paints may cost more upfront, they often require fewer coats and less labour — saving you money overall.
✅ Cheaper paint might seem like a good deal, but if it takes 2–3 extra coats to get decent coverage, you’ll spend more on paint and increase labour costs too — especially if you're hiring a decorator.
✅ Premium paint = better coverage, fewer coats, longer-lasting finish. So, when planning your next project, remember: the right finish + the right paint = a beautiful result that lasts. Though don't confuse this with expensive designer branded paints.
The right paint finish can make a world of difference. Whether you’re going for a calm, elegant bedroom or a durable kitchen that can handle the chaos of family life, there’s a perfect paint for every room.
Here’s a quick summary:
For style & simplicity: Go with durable matt
For balance & practicality: Choose durable matt or acrylic eggshell
For durability & shine: Try acrylic eggshell
For family life: You can’t go wrong with durable matt or acrylic eggshell, I see a trend here, hmmmm......
By understanding how each finish behaves — from sheen level to stain resistance — you can create a space that looks amazing and stands up to everyday life.
💬 Have a paint finish question?
Drop us (The Home Decorating Service) a message or give us a call for tailored advice on 07753423525. Whether you’re repainting one wall or an entire home, the right finish makes all the difference.
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