🎨 How to Choose the Right Paint Finish (Matt, Acrylic Eggshell, Soft/Mid Sheen Explained)

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.