# Decoding Paint Finishes: Which One Is Best?

> Choosing the right paint finish for your space: flat for walls, gloss for high-traffic areas.
- Title: Decoding Paint Finishes: Which One Is Best? · House & Home
- Summary: Choosing the right paint finish for your space: flat for walls, gloss for high-traffic areas. Selecting paint finish depends on surface use, lighting and…
- Keywords: paint finishes, sherwin-williams, behr, cloverdale paint, benjamin moore, paint color, interior design, Decoding, Paint, Finishes, Which, One
- Source: House & Home — https://houseandhome.com/decorating-and-design/paint-finishes-explained
- Author: Chelsea Dolan
- Published: 2026-10-19T12:26:31+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: paint finishes, sherwin-williams, behr, cloverdale paint, benjamin moore, paint color, interior design
## Why Paint Finishes Matter
Different paint finishes mask imperfections, provide durability for high-traffic areas, and affect light reflection.

> The main reasons for sheen differences is to mask subtle imperfections, provide durability to high-traffic areas and absorb or reflect light
## Choosing the Right Finish
Consider surface wear, desired look, and current condition when picking a paint finish.

> Consider factors such as traffic, moisture, cleaning needs and the condition of the surface when making a selection
## Sherwin-Williams Finishes
Sherwin-Williams offers gloss, semi-gloss, satin/eggshell, matte, flat, high gloss, medium lustre, pearl, low-lustre, and velvet finishes.

> The 10 interior paint finishes Sherwin-Williams offers are: Gloss: Shiniest option, striking appearance
## Behr Finishes
Behr provides flat, matte, eggshell enamel, satin enamel, semi-gloss enamel, and hi-gloss enamel finishes.

> The six interior paint finishes Behr offers are: Flat: Non-reflective, ideal for low-traffic areas
## Cloverdale Paint Finishes
Cloverdale Paint offers flat paint, eggshell paint, pearl paint, low gloss paint, semi-gloss paint, and gloss/high-gloss paint finishes.

> The six interior paint finishes Cloverdale Paint offers are: Flat Paint: Lowest gloss level with almost no shine
## Benjamin Moore Finishes
Benjamin Moore provides flat, ultimatte, eggshell, pearl, satin, semi-gloss, and high gloss finishes.

> The seven paint finishes Benjamin Moore offers are: Flat: Non-reflective
## Real-World Examples
A deep blue lacquered ceiling reflects light in a dining room, while matte panelling balances with graphic wallpaper.

> A deep blue lacquered ceiling reflects light in a dining room by designer Colette van den Thillart
## Final Tip
Test colors before finalizing to ensure lighting and sheen work together for the best result.

> Colour and sheen work together to influence how a paint looks in a space, and lighting can dramatically impact the final appearance
## Key takeaway

Selecting paint finish depends on surface use, lighting and desired appearance.