How to Paint a Room: The Paint Sheen Formula That Works Every Time

One of the biggest factors for how a room feels? The paint. And I don’t just mean the color, I mean the paint sheens, too! As an East Texas interior designer, this is something that I know gets overlooked all the time, so I’m going to show you exactly how to fix it, and you’ll never have to wonder how to paint a room again.

The Different Paint Sheens

The first step to painting a room is to know the different paint sheens. Although you may not think the finish you choose for your paint matters a ton, it absolutely contributes to the overall feel of your room! Here’s a comprehensive guide to each of the main paint sheens, so that the words you’re seeing at the home improvement store will actually mean something to you:

• Flat: 

A flat finish reflects the least amount of light. It gives you a very even, uniform paint layer that has no shine. 

• Matte: 

A matte finish is one step above flat, giving slightly more shine, but still overall not reflecting too much light. This is another great option for a very smooth and even surface. 

• Eggshell: 

Eggshell is slightly more reflective and gives you a little bit more shine. Another note about eggshell is that it’s typically a lot easier to apply because it’s more forgiving, so that’s a plus for DIY paint projects! 

• Satin:

Satin is pretty right in the middle of the least-shiny to most-shiny paint sheen. It captures the light gorgeously and is a very popular choice overall for a paint finish. 

• Semi-gloss: 

Another step up, semi-gloss paints are noticeably shiny and reflective. Semi-gloss paints also have a high resistance to moisture, which is good to know for painting different rooms! 

• High-gloss: 

And lastly, just like its name shows, a high-gloss paint sheen is going to be the most reflective and shiny. It also has the highest stain resistance of any of the paint sheens mentioned! 

Exactly How to Paint a Room: What Paint Sheens to Use Where

Choosing (and mixing) the wrong paint sheens can ruin an entire space, but don’t worry; I’ve found the perfect formula to nail it every time. Unless we’re going for a color-drenched or high-gloss room, this is what I use for paint in every single home design I do, in every single room:

• For the Walls: Eggshell or Satin

An eggshell or satin paint is always a safe, middle-ground choice for walls. This paint sheen reflects the perfect amount of light, and like I said above, is very forgiving for applications and stains. 

• For the Ceiling: Flat

Using a flat paint sheen on the ceiling gives a calming, grounded look in a room. Your ceiling doesn’t need to reflect any light, but instead should feel like an anchor for your space. 

• For Trim and Doors: Semi-Gloss

Trim and doors should stand out just a bit more than your walls do, for a nice sense of balance and juxtaposition. A semi-gloss paint sheen looks fantastic against an eggshell or satin on your walls, and adds a feel of elegance to the room. 

• For Cabinets: Eggshell or Satin

The way that eggshell or satin paint finishes capture the light is so beautiful, and looks great in a kitchen. It makes your cabinets stand out and feel luxurious. I especially love a stain finish for cabinets painted in an accent color! 

My Go-To Paint Colors

As a bonus tip, I’ll give you some of my favorite, most-used Sherwin Williams paint colors for you to consider when you’re painting your rooms! These are some of my favorite neutrals plus some of my favorite accent colors, so there’s truly something here for everybody. 

1. Taupe of the Morning

2. Alabaster

3. Rosemary

4. At Ease Soldier

5. Tempe Star

Brittney Lane | East Texas Interior Designer

My simple tried-and-true method for painting walls has never let me down, so I hope you use it, too! While you’re here, be sure to check out some of my other posts that can help you paint your room. In this one, I talk about all of my go-to Sherwin Williams paint colors, and in this one, I go over the recent interior design trend that is color drenching (that follows totally different paint rules).

If you’re ready to book an interior designer who knows all the top tricks to make your home feel elegant and luxurious while still feeling like you, click here to book a consultation today.