Who this guide is for
- Homeowners choosing interior paint by room
- People comparing sheens and paint bases
- Anyone weighing washability and low-emission options
- Homeowners briefing a painter
Sheen and where it suits
Sheen runs from flat and matte to satin, semi-gloss and gloss, and it trades look against durability. Flatter finishes hide imperfections and feel soft; shinier finishes wipe cleaner and resist marks.
Match sheen to the room: matte for calm bedrooms, tougher sheens for kitchens, bathrooms and trim.
- Sheen trades look against durability
- Flat hides imperfections; gloss wipes cleaner
- Match sheen to each room
Paint bases and types
Paint comes in water-based and other formulations that differ in durability, drying and use. Modern water-based paints are common and convenient for most interior walls.
Specialist paints exist for particular jobs, so choose the type to suit the surface and conditions.
- Bases differ in durability and use
- Water-based paints suit most walls
- Specialist paints suit particular jobs
Washability and durability
High-touch and wet rooms need washable, durable paint that copes with cleaning and marks. Kitchens, bathrooms, hallways and children's rooms all benefit from tougher finishes.
Match washability to how hard the room's walls are used, since a tougher paint saves repainting.
- High-touch rooms need washable paint
- Kitchens, baths and hallways benefit
- Match washability to wall use
Low-emission and indoor air
Lower-emission paints reduce odours and emissions during and after painting, which matters in bedrooms, children's rooms and poorly ventilated spaces.
These options are worth considering where air quality and sensitivity matter; ventilate well whatever paint you use.
- Lower-emission paints reduce odours and emissions
- Matter in bedrooms and children's rooms
- Ventilate well whatever paint you use
Color, light and coordination
Color reads differently under different light and sheens, so test colors in the actual room before committing. Coordinate colors across rooms for flow.
Plan paint alongside the room's light and finishes so the result looks as intended, not just as it did on a chart.
- Color reads differently by light and sheen
- Test colors in the actual room
- Coordinate colors across rooms
Interior paint checklist
- 1Match sheen to each room's needs
- 2Use matte finishes for calm bedrooms
- 3Use tougher sheens in kitchens, baths and on trim
- 4Choose a paint base suited to the surface
- 5Use washable paint in high-touch and wet rooms
- 6Consider low-emission paint in bedrooms and kids' rooms
- 7Ventilate well whatever paint you use
- 8Test colors in the actual room and light
- 9Coordinate colors across rooms for flow
- 10Brief a painter on the chosen paints
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using flat paint in a kitchen or bathroom that needs washing
- Choosing high gloss where it highlights every wall flaw
- Picking color from a chart without testing it in the room
- Ignoring low-emission options in bedrooms and kids' rooms
- Using the wrong paint type for the surface or conditions
- Forgetting to ventilate while and after painting
When to involve a professional
- Use a qualified painter for a quality, durable finish
- For low-emission needs and ventilation, follow product guidance and ventilate well
- Treat any damp, mould or surface problems as work for a qualified trade
- Requirements vary by location and project, so confirm specifics for your home
Frequently asked questions
Questions readers ask about this topic
What paint sheen should I use in each room?
Sheen trades look against durability: flatter finishes hide imperfections and feel soft, while shinier finishes wipe cleaner and resist marks. Use matte in calm bedrooms and tougher sheens in kitchens, bathrooms, hallways and on trim. Match the sheen to each room's use.
What is washable paint and where do I need it?
Washable, durable paints cope with cleaning and marks, which high-touch and wet rooms need. Kitchens, bathrooms, hallways and children's rooms all benefit from tougher finishes. Matching washability to how hard the walls are used saves repainting over time.
Are low-emission paints worth it?
Lower-emission paints reduce odours and emissions during and after painting, which matters in bedrooms, children's rooms and poorly ventilated spaces where air quality and sensitivity are concerns. They are worth considering there, and you should ventilate well whatever paint you use.
Why does paint color look different on the wall?
Color reads differently under different light and at different sheens, so a shade can look quite unlike its chart sample once on the wall. Test colors in the actual room and light before committing, and coordinate colors across rooms so the home flows.
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