Your living room deserves the perfect paint finish. While colour gets most of the attention, choosing the right sheen is equally important for both appearance and practicality. Here's how to make the best choice for your space.
Understanding Paint Sheens
Paint sheen refers to how much light a surface reflects. For living rooms, two options stand out:
Flat/Matte: No shine, hides imperfections beautifully, sophisticated appearance Eggshell: Subtle lustre, good durability, elegant look
Key Factors to Consider
Lighting
Rooms with lots of natural light can handle eggshell sheen, which adds subtle depth. Limited light spaces can benefit from eggshell's gentle reflectivity to brighten the room, or flat for a cozy atmosphere.
Traffic and Usage
Formal sitting rooms can use elegant flat finishes, while family rooms with kids and pets benefit from the washability of eggshell. Consider furniture moving, daily wear, and cleaning needs when deciding.
Wall Condition
Imperfect walls look better with flat paint that won't highlight flaws. Smooth, well-prepared walls can showcase eggshell's subtle lustre beautifully.
Choosing Between Flat and Eggshell
Eggshell: The Versatile Choice
Perfect for most living rooms, eggshell balances elegance with practicality. It's more washable than flat while still forgiving of minor wall imperfections. The subtle sheen adds warmth and depth, making it excellent for showcasing artwork and furniture.
Flat: The Sophisticated Option
Creates an upscale, cozy atmosphere perfect for formal spaces. Best for hiding wall imperfections and achieving rich, true colours. The completely matte finish provides an elegant backdrop but requires gentler cleaning methods.
Making Your Decision
Most homeowners find eggshell offers the best balance of beauty and functionality for living room walls. Choose flat if you prioritize sophisticated appearance and have lower traffic, or eggshell if you need moderate washability while maintaining elegance.
Before committing, buy sample sizes in your chosen color in both flat and eggshell. Paint large test patches and observe them throughout the day under different lighting conditions.
The right paint sheen enhances your living room's best features while meeting your lifestyle needs. Consider your room's lighting, traffic, and wall condition to make the choice that will keep your living room looking beautiful for years to come.