Choosing a paint finish
If you’re trying to choose the right paint finish for your home — whether you’re refreshing a lounge, hallway or bedroom — it’s worth pausing to consider the sheen of your paint. The finish you pick plays just as much a role as the colour when it comes to the feel, wearability and longevity of a space. Here’s a clear guide to the most common interior paint finishes available in Australia, and how to decide between them.
Flat / Matte
What it is: Almost no shine at all. The lowest sheen level.
Best used in: Bedrooms, formal living rooms, ceilings, walls where the surface is imperfect or you want a soft subtle look.
Pros: Tends to hide wall imperfections because it doesn’t reflect light. A matte or flat finish is ideal when you want to help mask imperfections.
Cons: Because it has less binder and less gloss, it tends to be less washable and more easily marked — so less ideal for high-traffic areas, kids’ zones or spaces with the occasional scuff.
Low Sheen
What it is: A very soft, subtle shine. Just enough reflection to give a gentle glow without being obvious.
Best used in: Living rooms, hallways, moderate‐traffic areas in family homes. It’s a good compromise between aesthetics and durability.
Pros: Offers more washability than a purely matte finish, while still maintaining a subdued, modern vibe. Increased washability makes it a better choice for high traffic areas.
Cons: While more durable than matte, it’s not as robust as semi-gloss or gloss - so you wouldn’t use it in high touch zones like door frames. It also still doesn’t reflect as much light, so the subtle sheen means less brightness bounce.
Semi-Gloss
What it is: A moderate level of shine, between low sheen and full gloss. Sometimes labelled ‘satin’.
Best used in: Ideal for trims like doors, skirting boards and architraves.
Pros: Good durability, easier to wipe clean, catches more light so the space may feel brighter.
Cons: The higher shine means imperfections in the wall/undercoat layer will show more, so surface preparation becomes more important. Also, the finish can feel less relaxed, so it’s best to keep it to trims.
Gloss
What it is: High sheen, very reflective surface. Less used in Australia these days.
Best used in: Doors, cabinetry, trims, sometimes walls in high-traffic or wet zones if you really want a dramatic effect.
Pros: Excellent durability and cleanability, great for trims, skirtings, doors that get knocked or touched a lot.
Cons: The shine highlights every little bump, imperfection or roller mark. For large wall areas, a gloss finish may feel too formal or “commercial” for a relaxed home environment.
Checklist for Your Home
Low traffic, visually relaxed zones (bedrooms, ceilings) → matte/flat.
Everyday living zones (lounge, hallway) → low sheen for a smart balance.
Rooms with more wear or moisture (kitchen, bathroom, children’s rooms) → low sheen or semi-gloss .
High-contact areas (doors, trims, cabinetry) → semi gloss or gloss for maximum durability.
Always consider surface condition: if walls are older / have cracks / some texture, a lower-sheen finish may help hide minor flaws.
Think about light: higher sheen reflects light (and can make colours appear lighter) so test your colour in the real room in the real light before committing.
Don’t forget climate: living in a coastal area? Humidity, salty air and heat can all affect how finishes perform, so durability matters.
Choosing the right sheen finish will help ensure your paint job not only looks beautiful but also performs over time. If you’d like help matching a finish to a particular space in your home, please get in touch. Happy painting!