Matte vs. Eggshell vs. Low Sheen Paint: How to Choose the Best Finish for Your Walls

Understanding paint sheens

You have picked your colors, and now you have to choose a sheen. It is confusing, and it can make or break the look, feel and function of a room. Each sheen has its own benefits, which suit it to different areas of a home or business.

Matte

Not a true flat. A very low reflective finish with a soft, velvety look. Best for low traffic areas like bedrooms, ceilings and formal dining rooms.

• Hides wall imperfections well
• Creates a modern, sophisticated look
• Less durable and harder to clean than other finishes

Low sheen

A subtle shine, more reflective than matte but less than eggshell. Best for moderate traffic areas like family rooms, hallways and offices.

• Easier to clean than matte
• A slight glow without being glossy
• Can show surface imperfections more than matte

Eggshell

A soft luster, like the surface of an eggshell. Best for high traffic areas such as kitchens, bathrooms and living rooms. Probably the most popular sheen we use.

• Highly durable and washable
• A balance between shine and subtlety
• Slightly more expensive than matte or low sheen

Where to use each sheen

Where to use each one depends on what you like more than anything else. Here is a quick reference for where each is most common.

• Matte: walls without much wear, such as bedrooms or ceilings.
• Low sheen: walls that need durability without a glossy look, such as hallways or offices.
• Eggshell: busy areas like kitchens, bathrooms, hallways and playrooms that get cleaned often.

Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore compared

Brand matters. Both offer high quality matte, low sheen and eggshell options.

Sherwin-Williams Duration is a powerhouse of washability, known for durability and stain resistance, and Duration Home eggshell is especially praised. Benjamin Moore Aura is a great washable high traffic paint, and Aura Matte gives great coverage and washability for a matte. Regal Select eggshell is also used for high traffic areas, with excellent stain resistance.

Both brands cover well, but Aura is often praised for needing fewer coats, which saves time and money. It is also more expensive. The other one we like is Emerald, which is also more expensive.

Tips for choosing the right sheen

Three things decide it.

• Traffic. Higher traffic areas do better with durable finishes like eggshell or satin. Low traffic spaces can use matte for a soft look.
• Lighting. Matte absorbs light, which suits brightly lit rooms. Eggshell and low sheen reflect more light, which helps dimmer spaces.
• Test first. Both Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore sell sample cans so you can test the finish in your space.

Questions about matte, low sheen and eggshell

What is the best paint sheen for walls? It depends on the room. Matte is great for low traffic areas, while eggshell or low sheen works well where you need durability.

Can I clean matte paint? Matte is harder to clean, but it can handle gentle wiping in a high quality line like Benjamin Moore Aura Matte.

Is eggshell better than low sheen? Eggshell is more durable and washable, so it is better for high traffic areas. Low sheen gives a subtle finish for moderate traffic.

Which paint brands are best for durability? Sherwin-Williams Duration Home and Benjamin Moore Aura are top choices for durability and washability.