Matt vs Silk vs Eggshell Paint: Which Finish to Choose
A plain-English comparison of matt, silk, eggshell, satin and gloss finishes, with advice on which rooms and surfaces suit each and how sheen affects wear and flaws.
The finish of a paint, often called its sheen, affects how it looks, how easy it is to clean and how it shows imperfections. Choosing the right one is just as important as choosing a colour.
The sheen scale
From least to most shiny, finishes commonly include:
- Flat matt or ultra-matt. No sheen, very soft appearance.
- Matt. Slightly more resilient, still low reflection.
- Soft sheen or silk. A gentle shine, typically used on walls.
- Eggshell. Low sheen, designed mainly for woodwork and sometimes walls.
- Satin. A mid sheen, more durable on woodwork.
- Gloss. High shine, hard-wearing, shows every flaw.
Names vary between manufacturers, so look at descriptions on the tin and, if possible, test samples.
Matt
Pros
- Hides minor wall imperfections and uneven plaster
- Gives a calm, modern, velvety look
- Easy to touch up
Cons
- Can mark more easily
- Less wipeable, though some modern formulations are durable
- Not ideal in high-moisture rooms unless specifically formulated
Best for
Ceilings, living rooms, bedrooms and adult spaces with low traffic.
Silk
Pros
- Wipes down more easily than matt
- Reflects a little light, making rooms feel brighter
- Reasonable durability
Cons
- Highlights bumps and uneven surfaces
- Roller marks and patchy application can show
Best for
Kitchens, bathrooms, family rooms and hallways where marks are common, provided the walls are in good condition. See paint for kitchens and for bathrooms.
Eggshell
Pros
- Soft, low sheen with more durability than matt emulsion
- Suitable for woodwork and walls
- Gives a refined finish
Cons
- Takes longer to dry and recoat than water-based matt
- May need more careful application to avoid lap marks
Best for
Skirting boards, doors, panelling, furniture and walls in busy rooms.
Satin and gloss
Satin is a very popular woodwork finish because it is tougher than eggshell and less glaring than gloss. Gloss is durable and easy to clean, but the high shine exaggerates dents and brush marks, so surfaces must be well prepared. See finishes for skirting boards and doors.
How surfaces and light interact
| Situation | Suggested sheen |
|---|---|
| Uneven or old plaster | Matt |
| North-facing room needing brightness | Matt or soft sheen, tested carefully |
| Children's room, scuff risk | Washable matt or silk |
| Ceilings | Matt |
| Woodwork | Eggshell, satin or gloss |
| Damp-prone rooms | Moisture-resistant formulations |
Light matters. A shiny finish on a wall opposite a window reflects glare and highlights flaws.
Practical tips
- Always test a sample on the wall and view it in daylight and evening light.
- Match the sheen to the condition of the surface, not just your preferred look.
- Use the same finish for the whole wall to avoid patchiness.
- For touch-ups, keep a labelled tin of leftover paint.
- Tell your decorator what finish you want, or ask for a recommendation. See how to brief a decorator.
Quick room-by-room guide
| Room | Walls | Ceiling | Woodwork |
|---|---|---|---|
| Living room | Matt or washable matt | Matt | Satin or eggshell |
| Bedroom | Matt | Matt | Satin or eggshell |
| Child's bedroom | Washable matt or soft sheen | Matt | Satin |
| Hallway and stairs | Washable matt or silk | Matt | Satin or gloss |
| Kitchen | Washable matt or silk, moisture-resistant | Matt, moisture-resistant | Satin |
| Bathroom | Moisture-resistant matt or soft sheen | Moisture-resistant | Satin |
These are common starting points, not rules. Surface condition and light levels can change the answer.
Sheen and wall condition
A smoother, shinier finish reflects more light and shows more flaws. If walls have been patched, skimmed unevenly or show lining marks, a flatter matt is more forgiving. If walls are in excellent condition and you want something easy to wipe, a soft sheen may be worth trying. The practical test is to look along the wall in raking light and notice how many bumps you see.
Washability: what to look for
Most manufacturers give a scrub resistance class or describe the paint as washable or scrubbable. Higher scrub resistance generally means it can be cleaned repeatedly without burnishing or wearing through. Even durable matt paints can polish if rubbed hard, so use a soft cloth and warm water first.
Mixing finishes
Using matt on walls and a soft sheen or satin on woodwork is traditional and works well. Be cautious about shiny finishes on large wall areas, and avoid very different sheens that sit side by side on the same surface. Changing between rooms is fine.
Common mistakes
- Picking a silk for a wall that is uneven, then seeing every ripple.
- Using matt on a hallway wall with heavy traffic and no protection.
- Using gloss on an old door without enough preparation.
- Mixing batches of different sheen for touch-ups.
Choosing with a decorator
Describe how each room is used, who lives there and how often it is cleaned. A decorator can then suggest sheens and products that fit, and you can compare their suggestions across quotes. Agree the finish in writing before the first day.
Frequently asked questions
Is matt or silk better for a bedroom?
Matt is popular because it looks calm and hides flaws. Silk is easier to wipe but shows imperfections. A washable matt is a good compromise.
Can I mix finishes in one room?
Yes. Matt walls with satin woodwork is a classic combination. Avoid changing finishes mid-wall.
Does a higher sheen always mean more durable?
Often, but not always. Modern formulations vary. Check the manufacturer's information on washability and scrub resistance.
Which finish is best for a ceiling?
Matt is usual because it hides imperfections and avoids glare from light fittings. In a kitchen or bathroom, a moisture-resistant matt is more suitable.