Matt, satin, gloss by room

A paint finish determines two things: resistance to water and abrasion, and the way the colour responds to light.

Four main finishes, from least to most glossy: matt, eggshell (or silk), satin, gloss. The glossier the finish, the more it reflects light, the more it resists water and washing, and the more it reveals imperfections in the surface.

The professional rule is mechanical. The more humid or high-traffic the room, the glossier the finish must be. The drier and more restful the room, the more the finish can be matt.

Matt. Reserve for ceilings (universally) and rooms where traffic is low and walls are rarely touched. Adult bedroom, calm living room. Advantages: absorbs light, hides surface imperfections, gives unmatched depth to dark shades. Major drawback: not very washable, marks quickly. For a modern matt, opt for recent "washable matt" ranges (Farrow & Ball Modern Emulsion, similar ranges from Little Greene), which combine the aesthetic of matt with the resistance of eggshell.

Eggshell (silk). The most versatile compromise. Slightly satin, slightly absorbent. Suits all living spaces, living room, lounge, children's bedroom. Washable. This is what you would recommend by default if you had to choose a single finish for the whole house.

Satin. For hallways, staircases, kitchens (except splashback), bathrooms. Resists humidity, washable, slightly reflective. Drawback: reveals wall imperfections. Careful surface preparation is essential.

Gloss. Reserve for joinery (doors, skirting boards, architraves), fitted furniture and very humid rooms such as showers. Lacquered effect, highly reflective, very resistant. It will show every imperfection, so a perfect surface is non-negotiable.

Farrow & Ball offers five finishes, and most interior designers swear by their Estate Emulsion (deep matt) for prestige rooms, despite its fragility. The implicit rule: the result takes precedence over convenience.

Joseph Dirand uses gloss heavily on joinery, skirting boards and architraves, in contrast with matt walls. Very contemporary Haussmann effect, which draws the architectural lines of the room.

A trick often used by interior designers in windowless rooms (hallways, dressing rooms, WCs): paint satin bright on the walls. The reflections multiply the artificial light and give an impression of space.