Recommended paint sheen by room & surface
Typical published planning values — NOT a certified spec or professional advice. Coverage and coats vary by product, surface, texture and color; confirm on the paint can’s stated spread rate and the manufacturer’s data. Surface prep, moisture/adhesion and pre-1978 lead paint are a pro’s call — follow the EPA RRP rule and hire a certified firm; lead-paint abatement, structural repairs and code certification are not engineered here.
Sheen (the amount of shine) trades washability for how much it shows wall flaws. These are the labeled recommendations — flat/matte for ceilings and low-traffic walls, eggshell/satin for most walls, satin/semi-gloss for kitchens, baths, trim & doors, gloss for accents — a planning guide; the product line’s own sheen names win. Use them with the sheen & finish selector and the paint-type-by-surface reference.
| Room / surface | Recommended sheen | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Ceiling | Flat / matte | Hides imperfections; no glare |
| Low-traffic wall (bedroom/dining) | Flat / matte or eggshell | Soft look; less scrubbable |
| Most walls (living areas/hallways) | Eggshell / satin | Washable, low sheen — the everyday default |
| Kitchen & bath walls | Satin / semi-gloss | Moisture & scrub resistant |
| Trim, baseboard & doors | Satin / semi-gloss | Durable, wipeable, crisp lines |
| Accent / feature | Gloss | High shine — shows every flaw |
labeled planning guide — the product line’s own sheen names and specs win. Higher sheen is more washable and more shiny, but it shows wall flaws.