Hi Interior’s Enthusiast,

Happy Satur§day! How has your week been? Mine has been absolutely manic! There have been a couple of unexpected changes thrown at me this week on site which has meant I’ve been in turbo mode to keep everyone happy and ensure certain products are on site in good time for builders to use. It’s been a busy one!

One of the most asked questions in my recent Instagram Q&A was around paint finishes and how convoluted it seems when shopping for your perfect paint colour. This guide should help so save it for future reference.

The Ultimate Guide to Paint Finishes

Choosing the right paint finish is as important as picking the perfect colour. Paint finishes impact the durability, practicality, and overall look of your walls, furniture, and trims. Here’s a breakdown of paint finishes from some of the top UK brands so you can make the best choice for your home.

Why Paint Finishes Matter

The finish of your paint determines its sheen, durability, and suitability for specific areas of your home. From matt for a contemporary feel to gloss for a sleek and classic look, the right finish will enhance your colour choice and stand up to the demands of your space.

Common Paint Finishes and Their Uses

1. Matt

   • Sheen Level: Flat and non-reflective.

   • Best For: Walls and ceilings in low-traffic areas.

   • Why Choose It: Provides a velvety, sophisticated look that masks imperfections.

2. Eggshell

   • Sheen Level: Slightly reflective with a soft glow.

   • Best For: Kitchens, bathrooms, and furniture and any walls near children or wet areas that have plenty of ventilation.

   • Why Choose It: Durable and easy to clean.

3. Satin

   • Sheen Level: Mid-level sheen with a smooth finish.

   • Best For: Woodwork, trims, and walls in medium-traffic areas.

   • Why Choose It: Combines subtle shine with good durability.

4. Gloss

   • Sheen Level: High-shine and reflective.

   • Best For: Doors, skirting boards, and trims.

   • Why Choose It: Adds drama and is highly durable.

How to Use Different Finishes

• Walls: Opt for matt or eggshell for a classic look, or silk for high-traffic, wipeable walls.

• Ceilings: Stick with matt if you want to avoid glare, eggshell or satin to reflect light in darker rooms.

• Woodwork: Satin or gloss works well for trims and doors to provide contrast and durability.

• Furniture: Eggshell or satin brings out detail while standing up to wear and tear.

Paint Finishes by Brand

This is of course not an exhaustive list but they’re brands I find myself coming back to time and again.

Edward Bulmer

• Known for eco-friendly, natural paints. Excellent for listed builders and houses of historic construction, very breathable.

• Popular Finishes: Matt Emulsion (walls and ceilings), Eggshell (woodwork).

Lick

• Modern, user-friendly paints.

• Peel & stick samples

• Popular Finishes: Matt (walls), Satinwood (trim), and Eggshell (furniture).

Coat

• Sustainable, designer-quality paints delivered directly.

• Peel & stick samples

• Popular Finishes: Flat Matt (minimalist walls), Soft Sheen (high-traffic areas), and Eggshell (woodwork). Their ‘Floorpaint’ finish claims to be able to paint UPVC which I’m yet to try but it could be a game changer!

Farrow & Ball

• Renowned for rich pigments and heritage colours.

• Popular Finishes: Estate Emulsion (matt), Modern Eggshell (durable), and Full Gloss (high-shine).

Little Greene

• Luxurious, environmentally conscious paints with a vast colour range.

• Popular Finishes: Absolute Matt (walls), Intelligent Satinwood (woodwork), and Tom’s Oil Eggshell (durable wood finishes).

Tips for Choosing the Right Finish

1. Consider Room Functionality: High-traffic areas benefit from durable finishes like satin or silk, while decorative spaces shine with matt.

2. Play with Texture: Contrast finishes to add interest—gloss trims against matt walls can elevate your space.

3. Test Before You Commit: Remember most samples are off the matt finish, be mindful of that when testing.

Whether you're revamping your living room or refreshing your bathroom, the right paint finish can make all the difference. Explore the offerings from Edward Bulmer, Lick, Coat, Farrow & Ball, and Little Greene to find the perfect combination for your home.

Happy painting!

If you are struggling with choosing colour, remember this video?