Sheen Paint For Bedrooms: Choosing The Right Sheen

Painting your bedroom is an exciting project as it is so personal and can really bring out your style and personality. But choosing the perfect paint colour is not the only decision you have to make. You also have to decide on the paint finish, or sheen, which will affect how reflective, durable, and easy to clean the paint is.

The paint sheen refers to the gloss level of the paint. In general, higher gloss levels translate to a shinier appearance. You can also think of paint sheen as the amount of light reflection in the paint.

There are six different types of paint sheen: flat, matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss. Flat and matte have little to no sheen and hide many surface imperfections. Eggshell has a lower sheen and is easy to wipe clean. Satin is more glossy and durable, and very easy to clean. Semi-gloss has a high sheen and holds up to wear and tear well. High-gloss has a very high sheen, is easy to clean, and has a high resistance to dirt, stains, mould, and mildew.

Flat/Matte sheen for a non-reflective finish

Flat/Matte sheen paint has a non-reflective finish, making it ideal for creating a soft and calming atmosphere in your bedroom. It is perfect for low-traffic areas as it can be challenging to clean and more prone to showing marks and stains. However, it is excellent at hiding imperfections on walls and ceilings, giving the walls a smooth appearance. Flat/Matte sheen paint is a good choice if you want a muted and elegant look and don't mind occasional touch-ups.

Flat paint is the best option for bedrooms if you want to block out excess light and create a cosy space. It is also the best choice if you want to sleep in past sunrise without being disturbed by glare from your walls. Flat paint is rougher and more porous than other options, making it harder to clean and more likely to show wear and tear. For this reason, it is recommended for low-traffic areas such as ceilings and interior walls.

Matte paint is slightly more reflective than flat paint, giving your walls a subtle glow without creating reflections. It is also more durable and less porous than flat paint, making it slightly easier to clean. Matte sheen paint is a good option for low to moderate-traffic areas such as bedrooms and interior walls. It is also suitable for family rooms, living rooms, kids' rooms, and bathrooms.

Both Flat/Matte and Matte sheen paints are ideal for creating a calming and elegant atmosphere in your bedroom. They are perfect for those who want a muted and cosy space without too much glare from the walls. However, keep in mind that these options may require more maintenance due to their lower durability and cleanliness compared to other sheen finishes.

Eggshell sheen for a soft, velvety look

Eggshell paint is a great option for a soft, velvety look in your bedroom. It has a low sheen and is easy to wipe clean. It is a good choice for moderate-traffic areas such as living rooms and bedrooms.

Eggshell paint reflects more light than matte paint, giving the room a soft glow. It has a slight gloss, making it easier to maintain than matte or flat paint. It is also a good choice if your walls have bumps or imperfections, as an extra coat of eggshell can disguise them more easily than a satin or high-gloss finish.

The glossier the paint, the more it shows imperfections. Eggshell is a great compromise as it doesn't highlight imperfections like high-gloss paint, but is easier to maintain than matte paint. It also conceals surface flaws well, as the lower reflectivity dulls the appearance of any damages, making the surface look even and flawless.

Eggshell paint is also a good option if you are looking for a low-lustre finish with a very subtle sheen. Despite its flatter qualities, it will still reflect and bounce light throughout the room, creating depth without appearing overly shiny.

Eggshell paint is also a good choice if you are looking for a durable finish. While it is less lustrous than satin, it is still slightly more durable than flat or matte finishes. It is a great option for walls in medium- to low-traffic areas and can be easily cleaned.

Satin sheen for a pearl-like finish

When it comes to choosing a paint sheen for your bedroom, it's important to consider the level of light reflection, durability, and maintenance you desire. Paint sheen, also known as paint finish, impacts how colour appears on your walls, depending on its light reflection properties.

A satin sheen falls in the middle of the sheen spectrum and offers a beautiful, subtle, pearl-like finish. It is perfect for those who want a bit more shine than what an eggshell sheen offers but don't want to go as glossy as a semi-gloss. Satin paint provides better stain resistance and durability than lower sheens, making it an excellent choice for areas that crave definition.

In terms of application, satin paint is ideal for highlighting specific features in your bedroom, such as windows, shutters, trim, and interior doors. It can also be used to accentuate architectural details like beveling and panelling on bedroom doors. Its distinctive lustre will make these elements stand out and give them a rich, lustrous look.

When selecting a satin sheen, it's important to follow the manufacturer's application tips carefully. Paint with a pearl sheen is more prone to showing lap marks and other painting flaws, so a careful and precise painting technique is essential.

Compared to other sheens, satin paint is a versatile option that can be used in various areas of the home, including family rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, and even cabinets. It is easy to clean and can withstand moderate to high traffic, making it a practical choice for bedrooms that experience regular use.

Overall, if you're looking for a paint finish that strikes a balance between shine and subtlety, satin sheen is an excellent choice. It will add a touch of elegance to your bedroom while also being durable and low-maintenance.

Semi-gloss sheen for a sleek, radiant look

A semi-gloss sheen is a great option for a sleek and radiant look in your bedroom. It has a shiny, reflective appearance and is perfect for creating a stylish and modern ambiance. This sheen is ideal for those who want their bedroom to stand out and exude a unique charm.

Semi-gloss paint is a good choice for bedrooms as it is highly durable and can withstand wear and tear. It is also easy to clean and can be effortlessly wiped down, making it a practical option for busy individuals or families with children. This paint finish is a good choice for high-traffic areas and can be used to create a cohesive look throughout the home, especially if you opt for a similar colour palette.

When applying semi-gloss paint, it is recommended to use multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat to achieve a smooth and flawless finish. This technique ensures an even and sleek appearance, enhancing the radiant look you desire.

While semi-gloss paint can make a bold statement, it is important to consider the lighting in your bedroom. This sheen reflects light, so pairing it with natural light or strategic artificial lighting can create a bright and airy atmosphere. If you prefer a more subdued or intimate setting, you may want to opt for a lower sheen finish, such as flat or matte, which absorbs light rather than reflects it.

Additionally, semi-gloss paint tends to highlight imperfections on walls or ceilings, so thorough preparation is crucial. Ensure the surface is smooth and free of any blemishes or debris before painting to achieve the best results.

Overall, a semi-gloss sheen is a fantastic choice for those seeking a sleek and radiant bedroom. It offers durability, ease of maintenance, and a stylish shine that will elevate your space.

High-gloss sheen for a shiny, glass-like finish

High-gloss sheen paint has a brilliant, shiny appearance and a glass-like finish. It is ideal for high-use surfaces and high-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens. High-gloss paint is also easy to clean and can be wiped down. It is also suitable for high-traffic areas where scuffs can happen on walls.

High-gloss paint is a great option if you want to create a dramatic, light-reflecting look in your bedroom. It will give your space a glamorous and sophisticated feel. However, it's important to note that high-gloss paint is not a good choice if you're looking to hide imperfections on your walls as its high sheen will highlight any bumps or unevenness.

If you decide to go with a high-gloss sheen for your bedroom, it's crucial to properly prepare the surface before painting. This includes multiple layers of skim coating, sanding, priming, and painting. It's a time-consuming process, so you may want to consider hiring professionals to ensure a smooth and flawless finish.

Keep in mind that touch-ups can be challenging with high-gloss paint. If there is significant damage to the painted surface, you will likely need to re-prepare and repaint the entire area to maintain a consistent finish.

Overall, high-gloss sheen paint can be a stunning choice for a bedroom, adding a unique and elegant touch to your space. With the right preparation and maintenance, you can achieve a beautiful, glass-like finish that will be the focal point of your bedroom.

Frequently asked questions