“The right colour in the wrong finish... is the wrong colour.

Shine changes everything.”

1. Finish controls how the colour actually looks

You can pick the most gorgeous colour in the world... and the wrong finish will completely ruin it.
Too much sheen? The sheen will be the first thing you see, not the gorgeous colour that you worked so hard on to get just right. Suddenly your beautiful deep green looks patchy, plastic, and uneven.

“The sheen will
be the first thing
you see”

2. Finish affects every flaw—good or VERY bad

Shiny finishes highlight every roller mark, every repair, every drywall bump, and every tiny imperfection.
Flat finishes hide them and smooth the whole space visually.

Here is a side by side example...

3. Finish changes the mood more dramatically than colour

A rich navy in matte feels luxurious and calm. The same navy in semi-gloss feels unfinished, plastic, or accidental.
Finish sets the atmosphere:

Matte = soft, high-end, architectural
Eggshell/Satin = approachable, family-friendly
Semi-gloss/Gloss = bold, dramatic, or... unintentionally shiny
Colour sets the vibe.
Finish sets the emotion.

4. Finish determines how “expensive” the colour looks

Designer secret: flat finishes always look more luxurious.

High sheen often reads as builder-grade or amateur unless done strategically.

Your walls are either giving:
“Custom design”
or
“Why is it so shiny?”

5. It Influences Perceived Quality

High-end homes almost never use shiny walls.
**Flat or matte walls** = custom, luxury, soft-focus look.
**Shiny walls** = instantly read as builder-basic or improperly painted.
**See below:**
How to buy matte or no shine paint guide..

Poorly painted and the shine further ruins the end result.

Designer notes:

Although I’m a firm believer in a little shine and durability, I understand some places just need to have shine, or, some people just prefer a bit of shine.

Read on...

You should be aware that there is matte or flat paint in the market that’s equally as scrubbable - as say, an eggshell or satin finish.

There is a style movement or trend right now that has walls in a flat or matte.
If you're aiming to paint a space or even just one wall with this trend, my aim is to save you time and money from making the “shiny paint mistake”.

My best advise:

If you have the means to having perfect walls, by way of contractor, financially and resources- then, having a little shine on a perfect wall is perfectly fine! If not, be fully aware of the finish, be fully aware of your strategy.

More paint finishes info below!

How to Buy Matte or No-Shine Paint Finishes at Your Local Paint Store

When you’re at the paint store, don’t just ask for a colour—ask for the right finish. If you want that soft, high-end, no-glare designer look, you’re looking for matte, flat, or ultra-matte finishes. These are the lowest-sheen options and will give your walls that velvety, modern, no-shine appearance you see in professionally styled homes.

**Most brands label them clearly, but they’re not all the same.**
**Flat** = no shine at all, great for bedrooms and living rooms.
**Matte** = still very low sheen, but a touch more durable.
**Ultra/Dead Flat** = the most luxurious, soft-focus look. I like to describe this one as a concrete finish.

When in doubt, ask the staff:

“I’m looking for the lowest-sheen wall finish you carry—no shine, concrete finish, designer-style.”

They’ll point you to the right product line, and you’ll walk out with paint that makes your colour look its absolute best. If you show them a photo, even better!

Now that you know how finishes affect the look of your walls, the next step is choosing colours that actually complement your space. If that part feels overwhelming, I created a simple mini-course called How to Choose Paint Colours Like a Pro—perfect for making colour choices clear and stress-free.
Take a look here.

Mini Course

Bonus!

The Designer’s Guide to When Shine Is the Smarter Choice

1. High-Traffic, High-Touch Areas That Need Constant Cleaning

If sticky fingers, pets, or everyday smudges are a guarantee, a bit of sheen is your friend.

**Mudrooms**
**Hallways**
**Staircase walls**
**Kids’ rooms**

Shinier finishes like eggshell or satin allow you to wipe without leaving dull “cleaning patches”.

2. Kitchens and Bathrooms

(the Real Ones, Not the Pinterest Ones)
Steam, splashes, and cooking residue happen.
**Designer tip:** Be aware that super shiny finishes are high maintenance, every finger print will show!
However, a
high-shine finish can handle moisture better and prevents stains from setting.

-Backsplash areas
-Toilet/water zones
-Behind the sink
-Even designers reach for satin here for durability.

3. Commercial or Rental Properties

When spaces need longevity over perfection, sheen wins.
Rental units
Offices
Lobbies
The priority is washability, not light diffusion.

4. When the Walls Are Actually Perfect

If the drywall is museum-grade smooth (rare, but magical), a slightly shiny finish can look luxurious.

Ultra-smooth feature walls
New builds with flawless mudding
Satin or semi-gloss can create a sleek, modern, gallery-like feel... if there are no imperfections.

**High gloss Finish**
Shinier finishes intentionally draw the eye.
Trim
Baseboards
Crown moulding
Wainscoting
Interior doors

**Gloss here creates contrast against matte walls and makes details feel crisp and intentional.**

5. When Using Specialty Paints

Certain specialty finishes are meant to be shiny:

Metallic paints
Venetian plasters
High-gloss lacquers

They’re all about depth, richness, and reflection.

I hope this course gave you some learning experience and clarity. I hope it will save you some time and money.

Good luck in all your decor projects!

Photo credits: Pinterest

Lucy Rodrigues

Interested in a design consultation?

Send me a note here.

Paint Finishes