Choosing the right paint finish isn’t just about looks — it’s about how your walls will feel to the touch, how well they’ll hold up to everyday wear, and how easy they’ll be to clean. At Parfitt Painting Services, we’ve helped homeowners and landlords across Manchester make smart decorating decisions based on both style and practicality. One of the most important - and often overlooked - factors is the finish.
Here’s your full guide to choosing the right paint finish for each room in your home.
What Is a Paint Finish?
A paint finish refers to how shiny or matte the painted surface will appear once it’s dry. It also influences:
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How light reflects in the room
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How easy the surface is to clean
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How much surface texture or imperfections will show through
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The general “feel” of the space — formal, relaxed, modern, or traditional
Common Paint Finishes Explained
Each type of finish has its own purpose. Here are the most common finishes used in UK homes:
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Matt (or Flat): Non-reflective, velvety appearance. Great for hiding surface imperfections. Creates a soft, contemporary look.
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Eggshell: Slight sheen. More durable than matt, but still subtle. A great all-rounder for living areas.
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Satin (or Soft Sheen): Smooth finish with a gentle shine. Easier to clean and more resistant to scuffs and moisture. Ideal for high-traffic areas.
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Semi-gloss: Noticeably shiny. Very durable and wipeable, often used in kitchens, bathrooms, and on woodwork.
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Gloss: Highly reflective and durable. Best for doors, trims, skirting boards, and other wood surfaces where you want a crisp, bold finish.
Best Finish for Each Room
Let’s break it down room by room:
Living Rooms & Bedrooms
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Recommended finishes: Matt or eggshell
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Why: These spaces typically don’t deal with moisture or heavy mess, so a low-sheen finish offers a modern, soft appearance and hides minor wall flaws. Eggshell adds just enough durability if kids or pets are in the mix.
Hallways & Staircases
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Recommended finishes: Satin or eggshell
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Why: These are high-traffic zones, especially in family homes or shared rentals. Satin is ideal because it’s tough and wipeable without being too shiny.
Kitchens
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Recommended finishes: Satin or semi-gloss
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Why: Kitchens face steam, splashes, and grease. A wipeable finish like semi-gloss resists stains and stands up to frequent cleaning. Just make sure your walls are properly prepared — shiny finishes highlight every imperfection.
Bathrooms
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Recommended finishes: Semi-gloss or specialist moisture-resistant paints
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Why: Like kitchens, bathrooms need moisture resistance. Avoid matt finishes unless you’re using a specially formulated bathroom paint.
Children’s Rooms & Playrooms
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Recommended finishes: Satin or eggshell
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Why: Durable, easy to clean, and not overly reflective. Some brands also offer scrubbable matt emulsions designed specifically for family homes.
Doors, Skirting, and Woodwork
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Recommended finishes: Gloss or semi-gloss
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Why: Gloss is traditional, hard-wearing, and creates contrast against matt walls. For a more modern look, semi-gloss gives a smoother, less reflective effect while still protecting the surface.
Tips for Making the Right Choice
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Test the finish in your own lighting.
Use sample pots and apply in different areas of the room — light can drastically change how a finish looks. -
Don’t put gloss on imperfect walls.
Gloss and semi-gloss finishes highlight every dent or uneven patch. If your walls aren’t smooth, opt for matt or eggshell. -
Use contrast creatively.
Try a matt wall with satin woodwork or a feature wall in soft sheen to create depth and interest. -
Consider lifestyle, not just looks.
Have kids? Pets? Lots of guests? Choose finishes that clean easily and won’t scuff when someone brushes past. -
Ask about paint brands.
Not all “matt” or “satin” finishes are equal. At Parfitt Painting Services, we only use high-quality products we trust for their finish and durability.
Real-World Example
We recently helped a client in Didsbury redecorate a period property. We used matt emulsion for the main walls in the lounge to give it a soft, calming effect and applied satin to the original skirting boards and fireplace surround. The result was a clean, modern feel that kept the character of the home — and the satin trim gave just enough contrast to pop without overwhelming the space.
Need Help Choosing the Right Finish?
Every home is different — and so are your needs. Whether you’re decorating a rental flat or your forever home, we’ll help you choose the right paint finish for every space.
👉 Contact Parfitt Painting Services today for a free, no-obligation quote.
Let’s get your home looking its best — with the right finish, done properly.
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