What sheen should I use on interior walls?
Short answer
Eggshell is the best all-around sheen for interior walls. It hides minor flaws and still wipes clean. Use matte for bedrooms, living rooms and imperfect plaster, and step up to satin for kitchens, bathrooms, hallways and kids' rooms that need scrubbing.Room by room
- Bedrooms, dining, living: matte or eggshell
- Hallways, stairways, mudrooms: eggshell or satin
- Kitchens and baths: satin
- Old plaster or wavy walls: matte or flat to hide texture
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Open Color StudioUpdated September 2026. Always follow the directions on your product's label; manufacturer instructions come first.