Eggshell, satin or gloss — choosing a sheen level
Sheen is a functional decision before it is an aesthetic one. It controls how washable a surface is, how much light bounces, and how visible every filled repair will be.
The trade-off in one line
Higher sheen means better washability and worse concealment. Every increase in gloss level makes wall imperfections more obvious under raking light.
Walls
Matt and vinyl matt suit ceilings and lower-traffic rooms. Durable matt and eggshell are the sensible choice for hallways, kitchens and anywhere that gets wiped down.
Trim and joinery
Satinwood is the current default for interior trim — enough sheen to clean, not so much that every filler mark shines. Full gloss reads traditional and is unforgiving of substrate flaws.
Commercial considerations
Scrubbable mid-sheen finishes in corridors, wards and classrooms survive cleaning regimes that would flatten a matt emulsion within a term.
Common questions
Which sheen hides imperfections best?
Matt, by a clear margin — it scatters light instead of reflecting it.
Is eggshell washable?
Yes, far more so than standard matt, which is why it suits kitchens and hallways.
Should skirtings be gloss or satin?
Satinwood is the common modern choice; gloss suits period schemes where a traditional look is wanted.
Can I mix sheens in one room?
Absolutely — matt ceiling, durable matt or eggshell walls and satinwood trim is a very standard combination.
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Next step
Ask for a sheen and colour specification alongside your quote.
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