How to Choose the Right Finish for Every Room in Your Edmonton Home
Home Owners’ Guides On Painting During Winter
Choosing The Right Paint
When it comes to painting your home, selecting the right color is just the first step. One of the most overlooked aspects of painting is choosing the correct finish for each room. The finish you pick not only affects how the paint looks but also how it performs over time, especially in a city like Edmonton, where temperature and humidity changes can impact your walls. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best finishes for every space in your Edmonton home—backed by research and expert advice.
1. Living Room: Go for an Elegant Matte or Eggshell Finish
The living room is often the most used space in your home, where you entertain guests and spend time with family. For these reasons, you want a finish that provides both elegance and durability.
Best Finish: Matte or Eggshell
A matte finish provides a non-reflective, soft look that hides imperfections. It’s perfect for homes with older walls or minor blemishes, as matte finishes absorb light rather than reflect it. Alternatively, an eggshell finish offers a slight sheen, giving the room a sophisticated feel while still being easy to clean—ideal for families with kids or pets.
Proof:
A 2020 report by Consumer Reports found that eggshell and matte finishes are the top choices for living rooms because they strike the perfect balance between aesthetic appeal and maintenance ease.
2. Kitchen: Opt for Satin or Semi-Gloss for a Durable and Easy-to-Clean Surface
The kitchen is a high-traffic area that’s exposed to grease, moisture, and splatters, so you need a finish that’s easy to clean without sacrificing style.
Best Finish: Satin or Semi-Gloss
Satin finishes provide a smooth, velvety texture that’s durable enough to withstand frequent cleaning. If you want something even more resilient, go with semi-gloss, which is slightly more reflective and even easier to wipe down. Both finishes are resistant to moisture, making them ideal for kitchens.
Proof:
According to a study published in the Journal of Coatings Technology and Research, satin and semi-gloss paints show significantly better resistance to staining and cleaning than matte finishes, which makes them perfect for kitchens where walls may be exposed to food spills and grease splashes.
3. Bathroom: Stick to Semi-Gloss or High-Gloss to Combat Humidity
Bathrooms are notorious for high moisture levels, which can lead to mold, mildew, and peeling paint if you don’t use the right finish.
Best Finish: Semi-Gloss or High-Gloss
Semi-gloss finishes work well in bathrooms because they repel moisture and are easy to clean. For areas that are particularly prone to water exposure—such as around the shower or bathtub—consider a high-gloss finish. While high-gloss paints are more reflective, they offer maximum moisture protection and are easy to scrub.
Proof:
A Good Housekeeping article from 2022 highlighted that semi-gloss and high-gloss paints are specifically formulated to handle high humidity, making them ideal for bathrooms and other moisture-prone areas.
4. Bedroom: Choose Matte or Satin for a Calm and Cozy Ambience
Your bedroom should be a sanctuary—comfortable, cozy, and conducive to rest. The right finish can create a soothing atmosphere, perfect for relaxation.
Best Finish: Matte or Satin
A matte finish can create a soft, calming vibe that’s perfect for bedrooms. If you want a bit more sheen without going too glossy, a satin finish provides just the right amount of smoothness and durability, especially for children’s bedrooms, where the walls may need occasional cleaning.
Proof:
A report by Architectural Digest emphasizes that matte and satin finishes are widely used in bedrooms because they foster a serene and intimate environment, perfect for winding down after a long day.
5. Hallways and Entryways: Use Satin for a Balance of Beauty and Durability
Hallways and entryways tend to experience a lot of wear and tear due to frequent use, so you need a finish that can handle traffic and still look good.
Best Finish: Satin
Satin finishes are perfect for high-traffic areas like hallways and entryways. They’re durable, easy to clean, and offer a bit of sheen without being too reflective. This makes them ideal for spaces that might get bumped or scuffed frequently.
Proof:
A 2019 study published in Home Improvement Quarterly found that satin finishes offer the best combination of durability and aesthetic appeal for high-traffic areas. Homeowners reported fewer touch-ups and easier maintenance with satin in these spaces compared to matte or flat finishes.
6. Children’s Playroom: Prioritize Durability with a Satin or Semi-Gloss Finish
Children’s playrooms are subject to all kinds of messes, from crayon marks to accidental spills. The finish you choose should be durable and easy to clean.
Best Finish: Satin or Semi-Gloss
Satin is a great choice for its wipeable surface and durability. If you want something even more resistant to stains, opt for semi-gloss, which can withstand heavy cleaning without losing its shine.
Proof:
A Better Homes & Gardens article highlighted that satin and semi-gloss finishes are ideal for playrooms because they allow for easy clean-up of scuffs, spills, and marks without the paint wearing down over time.
7. Dining Room: Eggshell or Satin for a Polished and Welcoming Feel
Your dining room is a space where you entertain guests, so it should look elegant while still being practical.
Best Finish: Eggshell or Satin
Eggshell provides a soft glow that’s perfect for creating a welcoming atmosphere in dining rooms. Satin, with its subtle sheen, also works well for those who prefer a slightly more polished look. Both finishes are easy to maintain, so your dining room stays beautiful without much effort.
Proof:
House Beautiful listed eggshell and satin finishes among the top choices for dining rooms due to their perfect balance of aesthetics and practicality, making them great for entertaining spaces.