The Pro Guide to Choosing the Perfect Paint Colors and Sheens
Selecting paint for your home involves more than just color; the sheen (or gloss level) plays a critical role in durability and final appearance. Use this guide to make informed decisions.
Choosing Your Colors
The best way to start is by determining the mood you want to create in each space. Here is how color temperature can influence a room:
Neutrals: Colors like beige, gray, and white are versatile. They make small rooms look **bigger and brighter** and provide a timeless base that's easy to accessorize.
Warm Colors (Red, Orange, Yellow): These create a **cozy and inviting atmosphere**. They work well in living rooms and dining rooms, but use them cautiously in small areas where they can feel overwhelming.
Cool Colors (Blue, Green, Purple): These promote a **calming and relaxing atmosphere**. They are ideal for bedrooms, bathrooms, and home offices where tranquility is desired.
Professional Tip: Testing Your Colors
The light in your room is everything. Natural light can completely change a color's tone. Never put sample paint directly on the wall! Instead, apply two coats of the sample color to a piece of **cardboard or foam board**. Place the board where desired and observe it throughout the day under both natural light and artificial lighting before committing.
Understanding Paint Sheens and Finishes
Sheen refers to the level of glossiness or shine in the paint finish. It impacts durability, cleanability, and how imperfections show up.
Flat & Matte Finishes (Low Gloss)
Hides imperfections, low durability.
- **Ultra Flat / Flat:** Completely non-reflective. **Ideal for Ceilings** as it hides surface flaws and creates a uniform look.
- **Matte:** Very low sheen, great for walls in **low-traffic areas** (e.g., adult bedrooms). Provides a soft, elegant appearance.
Eggshell & Satin Finishes (Mid Gloss)
Excellent balance of cleanability and appearance.
- **Eggshell:** A subtle shine, highly popular for **walls in high-traffic areas** (hallways, living rooms). Durable and easy to wipe clean.
- **Satin:** A noticeable gloss, the most durable choice for **Kitchens, Bathrooms, and Kids' Rooms**. Handles moisture and frequent cleaning well.
Semi-Gloss & Gloss Finishes (High Gloss)
Maximum durability, high reflectance, highlights imperfections.
- **Semi-Gloss:** Highly reflective, **ideal for Doors, Cabinets, and Trim**. This finish makes architectural details "pop" and is extremely durable and scrubbable.
- **Gloss:** The highest shine. Rarely used on walls, reserved for furniture or specialty accent pieces for a dramatic, mirror-like finish.
Recommended Paint Suppliers in Springfield, MO
Always purchase high-quality paint to ensure a long-lasting and beautiful finish. Here are the suppliers we trust:
Spectrum Paint (Benjamin Moore, PPG, etc.)
Offers a wide variety of high-quality products including Benjamin Moore, PPG, INSL-X, 3M, Rust-Oleum, Premier, and Wooster.
**Locations near Springfield, MO:** 2335 E Chestnut Expressway and 5739 S Campbell Ave.
They offer color matching from small samples and provide swatches and purchasable samples.
Visit Spectrum Paint WebsiteSherwin-Williams
A popular choice for its wide selection of colors and consistently high-quality paints. They also offer in-store color consultations.
Visit Sherwin-Williams WebsiteWhile Lowes and Home Depot have paint departments, we generally recommend using dedicated paint suppliers like Spectrum or Sherwin-Williams for the highest quality products and expert advice on professional-grade finishes.
By carefully considering your room's mood, lighting, and the functional demands (cleanability, traffic) of the surface, you can confidently select the perfect color and sheen combination for a stunning result!