The Ultimate Guide to Paint Sheens: How to Choose the Right Finish for Your Utah Home

When painting your home, color isn’t the only thing that matters—your paint sheen plays a huge role in how your space looks, feels, and performs over time. Whether you're repainting a living room in Lehi, a bathroom in Salt Lake City, or a mountain retreat in Heber, knowing which paint finish to use is key to getting professional, lasting results.

At Good Boy Painting, we help Utah homeowners choose the perfect paint color and sheen combo to match their home’s style, function, and light conditions.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

• What paint sheen is and why it matters

• The different types of paint finishes

• Which sheens work best in each room

• How to combine sheens for stunning home design

• Expert tips for Utah's dry climate and lighting conditions

What Is Paint Sheen?

Paint sheen refers to how shiny or reflective the paint looks once dry. It affects more than just appearance—it determines how durable, washable, and stain-resistant the paint will be.

The higher the sheen, the more light it reflects—and the easier it is to clean.The lower the sheen, the more muted the finish—and the better it hides wall imperfections.

Types of Paint Sheens (From Lowest to Highest)

🎨 1. Flat / Matte Finish

• Zero shine

• Best for hiding wall flaws

• Soft, non-reflective surface

Best For:

• Ceilings

• Low-traffic bedrooms

• Older walls in Salt Lake City homes

🎨 2. Eggshell Finish

• Slight sheen—like the surface of an eggshell

• More durable than flat

• Light-enhancing but not too glossy

Best For:

• Living rooms, hallways

• Adult bedrooms

• Open concept spaces in Utah County homes

🎨 3. Satin Finish

• Smooth finish with a soft glow

• Moisture-resistant and durable

• Washable and scuff-resistant

Best For:

• Bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms

• Kids’ rooms

• High-touch areas in homes across Heber and Park City

🎨 4. Semi-Gloss Finish

• Noticeably glossy

• Extremely durable and easy to clean

• Great for woodwork and trim

Best For:

• Doors, baseboards, cabinets

• Bathrooms and kitchens

• Mudrooms in Utah homes with snowy winters

🎨 5. High Gloss Finish

• Ultra-shiny, mirror-like

• Most durable and stain-resistant

• Shows every surface flaw—requires smooth prep

Best For:

• Furniture

• Statement doors or cabinetry

• Modern finishes in high-end interiors

Utah Room-by-Room Sheen Guide

Room	Recommended Sheen
Living Room	Eggshell or Satin
Bedroom	Flat (for adults), Satin (for kids)
Kitchen	Satin or Semi-Gloss
Bathroom	Satin or Semi-Gloss
Hallways	Eggshell or Satin
Ceilings	Flat
Trim & Baseboards	Semi-Gloss
Cabinets	Semi-Gloss or High Gloss

How Paint Sheens Work Together in Home Design

The best-designed homes don’t just rely on color—they use a mix of paint sheens to create depth, contrast, and balance throughout the space.

✨ Walls + Trim + Ceilings = Visual Flow

• Flat on ceilings keeps light from bouncing and hides imperfections

• Eggshell or satin on walls keeps the space soft but cleanable

• Semi-gloss on trim and doors defines edges and adds contrast

This timeless combo is perfect for homes in Provo, Draper, and beyond—especially if you have crown molding, board and batten, or window trim.

✨ Functional Rooms: Mix Satin & Semi-Gloss

In rooms that get steamy, messy, or high use:

• Use satin on walls for washable durability

• Use semi-gloss on trim, cabinets, and doors for added resistance

• Stick with flat or eggshell on ceilings

Perfect for basement bathrooms, open kitchens, and busy laundry rooms across Utah.

✨ Add Drama with Glossy Accents

• Try high-gloss on a front door or kitchen island

• Use satin or matte on surrounding walls to contrast the shine

• Great for statement powder rooms, built-ins, or modern designs

In homes with lots of natural light (like Park City or Heber), gloss finishes can bounce light around beautifully—if your surfaces are smooth.

🏔️ Utah Climate Considerations

Utah’s high desert and mountain climate means:

• Flat paints may crack more easily in dry winter air

• Bathrooms need moisture-resistant sheens like satin or semi-gloss

• Sunlight-flooded rooms may benefit from satin or eggshell to help reflect natural light without looking harsh

Choosing the right sheen for your specific location and home age makes a big difference—especially in older homes, new builds, and mountain properties.

Why Utah Homeowners Choose Good Boy Painting

We help Utah homeowners make smart design decisions with color and finish—so your home looks amazing and performs in every season.

✅ Expert paint finish recommendations✅ Top-quality Sherwin-Williams paints✅ Local experience in Salt Lake, Utah County, Heber & more✅ Friendly, licensed painters with great reviews

Get a Free Interior Painting Quote Today

Whether you're updating one room or your whole house, we’ll help you choose the right colors and sheens for long-lasting, beautiful results.

📍 Serving Utah County, Salt Lake City, Park City, and surrounding areas

📞 Call or message Good Boy Painting today for a free, no-obligation quote.

🔗 www.goodboypaint.com/contact

BONUS: Quick Sheen Recap

• Flat – Best for ceilings

• Eggshell – Best for living rooms and low-traffic walls

• Satin – Best for bathrooms, kitchens, and high-traffic areas

• Semi-Gloss – Best for trim, cabinets, and baseboards

• High Gloss – Best for accents and bold, modern finishes