Choosing Benjamin Moore Paint Sheens Room-by-Room
When you stand in the paint aisle at the big box store, you’re faced with more than the seemingly endless color palettes from multiple brands that you can’t trust; you’re also met with several sheens to choose from. Even for seasoned DIY painting professionals, this can leave you stumped.
At Color Store, we’re your local paint specialists with locations in Des Moines and Waukee, IA and Omaha, NE and we’re here to demystify the process of painting your home, and today we’re doing that by taking a closer look at Benjamin Moore paint sheens and our favorite tool for this: the paint sheen chart.
What Is Paint Sheen?
Paint sheen refers to the amount of light a painted surface reflects once it’s dry and fully cured. It’s measured on a scale from flat (no shine) to high gloss (mirror-like reflection). Here’s why it matters:
- Light Interaction: Sheen alters how bright or soft a room feels. Higher sheens bounce more light, making walls look sharper and colors more vibrant. Lower sheens absorb light, yielding a subtle, matte appearance.
- Durability & Cleanability: Glossy finishes form a harder surface that withstands scrubbing—ideal for high-traffic areas while flatter finishes are more prone to scuffs but excel at hiding wall imperfections.
- Aesthetic Impact: Matte paints lend a modern, understated look, whereas glossier sheens add polish and drama. Choosing the right level of sheen ensures your décor and architectural details shine through exactly as you envision.
Choosing a Paint Sheen Room-by-Room using the Paint Sheen Chart
Now that you know about the types of paint sheens and their benefits, let’s break down the benefits by room.
Ceilings & Low-Traffic Walls
Recommended Sheens: Flat / Matte
- Ceilings and low-traffic walls benefit from very low gloss. A Flat or Matte finish virtually eliminates glare and masks small blemishes. This works well if your ceiling has seen better days or your guest room sees only occasional visitors.
- Color Store Pick: Grab a gallon of REGAL® Select Flat for outstanding coverage and touch-up ease.
Living Rooms, Dining Rooms & Bedrooms
Recommended Sheens: Eggshell / Low Lustre
- In areas where you socialize, relax, or sleep, you want a finish that’s both inviting and practical. Eggshell (10–25% reflectance) offers a soft glow that highlights your décor without broadcasting every scratch or scuff. Cleanup is a breeze, too, perfect for family movie nights or dinner parties at your Des Moines home.
- Color Store Pick: AURA® Interior Eggshell combines rich, fade-resistant color with excellent washability.
- Bonus Tip: Spill a glass of red wine on the wall? A damp cloth usually does the trick.
Kitchens & Bathrooms
Recommended Sheens: Satin / Pearl
- High-humidity rooms demand a sheen that resists moisture, mildew, and daily splashes. Satin and Pearl finishes (25–35% reflectance) strike the balance between brightness and durability, making tile backsplashes pop and shaker-style cabinets gleam without trapping steam.
- Color Store Picks: For bathrooms: AURA® Bath & Spa, formulated for bathrooms with built-in mildew resistance.
- For bedrooms: ADVANCE® Interior Satin delivers a furniture-quality look on cabinets and trim.
- Bonus Tip: Test samples on cabinet doors to see how light interacts with your hardware before committing to a full coat.
Trim, Doors & Architectural Details
Recommended Sheens: Semi-Gloss / High Gloss
- For the crisp lines of baseboards, window casings, and door frames, you need a tougher finish. Semi-Gloss and High Gloss (35–90%+ reflectance) show off detailing while standing up to scuffs from vacuum hoses and impatient pets.
- Color Store Pick: ADVANCE® Interior Semi-Gloss is a go-to for hallway trim in, and ADVANCE® High Gloss makes an unforgettable statement on front doors.
- Why It Works: The harder surface cleans easily and keeps moldings looking sharp year after year.
Find Your Favorite Benjamin Moore Paint Sheens near Des Moines, Iowa!
Swing by your nearest Color Store location, whether you’re in Des Moines, Waukee, or Omaha, to view real-life finish samples and to put the paint sheen chart into action.
Grab paint swatches, pick up sample pots, and chat with our expert team (with 35 years of experience under their belts!) We’ll help you match Benjamin Moore’s lines to your home’s unique needs.
Make your next project beautiful and simple! Stop by one of our showrooms today or reach out to request a free consultation. We are proudly serve the areas surrounding Des Moines & Waukee, Iowa and Omaha, Nebraska.
