Choosing Interior Wall Paint for Every Room

Wall paint ideas – how to use finishes

Flat, satin, eggshell… what exactly a paint will look like and how best to use it are sometimes not clear. Emulsion is the most commonly used paint for interior walls and ceilings and there are three main types of finishes you need to know about. The different sheens are:

• Flat and Matte – These paints have the lowest levels of glossiness of all the finishes available, at roughly 0-10% sheen. This means they are non-reflective and will hide surface blemishes and inconsistencies, effectively smoothing the surfaces on which they are painted. These are mostly used for walls, and have a smooth and velvety appearance.
• Eggshell and satin – These are the “mid-sheen” finishes. They have some reflectivity (satin is slightly glossier than eggshell, which looks like its namesake), and are more durable than the flat and matte finishes. Because of this, they are often used in more demanding spaces like kitchens and bathrooms, and satin is often used for doors and trim.
• Semi- and high gloss – The most reflective of the decorative paints, these are traditionally used for skirting boards, doors, mouldings, window, and other trim. It is also the toughest finish. Due to their high levels of sheen, gloss finishes show up imperfections, so it is important to prepare the substrate beforehand.

Feature wall paint ideas and wall paint colours

When you go to choose a paint colour, it is a good idea to think about what you want from the space, the furnishings (if any) that you already have, the architectural features in the space, and the light in the room. All of these will interact with the colour in meaningful ways. Don’t stand mesmerised in front of the Dulux colour wall, think about these factors beforehand:

• Architectural features – If you are lucky enough to have fireplaces, skirting boards, mouldings, and other architectural features, working with these elements when choosing a colour will make your room pop. White woodwork with a colourful wall is the tradiational look, but make sure to match the white with the colour. Darker woodwork with lighter walls will create light and space. The same colour on woodwork and walls is a strong, clean, contemporary look.
• Light – Contrast darker colours in hallways with lighter rooms to create the illusion of more light. Small spaces with low light can be made more intimate with darker colours. Depending on the direction in which the room faces, light is cooler or warmer, and you should look at colour schemes with that in mind. Farrow & Ball’s range is formulated to respond differently in different lights.
• Matching colours – No matter how much you like a colour, if it does not work with your scheme it will not lead to happiness. Find colours within your already existing belongings to highlight or match to create a home with flow that doesn’t feel at odds with itself. Be aware of sight lines between rooms, too.
• Setting the mood – The current trend in interior design is for soft, relaxing neutrals that inspire comfort and cosiness. These colour palettes can work in any space where you want to unwind and feel at home – tv room, bedroom, or bathroom. But offices or dining rooms might want different colour palettes. Bedrooms should avoid bright, stimulating tones like orange, where playrooms can be a rainbow-coloured hive of energy. Think about how a colour makes you feel before you stick it on a wall.