Matt vs Silk Paint: Which Finish Should You Choose?
Deciding between matt vs silk paint Whitehouse recommends often comes down to the room, light levels and how much cleaning the surface will need. At Whitehouse Painting & Decorating, we help Northamptonshire homeowners pick the right sheen every time—balancing aesthetics, practicality and durability for long-lasting results.
Matt and silk (sometimes called satin) are the two most popular interior paint finishes in the UK. Each has distinct characteristics that suit different spaces and lifestyles. Whitehouse explains the key differences so you can choose confidently.
Matt Paint: Characteristics & Best Uses
Matt finishes have little to no shine, giving a soft, velvety, flat appearance that hides minor wall imperfections very well. Whitehouse often recommends matt for:
- Ceilings – no glare from lights
- Bedrooms & living rooms – creates a cosy, diffused light effect
- Older or uneven plaster – masks bumps and cracks better than shinier finishes
- Low-traffic areas where cleaning is minimal
Downside: matt is harder to wipe clean—grease, fingerprints and marks show more easily and can require repainting sooner in busy homes.
Silk (Satin) Paint: Characteristics & Best Uses
Silk/satin has a gentle sheen (usually 10–25% gloss level), reflecting light subtly and making rooms feel slightly brighter. Whitehouse frequently uses silk for:
- Hallways, stairs & high-traffic areas – easier to wipe clean
- Kitchens & bathrooms – resists moisture and grease better
- Woodwork & trim – gives a crisp, durable edge
- Small or dark rooms – subtle reflectivity helps bounce light
Downside: shows wall imperfections more than matt; can look too shiny in very large, bright spaces.
Matt vs Silk Paint: Quick Comparison Table
- Light reflection — Matt: none / Silk: gentle sheen
- Hides imperfections — Matt: excellent / Silk: moderate
- Cleanability — Matt: low / Silk: high
- Durability in traffic — Matt: lower / Silk: higher
- Best rooms — Matt: bedrooms, ceilings / Silk: hallways, kitchens, bathrooms
Whitehouse Recommendations for Northamptonshire Homes
In family homes with kids/pets we often choose silk for hallways and living areas, matt for bedrooms and ceilings. In period properties we may mix: matt on uneven walls, silk on woodwork. We use premium low-VOC ranges from Dulux and Crown for both finishes.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Matt vs Silk
Using matt in high-traffic areas leads to quick marking; choosing silk on very uneven walls highlights flaws. Whitehouse advises free site consultations to match the right finish to your specific walls and lifestyle.
See finish examples in our Projects gallery or explore Services and Interior Decorating.
Unsure about matt vs silk paint Whitehouse would choose for your home? Contact us today for a free consultation and quote.