How to Choose the Right Interior Paint (Without Regrets)

Choosing paint for your home sounds easy — until you realize how many things can go wrong. The wrong sheen, the wrong color, the wrong type... and suddenly your “weekend refresh” turns into a long-term disappointment.

In this guide, we’ll break down what actually matters when choosing interior paint — so you get great results the first time.

How to Choose Interior Paint: What Really Matters

Don’t Shop by Price Alone

Cheap paint looks like a bargain — until you need 3–4 coats to get decent coverage.

A high-quality paint may cost more per gallon, but you’ll use less of it, spend less time painting, and get a better finish.

The real cost of paint = material + time + labor. Save on one — overspend on the rest.

The Wall Matters More Than the Paint

No matter how good the paint is, it won’t fix a bad wall. Poor surface prep, bumps, dents, and peeling — all will show through. Paint doesn’t hide flaws — it highlights them.

Think of it like makeup on dirty skin: it only makes it worse.

Choose the Right Sheen for the Room

Paint isn’t just about color — the finish changes everything.

Here’s the basic sheen scale (from least to most washable):

Flat → Eggshell → Satin → Semi-gloss → Gloss

Use this cheat sheet:

• Flat / Matte: for low-traffic rooms like bedrooms and living rooms. Hides flaws well but hard to clean.

• Eggshell / Satin: for kitchens, bathrooms, hallways. More durable, easier to clean.

• Semi-gloss / Gloss: for doors, trim, cabinets. Tough and washable.

Rule of thumb: the shinier, the stronger — but also the more it shows imperfections.

Check the Label: VOCs Matter

Not all paints are equal when it comes to health safety. Always look for Low-VOC or Zero-VOC paints — especially in:

• Bedrooms

• Children’s rooms

• Poorly ventilated spaces

These paints reduce exposure to harmful fumes that linger long after the smell is gone.

VOC-free doesn’t just mean “no smell” — it means cleaner air for months.

Don’t Trust the Color in the Can

Paint color always looks different on the wall than it does on a swatch or in the can.

Lighting, furniture, even the direction of the window will change how the color reads.

To avoid regret:

• Paint a sample patch (at least 20" × 20")

• Check it in the morning, afternoon, and evening

• Re-evaluate before committing

Never choose based on that tiny paper card from the store.

Paint is a Design Tool — Use It That Way

Paint isn’t just decoration — it’s how you shape a room. The right color and finish can:

• Make a room feel larger or cozier

• Reflect or absorb light

• Create calm or energy

• Add character or minimalism

When used right, paint is architecture in liquid form.

Want to Get It Right the First Time?

Choosing the right paint can save hours of frustration, prevent do-overs, and make your space truly shine.

If you want help choosing products, prepping walls, or getting a flawless finish — let the pros handle it.

We offer expert painting services in the Chicago area and northwest suburbs.

See our painting services →