Choosing a paint colour is one thing—but choosing the right finish? That’s where many homeowners get stuck.
At Southern Highlands Painting, clients across Bowral, Mittagong, Moss Vale, and beyond often ask us:
“Should I use satin or matte paint in my living room?”
“What’s better for bathrooms—matte or satin?”
These are great questions. And in this blog, we’ll break down exactly where each finish works best, based on how your rooms are used, how much light they get, and how durable the surface needs to be.
First, What’s the Difference?
Let’s keep it simple:
- Matte (also called flat finish) has no shine. It gives a soft, velvety look and hides wall imperfections very well.
- Satin has a gentle, smooth sheen. It’s slightly reflective and more durable than matte.
Both finishes are common in modern Australian homes—but they serve very different purposes.
When to Use Matte Paint
Best For:
- Bedrooms
- Ceilings
- Living rooms (with minimal mess)
- Formal dining rooms
- Feature walls
Why?
- Hides flaws like bumps, cracks, or uneven patches
- Looks elegant and clean under soft lighting
- Creates a more relaxed, contemporary feel
What to Watch For:
- Matte is less washable. Marks and scuffs can be harder to remove—especially on high-traffic walls or near kids and pets.
Local Insight:
In heritage-style homes across Bowral and Berrima, matte finishes are often used on walls to preserve that soft, traditional aesthetic while disguising surface imperfections in older plasterwork.
When to Use Satin Paint
Best For:
- Hallways
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Kids’ bedrooms
- Doors, trim, and skirting boards
Why?
- More durable and washable—great for high-use areas
- Resists moisture, steam, and stains
- Adds subtle depth to brighter, lighter rooms
What to Watch For:
- Satin reflects more light, so it can highlight surface imperfections if the wall isn’t prepared properly.
Local Insight:
In new homes across Mittagong and the Southern Highlands, we often use satin in bathrooms and kitchens for its durability—especially in rooms with poor ventilation or heavy moisture.
Side-by-Side Summary
| Feature | Matte | Satin |
| Sheen Level | No sheen (flat) | Light sheen |
| Wall Prep Required | Low (hides imperfections) | High (shows flaws if not smooth) |
| Cleanability | Low | High |
| Best For | Low-traffic, decorative rooms | High-traffic, high-moisture areas |
| Light Reflection | Soft, diffused | Slightly reflective |
| Look & Feel | Elegant, soft, modern | Smooth, clean, more defined |
What We Recommend
At Southern Highlands Painting, we usually suggest:
- Matte for bedrooms, formal areas, and ceilings where light is soft and the surfaces don’t get much wear.
- Satin for hallways, bathrooms, kids’ rooms, and kitchens where you need to wipe down walls regularly or deal with moisture.
Of course, every home is different. Sometimes we even mix finishes within the same room—matte on the walls, satin on the trim—to balance aesthetics and practicality.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between satin and matte isn’t just about what looks good—it’s about how each room functions and how much wear it’s likely to get.
Still unsure which finish is right for your home? We’re happy to help. Contact us and we’ll guide you through the best choices for your rooms, lighting, and lifestyle.