A fresh coat of paint is one of the simplest ways to completely transform the look and feel of a space. And while color might be the main cause of change, the paint finish you choose is equally important.
With the shift towards more natural, lived-in interiors, homeowners are craving spaces that feel perfectly imperfect. A matte paint finish delivers that soft, organic look without feeling overdone. “It's cozier, it plays so much nicer with natural light, and it just feels like a home, not a showroom,” says Shaolin Low of Studio Shaolin.
We spoke to several interior designers about what makes a matte paint finish stand out, why it’s becoming so popular, and how to achieve the look.
Rather than reflecting light, a matte paint finish absorbs it—which allows the color itself to take center stage.
“I especially love how matte finishes can make even a simple neutral feel richer. They also have a beautiful way of softening the architecture of a room and creating a more relaxed, enveloping feeling,” says Kelsey Matyas of Kelsey Deirdre Designs.
A matte finish can also feel more natural compared to the slick, shiny surfaces of high-gloss coatings. Without the glare, the color and texture of the wall feels softer and more organic to the naked eye.
“It strips away the sterile, manufactured shine of traditional paints, resulting in spaces that feel intimate and grounded,” says Andy Yates of Andy Yates Design. “A matte paint finish has a quiet sophistication that fundamentally changes how a room feels.”
Matte paint fits right in with the shift towards more natural, lived-in interiors. “There’s something less ‘perfect’ and more organic about it. It pairs incredibly well with materials like natural stone, wood, plaster, linen, and unlacquered metals, so the overall room feels layered rather than overly polished,” says Matyas.
This move towards matte paint also has to do with the growing desire for deep, rich color—and the distaste for dull neutrals.
“It hides the sheen that can make a room feel clinical, and it plays beautifully with the kind of rich, saturated color palettes my clients are increasingly asking for. We're finally moving past the beige-on-beige era,” says Dora Dmitriev of Dora Dmitriev Design.
Achieving the effortless look of a matte paint finish requires some strategic planning—including prepping the walls, choosing the right formula, and considering the space. Here’s what the pros recommend.
✔️ Do the Prep Work: “Matte is unforgiving of imperfect walls, so proper patching and sanding beforehand makes a real difference,” says Dmitriev.
✔️ Invest in Durability: “If you are determined to bring this velvety texture into busier hallways or living areas, you must invest in premium ‘washable matte’ or scuff-resistant formulas engineered specifically for durability,” says Yates.
✔️ Check the Finish: “Make sure it’s actually a matte finish and not a flat finish. Every little imperfection shows up when you use flat. Matte is modern-looking but a little more forgiving for everyday living,” says Yena Jung of By Yena Designs.
✔️ Consider the Room: “I’d start in a bedroom or living space where you can really appreciate that softness,” says Chanel Sansregret of Studio Miles Design.
✔️ Mix & Match: “We still recommend a satin finish for baseboards and trims, as they will stand up to wear and tear a bit better. Paint the ceiling in a matte finish as well for a cohesive look,” says Anna Kroesser and Amelia Strat of Kroesser + Strat Design.
✔️ Play with Texture: “Our favorite trick is layering matte on as a limewash. It adds a handmade texture and movement to a wall that a single coat of flat paint just can't fake on its own,” says Low.
✔️ Embrace Color: “Most importantly, don't shy away from color. Matte is exactly what turns a deep, saturated hue into something sophisticated rather than overwhelming,” says Dmitriev.
Laura Millar (she/her) is a freelance lifestyle journalist for Good Housekeeping. She holds a degree in Film, TV & Media from the University of Michigan, and was previously the assistant lifestyle editor for GH, where she covered home design. Her byline has appeared in NBC's TODAY.com, PEOPLE, Real Simple, and Business Insider.
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