Tired of staring at boring, chipped walls?
Choosing the best paint for interior walls can completely alter your home from drab to fab!
But here’s the thing – not all paints are created equal.
Some peel after six months, others fade faster than your favorite jeans, and don’t get us started on paints that smell terrible for weeks.
The good news?
Finding the perfect paint isn’t rocket science when you know what to look for.
Ready to learn which paints will make your neighbors jealous and your wallet happy?
Let’s descend into the colorful world of interior wall paint!
Why Choosing the Right Interior Wall Paint Matters
Ever walked into a room and felt instantly happy or relaxed?
That’s the power of good paint! The right interior paint doesn’t just make your walls look amazing; it also protects them.
Think about it: would you rather repaint every year or enjoy beautiful walls for five years?
Quality paint saves you time, money, and headaches.
Plus, the wrong paint can chip, fade, or even smell bad.
Are you ready to make the smart choice?
Types of Wall Paint and What They Do
Wall paints come in different types, each with its look and purpose.
Here’s a quick guide to help you pick the right one based on shine, strength, and room use.
| TYPE OF PAINT | SHINE LEVEL | STRENGTH | BEST FOR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat or Matte | No shine | Hides bumps and marks well, but is not durable | Low-traffic areas, ceilings, and adult bedrooms |
| Eggshell | Very slight shine | More durable than flat, easier to clean | Living rooms, dining rooms |
| Satin | Soft, gentle shine | Durable and scrub-resistant | Hallways, kids’ rooms, family rooms |
| Semi-Gloss | Noticeable shine | Highly durable and washable | Kitchens, bathrooms, trims |
| High-Gloss | Very shiny, mirror-like | Extremely durable and easy to clean | Doors, cabinets, and accent walls (if the wall is smooth) |
The right paint finish does more than add color; it adds function, style, and longevity.
Let this table guide you toward a choice that keeps your walls looking great for years to come.
Picking the Right Paint for Each Room
Different rooms have different needs, so one paint doesn’t fit all spaces. Smart homeowners match their paint choice to each room’s specific challenges and uses.
Kitchen & Bathroom
Choose moisture-resistant satin or semi-gloss finishes. These handle steam, splashes, and frequent cleaning without peeling or fading.
Living Room & Bedroom
Pick eggshell or matte finishes in calming colors. These create cozy atmospheres while hiding minor wall imperfections perfectly.
Kids’ Rooms
Use washable satin paint that resists crayon marks. Bright, cheerful colors stimulate creativity while easy cleanup saves your sanity.
Ceilings & Trim
Apply flat white ceiling paint and semi-gloss trim paint. This combination creates visual contrast and protects high-touch areas.
NOTE: Always test paint samples in different lighting conditions before making your final choice. Colors can look completely different under natural light versus artificial lighting.
Key Things to Think About When Picking Paint
Before you choose your paint, there are a few important things to keep in mind.
How you use the room, the shape of your walls, and even how much you want to spend all matter.
These tips will help you make a smart choice that works well and looks great.
- How the room is used: Busy rooms need paint thatthat’sy to clean, like satin or semi-gloss.
- How your walls look: If your walls have bumps or marks, flat paint can help hide them.
- How much money do you want to spend? Better paints cost more but last longer and look nicer.
- If you care about clean air, some paints have fewer bad chemicals. Look for “low “VOC” or “zero” VOC” on” he can.
- The size and feel of your room: Light colors make rooms feel bigger and brighter, while dark colors make rooms feel cozy.
Thinking about these details makes paint shopping much easier.
You’ll be more ready and avoid picking the wrong kind.
Now, let’let’sk at the top paint brands people trust most.
10 Best Paints for Your Home
There are so many paint brands out there—it can be hard to choose.
Here are the top ten paints that people love for their quality, price, and ease of use.
This list shows what each one is good at, so you can pick the right match for your home.
1. Benjamin Moore Aura
Cost: $100-$103 per gallon
Why use it:
- Needs just one coat to cover old colors.
- It can be cleaned many times without losing color.
- Has low bad chemicals for better air quality.
2. Sherwin-Williams Emerald
Cost: $65-$80 per gallon
Why use it:
- Used by pro painters for its top quality.
- Stops stains from showing through.
- Goes on walls smooth and even.
3. Behr Marquee
Cost: $50 per gallon
Why use it:
- Covers in just one coat, saving time and money.
- Stops mold from growing in damp rooms.
- Colors don’t even work in sunny rooms.
4. Benjamin Moore Aura Bath & Spa
Cost: $103 per gallon
Why use it:
- Made just for bathrooms and wet places.
- Stands up to water drops and steam.
- Fights mold growth on walls
5. Sherwin-Williams Duration
Cost: $60-$80 per gallon
Why use it:
- Won’Won’tp when bumped by toys or chairs.
- Crayon, food, and dirt wipe off easily.
- Lasts for years without needing to repaint.
6. Valspar Signature
Cost: $40- $45 per gallon
Why use it:
- Good quality at a lower price.
- It can be washed and scrubbed when dirty.
- Comes in many pretty colors that last.
7. Glidden Premium
Cost: $30-$35 per gallon
Why use it:
- Very good price for tight budgets.
- It can still be cleaned when dirty.
- Has low bad chemicals in the air.
8. Nippon Paint Kids All-in-One
Cost: $35 per gallon
Why use it:
- Made just for kids with safe stuff.
- Fights germs on the walls for healthier kids.
- Crayon, markers, and juice wipe right off.
9. HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams Infinity
Cost: $45 per gallon
Why use it:
- Mid-price with good quality.
- Colors picked by home design experts.
- Covers old colors well with less work.
10. Behr Premium Plus
Cost: $30-$40 per gallon
Why use it:
- Low smell while painting.
- Easy to wipe clean when the walls get dirty.
- Hundreds of colors to pick from.
Each of these paints has something special to offer.
From strong coverage to safe ingredients, there is a fit for every room
Tips for Applying Interior Wall Paint Like a Pro
Good painting takes more than just putting paint on walls.
Here are the steps that make your paint job look great.
Get Walls Ready: Clean the walls with a wet cloth. Fill holes with wall filler. Sand bumps smooth. Use primer first; this helps the paint stick better.
Use Good Tools: Get a big roller for the walls and a small brush for the corners. Buy good brushes; they make painting easier. Cover the floors with old sheets.
Paint the Right Way: Most walls need two coats of paint. Wait for the first coat to dry before adding the second coat, which takes about three hours.
Fix Mistakes Later: Save some paint in a small can for touch-ups. Use the same brush or roller you used before so it looks the same.
Following these steps will help you paint like a real pro.
Take your time with each step, and your walls will look amazing.
Don’t Make These Mistakes!
Many people make the same painting mistakes that can ruin their hard work.
Here are the most common ones to avoid:
- Skipping Primer: Always use primer first, especially over dark colors or stains, to help paint stick and look even.
- Wrong Shine: Avoid using flat paint in bathrooms, as it can get moldy, and shiny paint in bedrooms, as it can be too bright.
- Not Testing Colors: Paint looks different in your house than in the store, so put a little paint on your wall first to see how it looks.
- Rushing: Don’t skip cleaning walls or filling holes. Taking time to get ready makes painting look much better.
Avoiding these mistakes will save you time and money while making your paint job look great.
Final Thoughts
The best paint for your walls depends on the surface, how you want it to look, and how much you want to spend.
Top brands like Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams are great for busy spots and walls you really want to look good.
Brands like Behr, Valspar, and Glidden work well, too, and cost less.
For kids, look for paints with low VOC that can be cleaned and that kill germs.
Now you have all the facts you need to pick the right paint for your home! Happy painting!
With a Master in Architectural Studies from University of Pennysylvania, Marwa Haydar has pioneered living spaces since 2005. Her expertise, initially honed in a prestigious architectural firm, is evident in her approach to creating environments. Marwa became part of our team in 2019 and has since been a driving force in our home improvement section, known for her practical yet stylish solutions. She’s been spearheading our design workshops since then, infusing her passion for teaching into her work. In her leisure time, Marwa enjoys exploring historic architecture and is an enthusiastic pottery hobbyist, further enriching her understanding of form and texture.
