Splashing out on the perfect colour scheme isn’t enough to make a contemporary interior shine.
The finish you choose determines how a room will look, feel and perform year after year. Flat matt walls feel drastically different to semi-gloss — and using the wrong one can make or break your design.
Here’s the thing..
Few people realise just how important paint finish is.
That’s why this complete guide covers everything you need to know about selecting the best finishing options for contemporary interiors.
What You’ll Learn…
- How Eco Friendly Paint Supplies Are Changing The Game
- The Best Finishing Options for Contemporary Interiors
- Matte, Satin, Gloss & Beyond — Let’s Break It Down
- How To Pick The Right Finish For Every Room
- Biggest Finishing Mistakes – What To Avoid
Oh, and one last thing. As you read, keep in mind there’s a full range of eco friendly paint supplies available to match every finish type. Full range. Zero compromises.
Why Eco Friendly Paint Supplies Are Changing The Game
Going green is quickly becoming table stakes across the paint industry.
In fact, the global low-VOC and zero-VOC paints market size reached $10.45 billion in 2024 and is expected to generate $16.45 billion by the end of 2031. (That’s a CAGR of 6.7% if you’re wondering!)
Put simply, homeowners and designers are finally waking up to the idea that they don’t have to compromise on indoor air quality for the sake of a beautiful space.
Eco friendly paint supplies used to be limited to basic matt finishes. Today they’re available in every colour, finish, and shade you can imagine.
Let’s break down what that means…
Traditional paints off-gas between 300–500g/L of VOCs. Eco-friendly paints are generally under 50g/L. Even if you don’t spend all day in your interior, that’s a huge difference when it comes to your indoor air quality.
Need a recommendation for high-quality eco friendly paint supplies that don’t compromise on contemporary finishes? Look no further than RMP Finishes. Their range covers everything needed to create professional-grade results.
…and the water-based eco-friendly paint market size is expected to grow from $25.91 billion in 2025 to $33.19 billion by 2032. Sustainability is the future. There’s no running away from it.
The Best Finishing Options For Contemporary Interiors
If you think every paint finish was the same, you’d be wrong.
Some are better suited to certain rooms and surfaces. Some are perfect for modern interiors — while others are better left in the ’70s.
Here’s the breakdown of every finish type worth considering for contemporary interiors.
Matte & Flat Finishes
When it comes to ultra-modern interiors, matte is king.
Matte paint finishes don’t reflect light like glossier counterparts. Colour looks deeper and richer as a result. Perfect for living rooms and bedrooms where you’re going for calm and sophistication.
Why you should consider matte finishes:
- Hides imperfections better than any other paint finish
- Creates a sleek, intentional finish that feels ultra-modern
- Ideal for almost every colour scheme, especially bold & saturated tones
- Compatible with a full range of eco friendly paint supplies
The drawback to matte is it doesn’t hold up against scrubbing and cleaners as well. Make sure you use it in low-traffic areas or spaces where fingerprints and scuffs aren’t obvious.
Eggshell & Satin Finishes
Can’t commit to full matte? Eggshell and satin are fantastic middle-ground options.
They offer a subtle shine that isn’t overwhelming. Expertly used, satin and eggshell can make your whole room feel brighter without losing the sophistication of a flat finish. Ideal for halls, dining rooms, and common areas.
Pros to using eggshell and satin finishes:
- Much easier to clean and maintain
- Creates a warm, inviting finish that works with cool or warm tones
- Available in every shade from every leading eco friendly paint supplier
- Works on nearly every surface type you can think of
Bonus tip: Professional painters regard satin as the single most-versatile paint finish out there. And the best part? It’s now widely available in low-VOC formulas at every major paint supplier without sacrificing coverage or durability.
Semi-Gloss & High-Gloss Finishes
Ready for a game-changer?
Semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes are everywhere in contemporary interiors. Kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanity units, front doors, trim details. When used correctly, the wow factor is through the roof.
Why you’ll love semi and high-gloss finishes:
- Super durable and easy to clean
- Opens up space by reflecting more light
- Creates incredible accent details that stand out
- Ideal for small spaces that need a little brightness and wow-factor
Word of caution. These finishes require uber careful prep work. Glossier paint finishes show every imperfection in the surface below. Use a high-quality primer and sand thoroughly before getting started.
Textured & Specialty Finishes
There’s one final finish category that’s been growing in popularity.
Textured paint finishes. Limewash, suede effects, sand texture, venetian plaster-style coating; these are just a few ways you can add incredible depth to your interior.
They’re also one of the best ways to really make a space feel custom and bespoke.
Why choose a textured or specialty paint finish:
- Adds visual interest without having to add decor
- Available in eco friendly paint options with low or zero VOCs
- Works in minimalist and maximalist interiors
- Perfect for entrance halls, living areas, bedrooms and feature walls
How To Pick The Right Paint Finish For Every Room
Picking the right finish for each room is critical. Here’s a room-by-room breakdown to give you some inspiration.
Bedrooms
Matte or eggshell. Soft, soothing, and great for long-term living.
Living rooms
Matte, eggshell, or go wild with a textured finish for something with more personality.
Kitchens
Satin or semi-gloss. You want something practical, washable, and durable.
Bathrooms
Due to high moisture levels, go with semi-gloss or satin for longevity.
Hallways
Throwing guests around your hallway? Satin is tough enough to withstand constant cleaning.
Trim & doors
Another place where semi-gloss and high-gloss shine. Create a beautiful contrast against your wall finishes.
Pro-tip: No matter what finish you choose for the space, opt for eco friendly paint supplies wherever possible. Non-toxic and low-VOC paints will keep your interior looking great while ensuring it’s healthy for years to come.
Wrap Up – Matte vs Satin vs Gloss Paint Finishes
Paint finish matters. A lot.
Use the wrong one and you’ll instantly notice how flat your interior really feels. Choose the right paint finish and your walls and rooms come alive.
Need a quick recap of the best finishes for contemporary interiors? Here’s what you need to remember:
- Matte. Ideal for low-traffic areas that benefit from drama and depth.
- Eggshell & satin. Works in most rooms because they’re so versatile.
- Semi-gloss & high-gloss. Perfect for any place you want to draw attention to.
- Textured & specialty finishes. When you really want to make a design statement.
As long as you’ve got the right eco friendly paint supplies to match, you can’t go wrong.
Find the finish. Trust RMP Finishes for your paint supply needs. Done.
