What’s the best paint finish to use when decorating with dark colors? Paint experts share all you need to know

Not only do you need to choose the right paint color when decorating a room, but you also need to consider which paint finish is best. And when it comes to decorating with dark paints, different paint finishes can totally transform how the color appears.

'When selecting a paint finish, it's important to think about both the light reflection and the mood you want to set,' explains Ruth Mottershead, Creative Director at Little Greene. From ultra-matte finishes which can create a moody look to high-gloss finishes which add drama, each paint finish also comes with varying practical qualities which should help inform your decision.

And so, we turned to paint color specialists who explain below the best paint finishes for dark paint colors to give you some steer with any upcoming paint ideas.

1. Use a matte finish to soften dark colors

'The choice between gloss and matte depends on the look you are trying to achieve,' says Helen Shaw, Director of Marketing (International) at Benjamin Moore. 'The overall texture of a matte finish will lend a luxurious touch to interior spaces, offering an almost chalky appearance. It is a particularly good choice of finish for darker colors as it will help soften them in a space.'

As well as softening the rich hues of dark paints, matte finishes can also help to create a moody look if that's the aesthetic you wish to create: 'Matte or flat finishes are ideal for creating a moody and sophisticated vibe. This finish tends to absorb light rather than reflect it, making the dark color feel more subdued and luxurious,' explains Ashley McCollum, color expert at Glidden.

Beyond the moody, slightly softened look of matte finishes with dark paints, it's worth considering their practical qualities too. Matte paints aren't the easiest to clean, so you should think about which room you're using them in. In high-traffic areas, you may be better off opting for a higher-sheen finish which can be cleaned more easily. 'Matte or flat are generally harder to clean. Ceilings and feature walls are great choices for this type of finish,' Ashley adds.

2. Go for gloss paints to add drama

At the opposite end of the scale, gloss paints can be a great way to add drama to your scheme when decorating with dark colors.

'When used correctly, there is nothing like opting for an all-encompassing gloss finish to add drama to a room,' explains Helen Shaw. 'Some fear that adding a dark color to a space will make it appear claustrophobic, however, dark colors cleverly absorb the light, making the division between walls appear blurred. This ‘blurred edges’ effect adds depth and dimension to a room, making the space appear larger, rather than more cramped as some may fear.'

Again, it's important to consider the practical side of your paint finishes, with gloss paints more likely to show surface imperfections (although easier to clean) as Helen explains: 'Gloss finishes are more prone to highlighting surface blemishes so especially when using a dark color, it’s important to take this into consideration. Preparing the surface well will ensure the application is as flawless as possible or if you are decorating surfaces that have unavoidable imperfections, consider a matte finish to better mask these.'

'Night Owl is a deeply captivating shade of brown with green undertones that will add warmth and sophistication to a room. Using this hue in a gloss finish will create a cozy retreat – not only bringing reflection and dimension but also creating a sense of characterful luxury to your space,' says Helen.

3. Use eggshell finishes in high-traffic areas

For a happy medium between matte and gloss finishes, eggshell paint finishes provide more of a sheen than matte but are not as dramatic as gloss.

Erika Woelfel, VP of Color and Creative Services at Behr explains below that eggshell finishes make a good choice for low-light rooms as well as high-traffic areas:

'If you’re using dark colors in a space with limited natural light, choosing a paint with a slight sheen can help brighten the room by reflecting light. Eggshell finishes work great for high-traffic areas like hallways or kitchens, offering durability and easy cleaning. A semi-gloss finish, such as BEHR ULTRA® Interior Paint & Primer, is also great for highlighting details such as trim, molding, or built-in shelving when paired with dark colors.'

4. Add depth to dark colors with a satin finish

Another option for your paint finishes when decorating with dark colors is satin, which offers a subtle shine. Here, Little Green's Dock Blue is used on the bathtub in the 'Intelligent Satin' finish.

'Satin has a smooth and velvety finish with a hint of shine which can help enhance the depth of dark colors,' explains Ashley McCollum. 'It reflects more light than eggshell, making rooms feel more vibrant without overemphasizing imperfections. It is also easy to wipe down making it great for high-traffic areas like kitchens, hallways, entryways, bathrooms, and kid’s rooms.'

5. Decorate with gloss and matte finishes to add interest

To add interest to your dark color scheme, mix different paint finishes in a room. This way, you can use the best finish from a practical perspective for each area while adding design interest through varying sheen levels. While you can also mix various colors in your scheme, color drenching with one dark paint is an easy way to keep things cohesive.

'For a sophisticated and durable scheme, try combining gloss and matte finishes. For example, painting the area below a dado rail in gloss with a low-sheen matte finish above. Not only will this deliver a practical finish, but these contrasting sheen levels will also deliver design detail,' says Little Greene's Ruth Mottershead.

'A flat matte finish, such as ‘Absolute Matt’ emulsion, has a subtle, low-sheen level of just 2%, resulting in a soft, chalky texture that works beautifully in darker shades. This creates a sophisticated, atmospheric feel, ideal for a cozy and intimate space. In contrast, a luxurious gloss finish such as ‘Intelligent Gloss’ provides a highly reflective sheen of 80%, reflecting more light back into the room,' adds Ruth.

As well as the aesthetic appeal of each paint finish, you should think about their practicalities too. Gloss finishes are generally easier to clean (but show wall imperfections more easily) and create a dramatic, sophisticated look; whereas matte finishes can be trickier to clean and offer a softer, muted appearance with dark paint colors.