Sherwin-Williams is generally considered the superior paint, especially for durability, washability, and professional performance. However, Behr is highly rated for value and is much more accessible for DIYers.
Sherwin-Williams and Home Depot (which primarily sells Behr paint) cater to different needs. Sherwin-Williams offers premium, professional-grade finishes with exceptional coverage and expert support. Home Depot’s Behr brand is heavily favored by DIYers for its budget-friendliness, wide color selection, and easy one-coat coverage options.
The BEHR® Professional Products & Services Program is committed to meeting the nationwide needs of professional painters, contractors, remodelers, and property owners/managers through high-quality products and services.
Commercial painting contractors generally purchase Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams paints in 2-gallon cans, which brings cost savings to clients. Each brand charges roughly the same amount for their paint, including their top-quality premium paint.
Price Comparison
Sherwin-Williams paint is generally costlier than Behr paint. In some cases, the price difference could be $10 to $20 per gallon can, which can quickly add up if you're taking on a large project, like repainting the entire house. However, Behr isn't necessarily cheap per gallon.
Behr is generally more affordable and highly accessible for DIYers, sold exclusively at The Home Depot. Sherwin-Williams is a premium, pro-grade brand sold at dedicated Sherwin-Williams Stores, favored for its superior coverage, color consistency, and long-term durability.
Based on 2026 industry ratings, Benjamin Moore is frequently ranked the highest overall for quality, durability, and color, with their Aura line often cited as best-in-class. Sherwin-Williams (especially Emerald) is a top competitor often ranked #1 for consumer satisfaction, while Behr (at The Home Depot) is highly rated for performance and value.
1. Behr. Behr is a favorite among DIY homeowners due to its availability at Home Depot and its reliable performance. Behr's Premium Plus and Marquee lines are praised for their strong coverage and reasonable price point.
No, the Sherwin-Williams paint sold at Lowe's is not the same quality as the paint sold at physical Sherwin-Williams retail stores. While manufactured by the same company, they feature different chemical formulations and are produced in different “good, better, best” tiers.
BEHR® IS RATED HIGHLY BY CONSUMER REPORTS.
Eggshell is better for most walls because it offers a practical balance. It provides a soft, subtle sheen that hides most imperfections while being washable and durable enough for everyday scuffs. Flat paint absorbs light to conceal flaws perfectly, but it is notoriously difficult to clean.
When selling your house, stick to light, universally appealing neutrals like warm whites, greige (gray-beige), and soft taupe. These shades maximize perceived space, make rooms feel bright and clean, and allow potential buyers to easily visualize their own furniture in the home.
Professional painters prefer Sherwin-Williams because of its superior coverage, high-solids formulation, and extensive network of dedicated contractor stores. These benefits translate to time saved on the job, flawless finishes, and reliable supply chains.
To make a house feel more spacious, opt for light, airy neutrals and soft, cool tones. These colors reflect the maximum amount of natural light and create an optical illusion that makes walls appear to recede.
Sherwin-Williams paint is generally considered worth the premium if you prioritize durability, excellent coverage, and a smooth finish. While it costs more upfront than budget brands, its higher pigment and resin content save you time and labor by requiring fewer coats.
Sherwin-Williams is generally considered the superior paint, especially for durability, washability, and professional performance. However, Behr is highly rated for value and is much more accessible for DIYers.
Sherwin-Williams and Home Depot (which primarily sells Behr paint) cater to different needs. Sherwin-Williams offers premium, professional-grade finishes with exceptional coverage and expert support. Home Depot’s Behr brand is heavily favored by DIYers for its budget-friendliness, wide color selection, and easy one-coat coverage options.
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The top three paint brands in the US are Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, and BEHR. Ranked by professional usage and consumer testing, these brands consistently deliver the best balance of coverage, durability, and color payoff.
To make a home look expensive, rely on sophisticated neutrals, earthy greens, or muted blues rather than stark whites or highly saturated brights. High-end spaces feel cohesive and intentional, using layered tones, natural materials, and high-quality finishes to create a calm, custom feel.
Cool gray is being replaced by "mushroom" neutrals (warm taupes and greys with subtle green or violet undertones), warm earthy khakis, and soft, natural sages.
Eggshell is generally better for high-traffic areas (living rooms, hallways) because it is durable and easy to clean, while matte is superior for hiding wall imperfections in lower-traffic rooms (bedrooms, dining rooms) due to its non-reflective, soft finish. Eggshell offers a slight, subtle sheen, whereas matte absorbs light.
The best interior paints at Home Depot include Behr Dynasty, Behr Marquee, and Behr Premium Plus. These top-rated options span various performance levels and budgets, catering to different project needs.
Professional painters usually use contractor-grade or pro-line paints that aren't always available at your typical home improvement store. These include: Sherwin-Williams ProMar, SuperPaint, or Emerald lines.