For Hallway: Eggshell is also better here because of the higher foot traffic and the need for a more durable surface. In summary, eggshell paint would be the better choice for both the living room and hallway, balancing aesthetics with practicality.
Satin paint can be used in a variety of rooms around the house from living rooms and kitchens to bathrooms and hallways. This paint has a high level of durability and versatility, making it a popular choice for a range of surfaces and areas of the home.
Eggshell is always an interior designer's preferred paint finish, which is why we chose this as our ultimate finish for walls. The name eggshell stems from the fact the finish appears mostly flat with just a touch of luster... similar to a chicken egg!
Avoid using eggshell paint in high-contact, high-traffic areas such as door and window trim, baseboards, cabinetry, and doors. It's best to use semi-gloss paint in these areas.
Professional painters frequently utilize premium paints, such as Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams, for their work. Sherwin-Williams is widely regarded as one of the top paint brands, providing a broad range of premium quality paints, including environmentally friendly options.
As the hallway is a high traffic area and the first glimpse of somebody's home visitors will see, you will need to advise them on paint options accordingly. A perfect solution would be a more durable matt paint such as the Crown Scrubbable Range, 20 times more durable than the standard matt emulsion.
Eggshell Paint
Eggshell finish, perennially popular with professional and DIY painters alike, has a low-sheen reminiscent of flat or matte, but it is infinitely more durable than its namesake.
Dulux Trade Eggshell is touch dry in 4-6 hours, has an excellent coverage of up to 17m2 per litre and leaves a professional finish that lasts much longer than others on the market without yellowing. This is crucial if you are using a white eggshell, which is particularly prone to this over time.
When researching how to make your hallway look bigger a recurring idea will always be to paint your walls in a light colour. Brighter colours will help reflect the light, making your space appear bigger. Steer clear of brash tones and opt for neutral ones that fall somewhere on the white spectrum.
The downsides of eggshell paint
Albeit less expensive than other types of paint, eggshell paint will most likely require a coat to spruce the room up much sooner than satin paint would, for instance. It is also rather challenging to freshen up the look of the walls just where it's needed.
Satin paint has some sheen to it, and is an excellent choice for hardworking rooms, like kitchens and bathrooms. Its slightly reflective surface not only adds a subtle gleam but also makes it easier to clean and maintain, standing up exceptionally well to regular scrubbing and washing.
Color Considerations
We all know that lighter colors emphasize imperfections while darker colors hide them. This also has to do with light and reflection. Lighter colors reflect more light while darker shades absorb it.
“Eggshell is primarily the sheen of choice for bedroom, living room, hallway and entryway walls,” Vaughan says. If you prefer a sheen that cleans up well and doesn't reflect much light, eggshell is the best choice.
Typically, hallways are devoid of natural sunshine. A sunny, yellow paint colour can provide an uplifting boost of light and warmth where there is none otherwise.
Without sanding, the new coat of paint might peel or cause an orange peel texture. Once sanded, clean the entire surface and scrub away any leftover dust, debris, or grime. Keep in mind that nothing gets smoother by adding more paint, it only gets smoother by sanding between coats.
Satin and low-lustre paints have a slightly higher sheen than eggshell finishes. Paints in this category are warmer and provide a greater appearance of depth than flat paints. They also resist stains better than flat paints.
For many of us, calm and peaceful are at the top of the list for hallway ideas that bring good vibes. Soothing greens, whites and greys offer an instant feeling of peace by washing your space in a refreshing atmosphere.
Opt for a durable matt if you're wanting to hide imperfections and prefer a flatter matt finish or the durable eggshell if you find your hallway a little dark and want some help in bouncing the light around!
White and Cream: These are classic choices for enhancing natural light reflection. They create a calm and airy feel, making the room appear bigger. Light Blue: This colour evokes feelings of tranquillity. It can help craft a refreshing ambience.
Many contractors are impressed by the fact that Sherwin-Williams has more than 140 years of experience behind them, which means they've had a long time to perfect what they do. And they've done it well, as they are among the most trusted suppliers of quality paints in the industry.
Both brands are known for their excellent coverage, durability, and finish. However, Benjamin Moore is often recognized as having a slightly better quality than Sherwin Williams. Benjamin Moore paints tend to have better coverage with fewer coats needed to achieve the desired finish.
The consensus is that, on the topic of Sherwin Williams vs Behr paints, the former is more durable and long-lasting than the latter. This makes Sherwin Williams paints a good choice for areas in your home that have a lot of traffic or if you have kids and pets.