Inside houses, latex (water-based) acrylic paint is the standard. It dries quickly, has low odors, and washes up easily with soap and water.
Lakeland Paints are undoubtedly the best paint for asthma sufferers - and have been for the last 36yrs. They were the World's first Zero VOC paints, were awarded 4 major Ecology & Environmental Awards and are 100.0% VOC-free, odorless, and formulated to minimize and eliminate respiratory distress & irritation.
OIL. Michael Harding's oil paints are made by hand, using techniques which date back to the days of the Old Masters. The result is a range of highly pigmented, beautiful paints that provide the greatest possible coverage with brilliant, vivid, and true colour.
Choosing the best interior paint depends on your room and budget. For premium quality and long-lasting durability, Benjamin Moore Regal Select or Sherwin-Williams Emerald are top-rated. For excellent coverage at a great value, look to Behr Dynasty or Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint.
There are loads of types of wall paint and finishes. The 'finish' of paint describes the look and how shiny it is when dry. The most popular types of interior wall paint are matt, textured, satin, eggshell, semi-gloss, high-gloss and specialty paints.
Interior house paints are either latex- or oil/alkyd-based. Today, most oil-based paints are made with synthetic resins (alkyds), which makes them the best type of paint for interior walls when compared to paints based comprised on natural oils.
Both paint brands are excellent, but they excel in different areas: Sherwin-Williams is generally favored by professionals for its durability, smooth application, and longevity, while Behr is the top choice for DIYers due to its budget-friendly price and convenient availability at The Home Depot.
For the highest quality interior paints, professional painters and designers largely agree on the following top-tier options:
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.
Most paints for indoor use are water-based paints. They are very safe to use. Solvent-based or oil-based paints may cause more irritation to the eyes and skin. They may also cause more irritation if the fumes are breathed in.
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.
While these brands also offer high-quality pigments and smooth consistency, Michael Harding's paints stand out for their unique shades and high pigment load, albeit at a slightly higher price point.
Top 9 Zero-VOC Paint Brands
Epidemiological studies among paint industry workers have reported respiratory symptoms, such as cough, dyspnoea, chest tightness, wheezing and reduced pulmonary function in both restrictive and obstructive dysfunctions.
For people with asthma, it is critical to avoid known triggers that cause airway inflammation and spasms. Because triggers vary by person, identifying and avoiding your specific irritants is essential to keeping symptoms under control.
Colors that never go out of style are universally versatile, deeply tied to nature, and serve as the perfect base for your wardrobe or home. These timeless hues—ranging from crisp neutrals to earthy classics—provide long-term flexibility and elegance regardless of passing trends.
Blue: calmness, serenity, peace
Blue has the opposite effects of red and is the most soothing color. Primary blue is used in therapeutic settings for meditation and relaxation because it helps you unwind, find peace, and become more comfortable expressing your inner feelings.
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.
Discover Benjamin Moore's most popular paint colors.
Home Depot offers a range of high-quality paints, but in my professional opinion, the two best premium options are:
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.
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.
Red is universally considered the hardest paint color to cover. Vibrant red pigments are highly transparent and inherently prone to bleeding through subsequent layers. Other notoriously difficult colors to cover include black, dark blue, dark green, and bright yellow.