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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Professional painters predominantly use Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams. Contractors rely on these brands for their superior coverage, durability, workability, and extensive professional-grade product lines. They typically purchase directly from local trade stores rather than retail centers.
The most popular interior paint colors are soft, warm whites (like Sherwin-Williams Pure White or Benjamin Moore White Dove) and cozy warm neutrals like greige and sandy beige. Stark cool grays are currently being replaced by earthy undertones, deep charcoals, and muted sages.
Neither is inherently better; the right choice depends on your room's traffic and lighting. Matte has a velvety finish that is best for hiding wall imperfections, while eggshell has a slight, lustrous sheen and is easier to wipe clean, making it better for high-traffic areas.
When painting contractors seek out quality paint for their jobs, they often choose Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams – two of the best selling brands on the market. Professional painters the world over have used these paints to great success for many years.
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.
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.
Behr is one of Home Depot's most popular paint brands. If you're wondering if Behr can match Benjamin Moore paint, or Sherwin Williams paint, you'll be happy to hear that the answer is yes. There are actually two options for getting Behr paint in a Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams color.
BEHR® IS RATED HIGHLY BY CONSUMER REPORTS.
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.
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.
When Would you Not Use Eggshell Paint? It would help if you did not use this finish in high-traffic areas or on constantly touched objects—for example, kitchen cabinets and bathrooms. Instead, you would use a gloss because it's washable and withstands moisture better.
Builders use flat (or matte) paint primarily because its lack of shine hides drywall imperfections, scuffs, and texture flaws. It is also highly forgiving for quick touch-ups without leaving visible overlap or roller marks. This makes it a highly cost-effective and efficient way to deliver a uniform finish.
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.
Gray: Gray has become a popular neutral recently, and for a good reason. It's a sophisticated color that can work with various decor styles. Whether you choose a light or dark gray, it's a timeless color that will never go out of style.
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.
There is no single "number one" paint brand, as the top pick depends on whether you prioritize professional quality, overall sales, or ease of purchase. The three leading brands in the US excel in different categories:
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.
According to color psychology, muted blues and sage greens are the calmest colors for a room. Soft, dusty blues help lower your heart rate and reduce stress, while grounding sage greens soothe the eyes and connect the space to nature.