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 is widely considered better than Behr due to its superior workability, smoother finish, and exceptional long-term durability. While Behr (found at Home Depot) is more affordable, professional painters often favor Sherwin-Williams (found in dedicated SW stores) for its superior color consistency and better overall value.
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.
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.
The biggest difference between Benjamin Moore vs Behr comes down to performance and price. Benjamin Moore paints are known for their rich pigmentation, smoother application, and superior coverage, which means you can often get away with fewer coats.
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.
Behr paint is manufactured by the Behr Paint Company, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Masco Corporation.
BEHR® IS RATED HIGHLY BY CONSUMER REPORTS.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
To make small rooms feel larger, use light-reflective neutrals (off-whites, creams, and pale grays) to bounce natural light around the space. Alternatively, enveloping the room in rich, saturated darks (like charcoal or deep green) creates an intentional, cozy, and "cocooning" effect.
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.
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.
Here are five paint colors that real estate professionals and designers consistently recommend to help homes sell faster and for more:
A gallon of paint at Sherwin-Williams typically ranges from $65 to $145 before tax, depending heavily on the specific product line and finish. The store frequently runs 30% or 40% off sales, which significantly lowers these retail prices.
Yes, Behr is consistently cheaper than Benjamin Moore.
Whether Home Depot paint is as good as Sherwin-Williams depends on the specific product line. While professional painters generally favor Sherwin-Williams for durability and application, top-tier Home Depot paints like Behr Dynasty and Behr Marquee frequently rival and sometimes outperform Sherwin-Williams in consumer testing.