Working from home, either in a full-time or hybrid role, has become the new normal for many, and your home office plays a big role in how focused and productive you feel. From the lighting and layout to the wall color and finish you choose, the details matter. However, one design element is often overlooked… the paint sheen. Choosing the right paint sheen for a home office impacts everything from how light bounces around the room and how big the room feels, to how easily you can clean up after a long day, especially if you have kids or pets at home sharing your office space throughout the day. At Oak City Coatings, we help homeowners create professional, polished spaces that inspire focus and creativity while reducing distractions. Read on to learn more about how to choose the best sheen for your office and what to look for and consider throughout the process.
In This Post
Why Paint Sheen Matters in a Home Office
When painting your home office, there’s more to it than simply picking a color that you like. You have to think about how you want to feel in the space and all the ways that the space will be used so you can choose the best paint sheen that will give you the look you desire while holding up to work (and life’s) demands.
You might need a bright, polished, professional space for meetings and presentations. Maybe you’re looking for something unique and stylish that sparks creativity. Or perhaps you share the space with kids throughout the day while you work on projects and need a space for toys and snacks.
Paint sheen affects more than just how your walls look. It also influences several other factors, such as.
- Light Reflection: A higher sheen reflects more light, which can help brighten a dark room, but it can also cause a glare.
- Visual Comfort: Choosing the right finish helps reduce eye strain, especially during long hours of screen time.
- Cleanability: If your office doubles as a homework zone or kid-friendly play space, a washable sheen is key.
- Professionalism: Certain sheens read better on video calls, helping your office look tidy and intentional.
When your home office space is cohesive and in alignment with what you need to feel good throughout the day, it can improve productivity and bring more joy to your day (and your work!).
A Quick Guide on Paint Sheen Types
There are a handful of different paint sheen types on the market, and for homeowners, it can be tricky to know the differences and pros/cons of each.
Not sure what options are out there or which is best for your home office space? Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common paint finishes and their characteristics:
- Flat/Matte: No shine, great for hiding flaws, and not very wipeable.
- Eggshell: Soft, velvety sheen with light durability and cleanability.
- Satin: Smooth, slightly shiny, and easy to clean.
- Semi-Gloss: Noticeably shiny and highly durable.
- High-Gloss: Dramatically shiny and reflective.
For a more in-depth description of each paint sheen type, visit our “What is the Best Sheen for Interior Walls?” blog post.
Best Paint Sheen Choices for a Home Office
Eggshell Finish
Eggshell is a go-to choice for many home offices because it has a soft, low-luster sheen that reads professional and elegant, but not distracting. It’s ideal for spaces where reading, writing, or screen time are the main activities. Plus, it has mild washability, perfect if you want something easy to clean without the high shine.
Satin Finish
Satin is a step up in both reflectivity and durability from eggshell. It works well for multi-purpose home offices, especially if you share the space with kids or pets. Satin gives the room a gentle depth and modern vibe, all while standing up to frequent cleaning.
Flat or Matte Finish (With Upgraded Products)
Flat finishes can feel sophisticated and calm, which is great for minimizing distractions. Flat paints in upgraded formulas allow for easier cleaning without sacrificing that elegant, low-sheen look. They’re great for hiding imperfections and keeping the focus on your work, not the walls.
Lighting Considerations for Choosing a Paint Sheen For Office
The amount of natural and artificial light in your office plays a big role in how your paint will look, especially during different times of the day. Lower sheens reflect less light than higher sheens.
If you have a lot of natural light in your office, overly glossy finishes can cause glare on screens, so you may want to opt for satin or eggshell.
If your office has minimal lighting, a satin or eggshell sheen can help reflect just enough light to brighten things up and make the room feel bigger without being too shiny or reflective.
Color & Sheen Strategy for Productivity
Choosing the right color-sheen combo creates a calming, focused space. Before you head to the paint store, consider this strategy for choosing colors and sheens that pair well for a home office space.
Opt for:
- Muted tones like blues or greens in eggshell. This is great for concentration and calmness.
- Satin finishes for accent walls to give the room depth and dimension without being too bold or distracting.
- Color drenching the walls, trim, and ceiling in the same hue for a modern approach (that also looks great on Zoom meetings!).
- Semi-gloss finishes for the trim to give the space a crisp, clean contrast that’s easy to wipe clean.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Paint Sheen For Home Office
When choosing a home office paint sheen, avoid these common mistakes:
- Using overly glossy paint: It can reflect light awkwardly, cause glare on screens, and distract from your work.
- Ignoring lighting conditions: Your ideal sheen may vary based on the room’s setup and direction.
- Forgetting about functionality: Think about who uses the space and how often, as this impacts sheen choice.
Ready to Transform Your Home Office?
At Oak City Coatings, we are passionate about helping homeowners create beautiful, functional, and professional office spaces that boost their productivity and creativity. As business owners who work remotely ourselves, we understand what it takes to create a working environment you can thrive in.
We’ll help you choose the best color and paint sheen for your office, taking into account your light sources, wall condition, usage needs, and overall design vision. From there, we’ll help you select the highest quality paints so you can get a stunning finish that lasts for years to come.
Let us help you create a space that feels polished, professional, and tailored to your unique needs.
Visit our contact page today to schedule a color and sheen consultation and get expert guidance from our team!
