Should I use eggshell or semi-gloss?

Whether you should use eggshell or semi-gloss depends on where you are painting and what you need from the finish. Eggshell has a very low sheen, about 5 to 10% gloss, with a soft, velvety appearance that is almost flat but with a hint of warmth. It hides wall imperfections well, has minimal glare, and looks elegant and cozy, making it ideal for general wall areas like living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and hallways where you want a sophisticated look and do not need heavy scrubbing. It is moderately washable but not as tough as higher sheens. Semi-gloss has a much higher sheen, about 35 to 70% gloss, with a slick, polished, reflective finish. It is extremely durable, moisture-resistant, and easy to scrub clean, making it ideal for trim, baseboards, doors, window casings, kitchen and bathroom walls, cabinets, and furniture. The downside is that semi-gloss shows every flaw and creates glare. A common professional approach is to use eggshell on walls and semi-gloss on trim and doors in the same room to create contrast. Use eggshell when you want forgiveness and softness, use semi-gloss when you need toughness and washability.