Eggshell or satin? Comparing eco-friendly paint sheens for interior walls

Hey fellow eco-warriors! :leaves: I’m in the middle of giving my living room a fresh, natural makeover and I’ve hit a bit of a crossroads. I’m torn between choosing an eggshell or satin sheen for my walls. I’ve been using Earthborn Paints for their incredible eco-credentials—no nasty VOCs, and they’re made from natural materials. But the sheen decision is proving trickier than I thought!

Previously, I’ve experimented with a matte finish from Auro in my bedroom, which was great for hiding imperfections but a nightmare for cleaning. That’s why I’m leaning towards something with a bit more durability this time around. I’ve heard that satin offers a nice balance between durability and a subtle shine, making it easier to wipe clean. On the other hand, eggshell seems to offer a softer, more velvety finish, which could add a cozy vibe to the room.

I’m curious about your experiences! Have you tried either sheen in your eco-friendly home projects? How did they hold up over time, especially in high-traffic areas? And for those who’ve used Earthborn or similar brands, did you notice any difference in application or finish between the sheens? Let’s share our stories and tips to help each other make the best choices for our homes and the planet! :earth_africa:

I’ve been using Earthborn Paints for a couple of years now, and I must say, their satin finish is a game-changer for high-traffic areas. It’s durable, easy to clean, and still maintains that eco-friendly integrity we all love. I used it in my hallway and kitchen, and it’s held up beautifully against the daily wear and tear. Definitely recommend giving satin a try if durability is a concern!

4 Likes

I’m all about that cozy vibe, so I went with eggshell for my living room using Auro. It’s been fantastic for creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. However, I do agree that cleaning can be a bit of a hassle. For areas that see a lot of action, I might consider satin next time. But for spaces where you want that soft, velvety look, eggshell is unbeatable.

3 Likes

@EcoExplorer23 Thanks for sharing your experience! It’s great to hear that satin has worked well for you in high-traffic areas. I’m leaning towards satin for my living room now, especially since it’s where we spend most of our time. Did you find the application process any different with the satin finish compared to other sheens?

2 Likes

Has anyone tried mixing sheens in different areas of the same room? I’m considering using satin for the lower half of the walls and eggshell above to combine durability with that cozy feel. Would love to hear if anyone has experimented with this approach!

1 Like

@GreenThumbGuru The application was pretty straightforward, similar to other sheens. Just make sure to stir the paint well before and during application to maintain consistency. I didn’t notice any significant differences in application difficulty between satin and other finishes. Good luck with your living room makeover!

@SustainaSteve That’s an interesting idea! I haven’t tried mixing sheens in the same room, but I did use satin for the trim and eggshell for the walls in my home office. It created a nice contrast and added depth to the room. Mixing sheens could definitely work if you’re aiming for both functionality and aesthetics.

2 Likes

I’ve been curious about Earthborn Paints for a while now. How does their satin finish compare to conventional brands in terms of eco-friendliness and performance? I’m trying to make the switch to more sustainable options but don’t want to compromise on quality.

1 Like

@OrganicOlivia Earthborn Paints are top-notch in both eco-friendliness and performance. Their satin finish is durable, easy to clean, and has a beautiful, subtle shine. Plus, they’re VOC-free and made from natural materials, so you’re not compromising on sustainability. I’ve found their quality to be on par with, if not better than, conventional brands.

4 Likes

I went with satin for my kitchen and it’s been a game-changer. The slight shine really brightens up the space and it’s super easy to wipe down after cooking splatters. I haven’t tried Earthborn, but with satin, I feel like I get the best of both worlds - durability and a bit of elegance.

4 Likes

Eggshell all the way for me. I used it in my study with Earthborn Paints and the texture is just perfect. It’s not too shiny, not too flat, and it really does give that cozy, warm feel. Cleaning isn’t the easiest, but for a low-traffic area like my study, it’s totally manageable.

4 Likes

I’ve used both sheens in different parts of my house. Satin in the hallway and eggshell in the bedrooms. The satin is definitely more durable and easier to clean, which is great for high-traffic areas. But I love the softness of eggshell in the bedrooms. It really depends on the room’s function for me.

2 Likes

I’m team satin for practicality. I have kids and pets, so the walls need to withstand a lot. I used a similar eco-friendly brand and the satin finish has held up beautifully. It’s also really forgiving with touch-ups, which is a big plus in my book.

I tried eggshell in my living room with Auro and while I love the look, I agree cleaning is a bit of a pain. I’m considering satin for the dining area next. It’s interesting to hear others’ experiences with different sheens. Makes me feel more confident about trying satin.

1 Like

I think it really comes down to personal preference and the room’s use. I’ve been experimenting with different sheens in my home and it’s been a fun process. I’m curious about how different lighting affects the look of eggshell vs. satin. Has anyone noticed a big difference in natural vs. artificial light?

2 Likes

Mixing sheens in the same room? That’s actually a pretty cool idea. I haven’t tried it myself, but it sounds like a smart way to get the best of both worlds. Satin on the lower half for durability against scuffs and eggshell above for that soft, cozy vibe. Just make sure the transition between the two isn’t too jarring. Maybe test it out on a small section first to see how it looks in different lighting throughout the day.

4 Likes

I’ve used Earthborn Paints before and love their eco-friendly approach. As for mixing sheens, I did something similar in my kitchen. I went with a satin finish on the lower half for easy cleaning and a matte finish above for a softer look. It worked out great, especially in a high-traffic area like the kitchen. Just a tip, when applying, make sure to tape off the area where the two sheens meet to keep the line clean and sharp. It really makes a difference in the overall look.

5 Likes

I’ve actually used Earthborn’s satin finish in my kitchen, and it’s held up surprisingly well against all the cooking splatters and steam. The eco-friendliness is a huge plus, and I didn’t notice any compromise in quality compared to conventional brands. It’s got a nice, subtle shine that makes the room feel brighter without being too glossy.

4 Likes

I went with eggshell for my living room using a different eco-friendly brand, and while it does give that cozy, velvety look, I’ve found it a bit challenging to clean. Especially in areas where the kids tend to touch the walls. If durability is a big concern for you, satin might be the way to go.

4 Likes

Switching to eco-friendly paints was a game-changer for me. I used Earthborn’s satin in the hallway, and it’s been great for hiding scuffs and marks. The application was smooth, and it dried evenly. I think you’ll be impressed with how it performs, especially in high-traffic areas.

4 Likes