Laura Ashley Paint Finishes – Which is Best for your home?

When it comes to decorating your home, choosing the right paint finish is just as important as picking the perfect colour. With Laura Ashley’s paint range now available at DCO, I wanted to break down the differences between two key finishes: Matt Emulsion and Eggshell. Each finish has unique properties, and knowing when to use one over the other can make all the difference in achieving the look you want.

Let’s dive into the details so you can feel confident about selecting the best finish for your next project!

Matt Emulsion

What is it?
Matt Emulsion is one of the most popular finishes, known for its smooth, velvety texture and subtle, non-reflective surface. It absorbs light rather than reflecting it, creating a soft and sophisticated look. This makes it perfect for spaces where you want a calm, understated aesthetic.

Where to use it:

• Walls and Ceilings: Matt Emulsion is ideal for larger surfaces, as its lack of shine helps hide imperfections, giving your room a flawless finish.
• Living Rooms and Bedrooms: It works wonderfully in spaces like living rooms and bedrooms, where a cosy, elegant atmosphere is key.
• Lower Traffic Areas: Since it’s not the most durable against scuffs or marks, it’s best used in rooms that don’t see heavy wear and tear.

Eggshell

What is it?
Eggshell has a slight sheen that sits between matt and satin - resembling the texture of an actual eggshell. It’s more durable than matt, making it a great choice for areas that need a bit more resilience without sacrificing style.

Where to use it:

• Woodwork and Trim: Eggshell’s slight sheen works beautifully on woodwork, such as skirting boards, door frames, and window sills. It adds a subtle contrast against matt walls, enhancing the room’s polished look.
• High Traffic Areas: Its durability makes it perfect for high-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, or bathrooms, where regular cleaning is needed.
• Furniture: Eggshell is also ideal for furniture upcycling projects, adding a soft yet durable finish to kitchen cabinets, dressers, and more.

A Few Tips for Your Projects

• Combining finishes: Don’t be afraid to mix both finishes in one room! Use Matt Emulsion on your walls for a calm backdrop and Eggshell on woodwork for a subtle contrast that adds dimension.
• Testing your colours: Unsure which finish or colour to go for? Grab a Laura Ashley colour chart with the full range. Or get a few Laura Ashley peel-and-stick samples to test how the colours and finishes work together in your space.
• Practicality meets beauty: While Matt Emulsion sets the mood with its soft, velvety look, Eggshell brings the practical durability needed for more functional areas. It’s all about balancing beauty with practicality.

There you have it - a quick rundown of the key differences between Laura Ashley’s Matt Emulsion and Eggshell finishes. Whether you’re refreshing furniture, adding a feature wall, or giving an entire room a makeover, there’s a finish perfect for every project. For more inspiration, check out my blog post highlighting the best Laura Ashley wallpapers and paint pairings!

As always, if you have any questions about choosing your paint finish or colour, pop by the shop or reach out online. Send us a message on WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest. You can also give us a call on 01388 608144 or drop us an email. And don’t forget to tag us in your finished projects - I can’t wait to see what you create.

Helen x