BLOG Choosing the Right Flooring Finish: From Gloss to Matte and Everything In-Between Apr 15, 2025

When choosing flooring for your home or office, selecting the right finish is as critical as the type of flooring material itself. Whether you're drawn to the high-shine allure of a gloss finish or prefer the subtle elegance of a matte look, understanding each type can help you make an informed decision. Here’s a guide to choosing the right flooring finish for your space.

To kick things off, let's delve into what flooring finishes do. Essentially, a finish acts as a protective layer and affects the flooring's aesthetics and functionality. Different finishes have their unique appeal, durability, and maintenance needs, making it essential for you to choose one fitting your lifestyle and design preferences.

Let's begin with gloss finishes, which are popular for their shiny, reflective surfaces. They are particularly favored in modern spaces where a sleek and polished look is desired. Gloss finishes make rooms appear larger, enhancing light reflection significantly. However, they are notorious for showing scratches, dust, and dirt more easily than other finishes. Therefore, if you have pets or kids, you might find yourself cleaning more frequently to maintain that sparkling appearance.

Moving to semi-gloss finishes, these provide a happy medium between high gloss and matte. They offer a moderate shine that adds elegance without being too reflective. Semi-gloss finishes are a smart choice for rooms that need a bit of sophistication without the constant upkeep that high-gloss flooring demands. They balance beauty and practicality, suitable for dining areas and living rooms.

Now, let’s talk about matte finishes. These are ideal for those who prioritize subtlety and simplicity. With a non-reflective surface, matte finishes are excellent for creating a warm, cozy atmosphere in a room. They are less susceptible to showing wear and tear, scratches, and dirt, making them a superior choice for high-traffic areas such as hallways or kitchens. Moreover, matte finishes offer a natural look that complements rustic and contemporary styles alike.

Incredibly versatile, satin finishes are another option worth considering. They provide a soft sheen that is less than semi-gloss but more than a matte finish. This makes them perfect for bedrooms and family spaces where you want a mix of durability and understated elegance. Satin finishes tend to have better moisture resistance, a plus for families with children or pet owners.

Choosing the right flooring finish can be the difference between flooring that enhances your home’s design and one that creates unnecessary maintenance work. Your decision should be guided not only by aesthetic preferences but also by practical considerations such as durability, maintenance, and suitability for different areas of your home.

Before making your final decision, consider visiting a showroom like Reds Flooring. Viewing samples under different lighting conditions can provide additional insight into how different finishes will look in your actual space. Additionally, the team at Reds Flooring is equipped with extensive knowledge and can offer personalized advice tailored to your needs.

In conclusion, whether you opt for a bold gloss, a balanced semi-gloss, a subtle satin, or a natural matte, choose a finish that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle and enhances your interior space. Consider factors such as traffic level, lighting, and maintenance commitment to ensure your choice of flooring finish brings both beauty and functionality to your home for years to come.