While picking out the colour of your furniture may be easy, figuring out what type of finish you’re going for is another story.
Matte, satin and high gloss can all give the same piece of furniture a very different appearance.
But choosing the best wood finish might not just be about which one looks nicest in a sample; you have to consider other factors too. Like the room, how much natural light there is, how often the item will be used, and ultimately, the look you’re going for.
Before we dive into what exactly each of these types entails, let us first understand them.
Understanding Matte, satin and high-gloss wood finishes
One good way of telling these three finishes apart from one another is by looking at how much light they reflect.
A matte finish reflects very little light, giving the surface a soft appearance.
Satin has a little more sheen. It catches the light gently without looking too shiny. It fits somewhere between matte and high gloss.
And then there is a high-gloss finish that reflects a lot of light. This creates a smooth and noticeably shiny surface.
The varying degrees of sheen produced by these finishes drastically influence the look of an interior. Like, going for matte gives you a calm and subtle vibe while a high gloss one makes everything look much more dramatic.
Matte Wood Finish: Soft, Calm and Understated
Matte finishes are an excellent option if you like the contemporary interiors yet without the polished aspect.
The biggest thing you’ll notice is the lack of shine. Matte surfaces reflect very little light, so you don’t get strong reflections bouncing around the room.
Also, one can create a soft, muted, and relaxed ambiance by using matte finishes for their furniture.
Where Does a Matte Wood Finish Work Best?
Matte wood finishes are particularly suited to:
- Wardrobes
- Wall panels
- Cabinetry
- Large furniture surfaces
- Minimalist and contemporary interiors
They work well with earthy and natural colours, as the low sheen makes the colour and texture more prominent. One thing to consider is that matt surfaces are not as good at hiding dirt or marks. So, think about how much handling the surface will get before choosing one.
They work well with earthy and natural colours, as the low sheen makes the colour and texture more prominent. One thing to consider is that matt surfaces are not as good at hiding dirt or marks. So, think about how much handling the surface will get before choosing one.
Satin Wood Finish: A Little Shine Without Going Overboard
Can’t decide between a completely flat surface and a glossy one? Satin may be the middle ground you’re looking for.
A satin finish has a soft sheen without creating the strong reflections you get from high gloss. The result feels polished, but still relatively subtle.
This makes satin an ideal option for furniture, wardrobes and cabinets and surfaces that require a fairly subtle refined appearance that remains functional for everyday use.
High-Gloss Wood Finish: Bold and Reflective
If you like your furniture to have a shiny, polished look, high gloss might be right up your alley. It catches the light and gives the surface a smooth, reflective appearance.
Beyond just being able to catch and reflect the light more than matte or satin finishes, high-gloss can actually enhance the intensity and depth of a colour. In a smaller room, glossy surfaces make the space feel a little more expansive.
Where is a high-gloss finish used?
You’ll often see high gloss on:
- Kitchen cabinets, especially in modern kitchens
- Wardrobes, where the reflective surface can make the room feel brighter
- Statement furniture, such as sideboards, consoles and centre tables
- Accent panels and feature walls where you want to create a focal point
- Modern office or commercial interiors that use a sleek, polished look
However, one point to bear in mind is that this highly polished surface makes fingerprints, smudges, scratches and blemishes more visible. So, you’ll need to put in a lot more effort in cleaning.
Matte vs Satin vs High Gloss: Which Wood Finish Should You Choose?
You probably have an idea of how each finish looks by now. So, what determines your final choice? Begin by deciding what sort of appearance you desire for the room.
1. What Kind of Look Are You Aiming For?
Your choice of finish should complement your interiors. If you are going for a minimal look and want natural textures, then a matte finish is a good choice.
In case you prefer a bold finish, then a glossy finish will suit your interior well. And if you prefer the polished look with just a hint of sheen, then you should go for the satin finish.
Finally, choose the type of finish that goes harmoniously with everything else in the room.
2. The Lighting in the Room
There is one more factor that needs to be taken into account before you select a wooden finish for your surfaces: lighting of the room.
The reflective nature of a glossy finish can make a bright room feel even more lively. And in darker rooms, glossy surfaces can catch light from lamps or windows; this adds small touches of brightness to the furniture.
While matte finishes are known for low reflection capabilities and create calmer looks. And Satin sits somewhere between the two.
3. Consider the Maintenance
Also consider the type of maintenance you prefer to do. Mostly matte and satin finishes are quite easy to maintain and care for, but glossy finishes will show dust and scratches more clearly.
If your surface gets a lot of usage, then consider choosing a finish that will be convenient for you to maintain.
Choose a Wood Finish That Completes the Space
The finish affects not only the color of your wood and how light falls on it, but also the look of your furniture within your interior. That’s why it’s worth giving it as much thought as the wood and colour underneath it.
Each finish has its own distinctive features, so it pays to spend some time considering the lighting, style and maintenance.
With Woodver’s range of premium wood finishes, you can find the right finish to bring your interior vision together.
