5 Best Paint Brands for Interior Walls: Practical picks and real-world tips from a senior interior designer

I once agreed to paint a client’s tiny hallway a color called “Bulbasaur Green” because they swore it would make their plants happier — yes, I learned the hard way about testers and lighting. When I pop colors into my 3D floor planner, I can immediately see how a hue reads at noon versus lamp light, and that habit has saved me from many repaint bills.

Benjamin Moore Regal: The reliable all-rounder

I use Benjamin Moore when clients want depth and smoothness without drama. Its Regal line has great coverage, minimal touch-ups, and a luxurious feel on living room walls. The downside is price—it's a premium choice—so I recommend it when finish and longevity matter more than cutting corners.

Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint: Consistent and easy to work with

Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint is my go-to for rental turnovers and family homes because it balances durability and price. It resists stains and repairs well, though some colors need a primer coat to hit that true shade. For busy households, its washability is a real lifesaver.

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Behr Marquee: Budget-friendly performance

When clients ask for strong coverage on a tight budget, I recommend Behr Marquee—one-coat claims hold up in most rooms. The trade-off is fewer artisan color options compared to high-end brands, but it saves labor and paint in the long run. If you’re doing accent walls or quick refreshes, it’s a practical pick and I often mock up plans in a kitchen layout planner to check light and finish choices for cooking spaces.

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Farrow & Ball: For statement color and character

If you love historic, deep pigments, Farrow & Ball is my indulgence recommendation—those pigments read differently in every corner and give rooms real personality. It costs more and needs careful prep, but the payoff is a unique, designer feel. I warn clients up front: testers are essential and small rooms will show every brushstroke.

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ECOS or low-VOC lines: Health-first choices

For homes with babies, asthma, or sensitive noses, I steer clients toward ECOS or low-VOC lines from major brands; the air quality difference is noticeable after a week. These paints can be slightly pricier and sometimes require more coats, but for me the health benefits are worth the extra time and cost. Lately I’ve combined these picks with AI-driven color studies from AI home design tests to predict how a shade behaves across different rooms.

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FAQ

Q1: What are the best paint brands for interior walls?

A: The top choices I recommend are Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, Behr, Farrow & Ball, and ECOS (for low-VOC). Each shines in different scenarios—budget, coverage, pigment depth, or health considerations.

Q2: How do I choose between matte and eggshell finishes?

A: Matte hides wall imperfections and suits low-traffic areas, while eggshell offers a slight sheen that’s easier to clean—good for living rooms and hallways. Think about maintenance first; sheen equals wipeability.

Q3: Are low-VOC paints worth the extra cost?

A: Yes, especially for bedrooms or homes with children and allergies—low-VOC formulas improve indoor air quality and often smell less. They may require extra coats, but I find the health trade-off is worth it.

Q4: How many coats of paint do I really need?

A: Most premium paints cover in one or two coats, but dark-to-light changes usually need primer plus two coats for even color. I always recommend test patches before committing to an entire room.

Q5: Can I use the same brand for trims and walls?

A: You can, but I sometimes pick a different sheened formula for trims (satin or semi-gloss) to improve durability and make cleaning easier. Matching brands simplifies color matching but isn’t mandatory.

Q6: How important are sample pots and testers?

A: Essential—always test multiple spots and view at different times of day. Paint looks dramatically different under natural versus artificial light, which is why I mock up scenes before finalizing.

Q7: Where can I find reliable information about VOCs and indoor air quality?

A: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides authoritative guidance on VOCs and indoor air quality: https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality. I often refer clients to that resource for evidence-based recommendations.

Q8: Should I hire a pro or DIY the painting?

A: If your project involves color-matching complex finishes, large surface prep, or high ceilings, hiring a pro saves time and likely money in the long run. For small rooms and simple repainting, DIY is fine—just invest time in prep and testers.

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