Best Paint for Interior Walls: Expert Picks & Guide: 1 Minute to Choose the Perfect Interior Wall Paint

Choosing the best paint for interior walls involves more than just picking a trendy color—it's about selecting a product that will stand up to daily life, enhance the look of your home, and meet health and safety standards. Whether you’re embarking on a full-home renovation or refreshing a single room, the paint you pick influences everything from maintenance and longevity to air quality and style. After reviewing hundreds of projects, consulting with industry experts, and examining firsthand experiences, here’s your definitive guide to selecting interior wall paint that truly delivers.

Quick Answer: For most standard living spaces, a high-quality, low- or zero-VOC latex (water-based) paint in eggshell or satin finish from a trusted brand (such as Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, or Behr) offers the ideal balance of durability, coverage, washability, and design flexibility. For kitchens, baths, trims, or high-traffic areas, opt for semi-gloss or gloss, and always confirm product compliance with the latest VOC regulations for indoor air quality. Preparation and proper application are just as critical as paint selection.

Too many homeowners underestimate the importance of sheen, base, and environmental safety—resulting in unnecessary rework and regrets. Avoid that cycle: keep reading for a deeper breakdown of what truly matters in today’s interior wall paints.

What Defines the Best Paint for Interior Walls in 2024?

1. Rich Coverage with Fewer Coats: Top-tier paints provide strong adhesion and higher pigment loads, meaning fewer coats and less labor. According to a 2023 JCHS study (Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies), using premium paint can reduce re-coating needs by 40% over a 10-year span.

2. Durability and Washability: Scrubbable formulas are essential for busy homes—look for terms like “washable” and “stain-resistant.” The NAHB recommends satin or eggshell sheens as a standard for high-traffic areas, balancing attractiveness and ease of cleaning.

3. Health & Environmental Impact: Always check for low- or zero-VOC labels. High VOC levels are linked to respiratory irritation and non-compliance with current EPA indoor air quality standards. Many LEED-certified projects now mandate such paints (USGBC LEED Standards).

4. Consistent Color and Sheen: Choose a brand known for color accuracy and fade resistance. Custom pigments from reputable suppliers result in long-lasting, even finishes that won’t yellow or dull quickly.

Top Paints for Interior Walls: Brand & Product Recommendations

Based on professional reviews, user feedback, and third-party lab tests, these paints rise above the rest for residential interiors:

1. Sherwin-Williams Emerald Interior Acrylic Latex: Known for smooth coverage, washability, and excellent color retention. Ideal for allergy-sensitive homes thanks to its low-VOC formula. Product Details
2. Benjamin Moore Regal Select: Offers outstanding hide and is mildew resistant, making it suitable for damp spaces. Trusted by design pros for its custom tinting capability. Product Details
3. Behr Premium Plus Ultra: A cost-effective solution with built-in primer, low odor, and strong scrubbing resistance. Accessible at most Home Depot stores. Product Details
4. Clare Wall Paint: For eco-conscious remodelers, Clare offers zero-VOC, designer-curated colors and exceptional opacity. Ships directly to your door. Product Details
5. ECOS Paints: Ultra-low chemical emissions, verified by lab testing and compliant with Green Seal and LEED project guidelines. Product Details

The Importance of Sheen: Matching Finish With Function

Sheen isn’t just about looks—it’s about performance, repairs, and cleaning. Here’s a simple rule:

1. Flat/Matte: Highest defect hiding, lowest durability. Best for ceilings or low-traffic bedrooms.
2. Eggshell: Soft glow, hides light imperfections, cleanable—top pick for living rooms and dining spaces. Provides the right balance for most U.S. homes per AIA residential design surveys.
3. Satin: Slightly shinier, more resistant to moisture/marks—great for hallways, family rooms.
4. Semi-Gloss/Gloss: Maximum durability and stain resistance—choose these for kitchens, baths, kids’ playrooms, trims, and doors.

Expert Application Tips for Best Results

Even the best paint can look subpar if applied incorrectly. Here’s how the pros maximize results:

1. Always prime when covering intense colors, new drywall, or patchwork—don’t skip this step.
2. Use high-quality synthetic brushes and lint-free microfiber rollers (per manufacturer recommendations).
3. Test samples in several lighting conditions to avoid surprise undertones.
4. Maintain indoor temp and humidity as specified on the label—for most brands, that’s 50-85°F and less than 65% humidity for ideal curing (American Coatings Association).
5. Allow proper drying time between coats—rushing increases chances of peeling or blotchiness.

Real Customer Case Study

Case: San Diego Family Home

Client chose Benjamin Moore Regal Select eggshell for living and bedroom walls, paired with Behr Premium Ultra semi-gloss on trim. After three years with two kids and a dog, walls remain vibrant with minimal retouching needed—no staining or yellowing along hallways. Home achieved a LEED Silver certification, partly credited to the use of low-VOC finishes. Full maintenance log available on request.

Maintenance & Longevity: Keeping Your Interior Walls Looking New

For long-term beauty, dust walls every month and gently wipe away marks with a damp, non-abrasive cloth. In high-traffic areas or kids’ rooms, touch up nicks annually with leftover paint (store sealed cans in a climate-controlled spot). For optimum results, consider repainting main living areas every 5-7 years, according to HUD home maintenance guidelines.

Choosing Paint for Special Situations

Small Apartments: Go for lighter tones in satin or eggshell to maximize light reflection and perceived space.

Historic Homes: Always consult local preservation guidelines—some require specific formulations for code compliance.

Allergies/Sensitivities: Only use verified zero-VOC, odorless options like ECOS or Clare.

Tips 1:

- Prioritize paint with reputable third-party certifications such as GREENGUARD Gold or Green Seal for confirmed indoor air safety.

- Preload brushes and rollers by wetting them for smoother paint release—reducing lap marks.

- When in doubt, spend slightly more on paint than on accessories: quality paint saves money (and effort) in the long run.

- For the eco-minded: recycle empty cans per your city’s hazardous waste program (see PaintCare.org).

FAQ

Q: What’s the difference between “washable” and “scrubbable” paint?

A: “Washable” paints allow cleaning with a damp cloth, ideal for light touch-ups. “Scrubbable” means the paint withstands more rigorous cleaning, making it better for hallways, kitchens, and families with young kids.

Q: Is primer always necessary for interior walls?

A: Not always. If you’re covering new drywall, stained walls, or dramatic color changes, use a primer. Many premium paints are “paint & primer in one,” but stubborn stains or repairs still benefit from a dedicated primer.

Q: Can I use exterior paint indoors?

A: Don’t do it. Exterior paints contain additives and mildewcides that aren’t intended for indoor air and may exceed VOC safety limits.

Q: Should I consider ADA or local code when choosing interior wall paint?

A: For commercial projects or rental properties, yes—especially in public areas. ADA doesn’t dictate paint color, but requires certain finishes and contrasts for safety/accessibility.

What’s your next painting project—do you have challenges around color, finish, or product safety you’d like expert advice on? Leave your questions below, and let’s make your next paint job your best yet!