Semi Gloss Wall Paint Colors

Whites

• Light-toned semi-gloss paint is best for high-traffic spaces that are small or dark, as light colors help make them appear larger. Insufficient light in a small, high-traffic space can cause pure white to appear gray. Instead, use an off-white or cream-colored white in a semi-gloss finish to reflect light and make the space seem bigger. Start off with an immaculate surface and paint job as semi-gloss reveals defects more easily than matte finishes. High-traffic areas of the home include hallways, stairways and front and back door entryways. Semi-gloss paint withstands chipping, scuffing and abrasions walls encounter on a daily basis.

Cool Colors

• Cool colors, such as blue, green and purple evoke relaxation and are therefore good for master bathrooms. Light blues work well in smaller bathrooms as they help to expand the space. Semi-gloss paint resists humidity and withstands staining, making it ideal for bathrooms where soap scum and product residues cling to walls.

Warm Colors

• Warm tones, such as red and yellow, stimulate the appetite and social interaction, which makes them favorites for kitchens and dining areas, according to Her Home Magazine. Restaurant walls are often painted in warm tones that mimic food, adds the magazine. Semi-gloss paint is the sheen of choice for food areas due to the amount of heat, moisture and ingredients walls are exposed to.

Bright Colors

• Bright semi-gloss paint colors, such as pinks, lime green and some yellows work well in children's rooms. Bright yellow helps with concentration and is used to paint an office, arts and craft room or child's study area. When using trendy colors, paint just one accent wall, combine it with another color or two to create a pattern or only paint the upper or lower half of the walls divided by trim work to keep the color from overstimulating the occupant or overpowering the room's decor.

Coordinate With Wall Paint

• Use semi-gloss paint for woodwork that coordinates with wall color. For example, use warm whites to paint trim in warm-colored rooms and pure whites in cool-colored rooms, recommends Her Home Magazine. Dark, stark colors such as charcoal, provide contrast against light-colored walls and draw attention to ornate trims and accents. Semi-gloss paint is also commonly used for moldings, cabinets and furniture, says Pre-Mixed Paint.