The Rise of Matte Finishes: Why Everyone's Falling in Love with This 2025 Paint Trend

If you’ve been daydreaming about refreshing your walls or giving your cabinets a new look, you’ve probably noticed a big shift in what’s trending: matte finishes are having a moment—and we are here for it.

Matte paint might not have the shiny appeal of a gloss or the soft glow of satin, but don’t let that fool you. In 2025, matte is the cool, confident trend that’s quietly stealing the show.

So what’s the big deal about matte finishes? Let’s dive in.

🌿 What Is a Matte Finish Anyway?

Let’s keep it simple—matte paint has no shine. Zero gloss. It absorbs light instead of reflecting it, giving walls a smooth, velvety look. This makes it perfect for creating cozy, sophisticated spaces that feel warm and lived-in.

It also does a solid job of hiding imperfections, unlike shinier paints that can magnify every bump, ding, or dent on your wall.

🏠 Why Matte Finishes Are a Huge Hit in 2025

There are a few reasons matte is trending hard this year:

1. More Color Depth
   Because matte paint doesn’t reflect light, colors show up richer and truer. Bold tones like deep navy, sage green, or even soft neutrals like taupe or clay look way more luxe in matte.
   👉 Check out the 2025 Color Forecast from Sherwin-Williams for inspiration.
   
   

2. It’s Instagram-Worthy
   Designers love it. Influencers love it. And we love it too. Matte finishes photograph beautifully. The texture adds visual interest without overwhelming a room.
   👉 See how designers are using matte texture in modern interiors.
   
   

3. It Hides Wall Flaws
   If your drywall isn’t flawless (and let’s be real—it usually isn’t), matte is a forgiving friend. It won’t highlight uneven patches, and it’s great for older homes with charm and character.
   
   

4. Pairs Perfectly with Natural Materials
   Matte walls look amazing alongside wood tones, stone countertops, or natural fabrics like linen and leather.
   👉 Here’s a great piece from Eclectic Niche that talks about modern interior design trends.

🚪 Where to Use Matte Paint

We usually recommend matte finishes in:

• Bedrooms and living rooms – where coziness and mood matter most.
  
  

• Dining rooms – for a modern, elegant atmosphere.
  
  

• Accent walls – especially in deep or bold colors.
  
  

• Ceilings – matte hides surface imperfections beautifully.
  
  

Just keep in mind, matte paint can be a little trickier to clean. For high-traffic areas like kitchens or kids' rooms, opt for washable matte or eggshell finishes for a balance of beauty and durability.
👉 Learn more about choosing the right paint finish by room.

🎨 Hot Colors in Matte for 2025

As we move through 2025, interior design trends are embracing rich, nuanced hues that bring warmth and sophistication to living spaces. Here are some of the standout colors making waves this year:

• Cinnamon Slate – Benjamin Moore's Color of the Year 2025, Cinnamon Slate (2113-40), is a delicate mix of heathered plum and velvety brown. This versatile shade offers enduring style and a modern sensibility, making it a perfect choice for creating cozy, inviting interiors.
  
  

• Sea Salt – A soft, mineral green that feels fresh, light, and calming. Sea Salt brings a breath of sea air into your home and pairs beautifully with natural materials and matte finishes for a grounded, spa-like effect.
  
  

• Ashwood Moss – This earthy green with gray undertones delivers a cozy, natural vibe that works well in matte. It’s part of Benjamin Moore’s 2025 Color Trends palette and lends depth to living rooms, bedrooms, and more.
  
  

• Tissue Pink – A muted, vintage-inspired pink that adds warmth without being too sweet. Perfect for bedrooms or accent walls in cozy nooks.
  
  

• Leather Saddle Brown – A warm, grounding brown that adds richness to both modern and traditional spaces. It's bold without being overpowering and looks stunning in a flat or matte finish.
  
  

💡 Want to see the full roundup of every major 2025 Color of the Year announcement from top paint brands?

👉 Check out this great breakdown by Better Homes & Gardens

Sea Salt by Benjamin Moore

🔧 How We Help You Choose the Right Finish (Including Matte!)

At NWSP, one of our favorite parts of the job is helping clients find the perfect shade and finish for each space in their home. Whether you're going for moody and dramatic or bright and welcoming, the finish you choose can completely transform the final look.

Matte finishes are especially popular right now for creating cozy, high-end vibes—think primary bedrooms, formal dining rooms, and even built-in feature walls. But matte isn’t right for every room, and that’s where we come in. We’ll guide you through where matte shines (pun intended), where other finishes might be better, and how to create flow from room to room with the right color palette.

Not sure what works best in your space? No problem. We’ll bring samples, talk through your lighting, and help you make confident decisions that you’ll love living with every day.

Final Thoughts 

Trends come and go, but matte finishes are proving they’ve got staying power. They’re practical, stylish, and just the refresh a lot of homes need right now. Whether you're updating one room or your whole house, matte paint could be the quiet hero of your next home makeover.

Need help choosing the right finish for your project? That’s what we’re here for.

Let’s bring your walls to life—without the shine. 😉

📍Serving Western Treasure Valley, NWSP (Northwest Specialty Painting) is your go-to team for interior and exterior painting, accent wall design, and expert finish guidance.