2025’s Best Paint for Interior Walls | ProSmart

Choosing the best interior paint in 2025 means more than picking a color. This guide covers top brands like Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore, breaking down durability, coverage, finishes, and VOC safety, plus expert advice tailored to every room.

What Makes a Great Interior Paint?

When it comes to choosing the best paint brand for interior walls, it’s tempting to think color is the only thing that matters. But seasoned pros and savvy homeowners know that performance lies in the fine print. To get lasting results, especially in busy households or moisture-prone areas, a truly great interior paint delivers durability, strong coverage, smart finish options, and low VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Let’s break that down.

Durability That Lasts

Not all paints are created equal. The best interior paints resist scuffs, stains, and scrubbing, crucial for high-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, and kids’ rooms. Premium brands like Sherwin-Williams Emerald and Benjamin Moore Aura offer surfaces that can be wiped down over and over without degrading the finish or color. For long-term homeowners or those painting in high-use areas, this means fewer repaints over the years.

Coverage That Saves Time and Money

Paint that covers in fewer coats saves labor, materials, and headaches. While budget paints might be appealing at first glance, they often require two or even three coats, especially over dark colors or porous surfaces. That adds up. High-end formulas like Benjamin Moore Regal Select can cover up to 450 square feet per gallon, minimizing waste and effort.

The Right Finish for the Right Space

From flat to high-gloss, every finish has its purpose. Matte and flat paints help hide wall imperfections but are harder to clean. Eggshell and satin finishes offer a subtle sheen and easier maintenance, making them ideal for living rooms or bedrooms. Semi-gloss is perfect for trim and kitchens, where durability and scrubbability are key. A good brand offers consistent performance across all finishes, and some, like Emerald, even include specialty lines just for trim or bathrooms.

VOC Levels That Don’t Pollute Your Space

Modern homeowners care about what’s in their paint as much as how it looks. Low-VOC and zero-VOC formulas reduce harmful emissions, making your space safer for kids, pets, and

sensitive individuals. While many budget paints advertise “low VOC,” top-tier brands like Aura and Emerald push the envelope with ultra-low emissions and odorless applications.

Top Paint Brands for Interior Walls in 2025

Choosing the right interior paint is not just about picking a name brand, it’s about matching the product to your space, your priorities, and your budget. Whether you're repainting a busy hallway, upgrading a humid bathroom, or just freshening up the living room, the brands below offer standout performance in their own unique way.

Sherwin-Williams Emerald, Best Overall for Durability

Source: Sherwin-Williams

If you're looking for a true top-tier performer, Sherwin-Williams Emerald continues to set the gold standard. It delivers exceptional mildew resistance, superior coverage, and a refined, smooth finish that makes walls look flawless, especially in high-humidity rooms like bathrooms or laundry areas.

What makes it truly shine, however, is its durability. This paint doesn’t just last, it maintains its look even after years of scrubbing, wiping, and daily wear.

Benjamin Moore Aura, High-End Luxury With Gennex Technology

Source: Benjamin Moore

If you want rich, lasting color and don't mind splurging, Benjamin Moore Aura is a standout. Its proprietary Gennex Color Technology allows for deep, vibrant shades that resist fading even in sunny rooms. With zero VOCs, it's also a healthier pick, especially for bedrooms or nurseries.

PPG Ultralast, Best for DIYers Wanting Professional Results

Source: PPG UltraLast™ Interior

Need something strong but slightly more budget-friendly than Emerald or Aura? Enter PPG Ultralast. It rivals premium paints in coverage and cleanability but costs less per gallon, making it a great choice for experienced DIYers.

Benjamin Moore Regal Select, Best Coverage Per Gallon

Source: Benjamin Moore

This paint earns its reputation for one reason: it covers more per gallon than just about anything else on the market, up to 450 square feet. That’s not only efficient but cost-effective for large interior spaces like open-concept living rooms or finished basements.

Benjamin Moore Ben, Best Budget-Friendly Premium Paint

Source: Benjamin Moore Ben

For homeowners who want the Benjamin Moore name without the premium price tag, Ben is the answer. It delivers decent durability and smooth coverage for lower-traffic areas like bedrooms or offices.

PPG Prominence, Best Value for Mid-Range Homes

Source: PPG PROMINENCE™ Interior Paint & Primer

PPG Prominence hits that sweet spot between price and performance. It resists stains well, holds up in busy areas, and looks great doing it, all while staying in the mid-$30s to $40s range.

These six paints represent the best of what 2025 has to offer, each suited for a different need. From high-end luxury to everyday durability, there’s no shortage of quality. And if you’re unsure which brand or product is best for your specific home, ProSmart Painting’s specialists can guide you through the decision, helping you save money while achieving premium results.

Paint Types Explained: Latex, Acrylic, Alkyd & More

Not all paints are created equal, and choosing the wrong type can lead to poor adhesion, premature peeling, or worse. Understanding the differences between latex, acrylic, alkyd, and waterborne alkyd paints helps you pick the right formula for your specific project.

Latex Paint: The Everyday Hero

Latex is by far the most common type of interior wall paint, and for good reason. It’s easy to clean up, dries quickly, and emits low levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), making it a healthier and more eco-conscious option for families. Ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways, latex paint is a solid choice for most wall surfaces.

Acrylic Paint: Better for Wet Areas

Acrylic paint is a type of latex paint but with a stronger binder, giving it superior adhesion and better resistance to moisture and mildew. That makes it perfect for bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens, anywhere humidity is a regular visitor. It dries faster and holds color longer in damp conditions compared to standard latex.

Alkyd Paint: Old-School Toughness, High VOCs

Once a go-to for trim and cabinetry, alkyd paints are now largely phased out in residential interiors due to their high VOC emissions and strong odors. However, if you’re repainting over a previously alkyd-painted surface and want to maintain compatibility, it might still be the right choice. Just be prepared for longer dry times and the need for mineral spirits cleanup.

Waterborne Alkyds: The Best of Both Worlds

Newer hybrid formulations like waterborne alkyds aim to combine the durability of traditional oil-based paints with the ease and safety of latex. These paints are ideal for high-traffic areas, doors, and baseboards, offering toughness without the toxic fumes. They dry harder than acrylics and clean up with soap and water, a win-win for pros and homeowners alike.

The Truth About Paint + Primer Products

Let’s bust one of the most persistent myths in interior painting: “Paint and primer in one” does not eliminate the need for a real primer.

These combo formulas are designed for surfaces that are already painted and in good condition. They don’t work well on bare drywall, patched areas, or drastic color changes.

Unique Insight: Skipping primer on new drywall often results in paint that peels prematurely or fails to adhere properly. This means repainting sooner, and spending more in the long run. It’s a shortcut that rarely pays off.

Best Interior Paint by Room & Surface

Not every space in your home plays by the same rules, and neither should your paint. The best interior paint brand for your living room might not be the right choice for a steamy bathroom, a toddler-filled playroom, or a sunlit ceiling. Matching the paint to the room ensures your finish not only looks great on day one but holds up for years to come.

Ceilings

Painting a ceiling comes with a unique challenge: avoiding streaks, splatters, and visible roller marks. To keep your overhead finish flawless, choose paints specifically designed for overhead applications.

• Sherwin-Williams Promar is a favorite among professional painters because it’s formulated to resist dripping, lays flat, and minimizes lap marks.

• CHB (also by Sherwin-Williams) is another go-to for pros who want an ultra-matte finish that hides imperfections. Its ultra-flat look creates a clean, uniform appearance, even under harsh lighting.

Kitchens & Bathrooms

Moisture, humidity, and frequent cleaning make these rooms uniquely demanding. Your paint must be able to resist mildew and wipe down easily without losing color or sheen.

Go with mildew-resistant, washable finishes, satin and semi-gloss have long been standard, but the game is changing.

Matte washable paints are now outperforming older semi-gloss formulas. Brands like Emerald and Duration offer matte finishes that clean easily while hiding imperfections, a welcome update for modern design preferences.

Trim & Woodwork

Your trim, baseboards, and doors take a beating. That’s why they deserve paint that can handle bumps, scuffs, and frequent cleaning.

• ScuffX Pearl by Benjamin Moore and Emerald Trim Enamel Satin by Sherwin-Williams are standout choices here. They offer a smooth, high-end finish, exceptional durability, and resistance to wear.

Kids’ Rooms & High-Traffic Areas

If there’s any room where performance matters most, it’s here. Crayons, scuff marks, sticky fingers, your walls need armor.

Duration by Sherwin-Williams is a top-tier pick for these spaces. It’s scrubbable, stain-resistant, and keeps its finish even after multiple cleanings.

Finish Matters: Matte, Eggshell, Satin, or Semi-Gloss?

Choosing the right paint finish is just as important as picking the right brand. Finish determines how much light reflects off the walls, how easily the surface cleans, and how well imperfections are hidden, or highlighted.

Let’s break down the most common interior finishes and when to use them.

Matte (Flat) Finish

• Pros: Excellent at hiding surface flaws like small dents, nail pops, or uneven drywall.

• Cons: Less resistant to scrubbing or moisture; may mark more easily.

• Best For: Ceilings, adult bedrooms, formal dining rooms, or any wall that sees minimal touching or moisture.

Eggshell Finish

• Pros: Slightly more durable and washable than matte, with a subtle sheen that feels polished without being shiny.

• Cons: Touch-ups are harder, new paint may appear shinier and create a “flashing” effect.

• Best For: Living rooms, hallways, guest bedrooms, and spaces that need some wipeability without the glare.

Satin Finish

• Pros: Very durable, resists moisture, and handles frequent cleaning well.

• Cons: Can show roller marks or wall flaws more than matte or eggshell.

• Best For: Kitchens, bathrooms, kids’ rooms, laundry rooms, or anywhere spills and smudges are common.

Semi-Gloss Finish

• Pros: Highest durability of common finishes, super easy to wipe down, resists water.

• Cons: Reflective surface shows wall imperfections and brush strokes more easily.

• Best For: Trim, doors, baseboards, cabinets, any surface that sees hands or heavy use.

Gloss vs. Sheen: What’s the Difference, and Why It Matters

Many homeowners use “gloss” and “sheen” interchangeably, but in the paint world, they mean two different things.

Gloss (Measured at 60°)

Gloss refers to how much light is reflected when measured at a 60-degree angle. High-gloss paints reflect a lot of light and produce a shiny, mirror-like appearance. They're often used on trim, cabinetry, or accent features.

• High Gloss: Very shiny, almost reflective. Think kitchen cabinets or decorative molding.

• Semi-Gloss: Still shiny but softer, ideal for trim and bathrooms.

Sheen (Measured at 85°)

Sheen is measured at an 85-degree angle, making it more subtle and nuanced. It’s about how light scatters across a wall when viewed from the side. Sheen becomes more relevant in lower-gloss paints like matte, eggshell, and satin.

• Eggshell or Satin: These have a soft sheen that gives walls depth and character.

• Matte or Flat: Virtually no sheen, absorbs light rather than bouncing it back.

Understanding these differences helps you choose the right look and feel for each room. Want cozy and muted? Go matte or eggshell. Want crisp and bright? Semi-gloss or gloss might be right.

Can Budget Paint Compete with Premium Brands?

For many homeowners, the price tag on premium paint can feel like a gut punch, especially when you're staring down a room full of dark walls. That’s when the natural question arises: Do I need expensive paint for dark walls, or more coats of cheap stuff?

The answer depends but the numbers don’t lie. Test after test shows that premium paint brands like Regal Select, Aura, and Emerald cover more area with fewer coats, especially when going from dark to light. In contrast, many budget paints may cost less per gallon, but require two to three coats to reach the same color depth and finish quality, costing you time, effort, and possibly more gallons.

Real-World Performance:

• Premium Paints: Higher pigment load, thicker consistency, stronger coverage = fewer coats.

• Budget Paints: Lower solids content, thinner coverage, often need multiple layers to avoid blotchiness.

How to Save on Premium Paint (Without Cutting Corners)

Let’s face it: premium paint can be expensive, but smart buyers know how to cut costs without cutting quality. Here are three ways to paint like a pro without overspending:

1. Use a Contractor with Access to Pro Pricing

Contractors often receive exclusive discounts from paint suppliers, sometimes up to 40% off retail. By hiring a painting company like ProSmart Painting, you automatically gain access to these savings. That $75 gallon of Emerald? It might cost your painter just $45, $50.

2. Shop Seasonal Sales

Major brands like Sherwin-Williams run seasonal promotions throughout the year, especially in spring and early fall. Deals like 25, 40% off paints and supplies are common and can significantly reduce your total project cost.

3. Customize Any Color in Any Finish

Don’t let finish limitations box you in. All major paint brands can mix any color into any available finish, whether you want ultra-flat or high-gloss. That means you never have to sacrifice design for performance, or vice versa.

Why Arizona Homeowners Trust ProSmart Painting

In a market flooded with painting companies and DIY distractions, Arizona homeowners are turning to ProSmart Painting, not just for the premium finishes, but for the peace of mind that comes with a professional, proven process.

Pay When It’s Done Right, No Deposits Required

Trust is earned, not demanded. That’s why ProSmart Painting offers a zero-deposit policy: you only pay when the job is complete and you’re genuinely satisfied. This no-pressure approach flips the script on the usual contractor experience and builds immediate confidence.

Arizona’s Only “No-Exclusions Warranty”

Most painters offer warranties filled with exceptions and fine print. ProSmart does it differently, with the state’s only true no-exclusions warranty. Whether it’s bubbling, fading, cracking, or peeling, if it’s not right, they’ll make it right. No loopholes. No finger-pointing. Just results.

Premium Brands, Trusted Results

From Sherwin-Williams Emerald to Dunn-Edwards Evershield, ProSmart uses the best brands in the industry, products chosen not for markup potential, but for proven, real-world performance. These paints are designed to withstand the harsh Arizona sun, dry climate, and temperature shifts without losing their color or finish.

HOA-Friendly Service That Handles Everything

Dealing with your HOA's requirements for paint colors, finishes, and approval forms? ProSmart takes that off your plate. All you do is pick your color, ProSmart handles the forms, the compliance, the scheduling, and the application. It’s the white-glove experience for homeowners who don’t want surprises (except how good their home looks at the end). If you’re ready to get started then contact a painting specialist today.

The Right Paint Is Only Half the Story

You can buy the most expensive paint on the shelf, but if it’s applied without proper prep, technique, or finish selection, the results will still disappoint. That’s because great painting is as much about craftsmanship as it is about chemistry.

At ProSmart Painting, every project starts with proper surface prep, guidance on finish selection, and precise application by vetted professionals who take pride in their work. Because it’s not just about paint, it’s about trust, pride, and the feeling you get when you walk into a space that finally feels like home. To learn more about working with a contractor who can help you save without compromising on quality, reach out to ProSmart Painting.