| Glossy | Matte | |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Reflects, brightens small rooms | Diffuses, no glare |
| Fingerprints | Show clearly | Much less visible |
| Fine scratches | Easier to see | Easier to hide |
| Flatness of base | Any wave shows in reflection | More forgiving |
| Cleaning | Wipes easily; may need a polish cloth to avoid streaks | Wipes easily; avoid abrasives that burnish |
How people actually use them
High-touch surfaces, such as kitchen base shutters and wardrobe doors people open daily, tend to go matte. Display units, upper cabinets and feature panels, where nobody touches them, can go gloss. A mix of both in a single room is common.
Dark colours
A dark gloss shows every mark, but looks striking when new. A dark matte hides fingerprints but can show oily smears and scuffs. If you love a dark finish, look at it in person and imagine it after six months of use.
Cost
Price depends more on brand and range than on gloss versus matte. Textured and specialty finishes tend to cost more. Ask for the same design family in both finishes and compare.
Decide quickly
- Will people touch it every day? Lean matte.
- Is the room small and dim? Gloss can help.
- Is the base board perfectly flat? If not, avoid gloss.