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Which Varnish to Choose for Your Floor: Matte, Satin or Semi-Gloss?

It’s the first thing you notice when you step into your home. It sets the tone for the rest of the décor. But more importantly, it’s where life happens. It’s where the kids run around, where the dog stretches after a walk, and where toast crumbs end up.

A floor is more than just a surface, and it’s not just about personal preference. It needs to hold up, be easy to clean, and suit your lifestyle. That’s where the finish choice comes in.

Whether you choose a semi-gloss, matte or satin finish, each has its advantages, limits, and little secrets. We’ll explain how to make the right choice for hardwood floors that can keep up with your life and look beautiful for years to come.

Things to remember

  • Choosing the right varnish for a hardwood floor is both aesthetic and practical: it depends on your tastes and lifestyle.
  • It doesn’t affect the lifespan of the floor or its price.
  • Semi-gloss varnish: elegant and bright, but also more slippery and harder to maintain. Ideal for low-traffic areas.
  • Matte varnish: natural, subtle and perfect for active homes. It hides imperfections well, with minimal maintenance.
  • Satin varnish: the perfect balance. Versatile, soft, and easy to live with day-to-day.

Varnish: much more than just a protective layer

Before discussing the look, it's important to understand what a varnish really does. Its primary role is to protect the wood from wear, scratches, stains, and dirt. But it also influences the overall mood of a room. The more lustrous the finish, the more light it reflects. A matte finish, on the other hand, absorbs light and gives a softer, more muted look.

The level of gloss is determined by the amount of light reflected off the floor at a 60-degree angle, which is roughly how we perceive the floor when standing. It’s worth noting that the choice of finish doesn’t affect the lifespan of the floor or its price.

Semi-gloss finish: chic, bright, but demanding

A semi-gloss varnish on hardwood floors is known for its balanced shine. It reflects light well, visually expands spaces, and highlights the wood’s details. It’s a popular choice for modern and elegant décors.

Why we love it

  • Reflects light
  • Creates a sense of space
  • High-end, smooth and refined look

Ideal for

  • Guest rooms, offices, or low-traffic areas
  • Décors where aesthetics are a priority
  • Clean, minimalist spaces

What you need to know

  • Less suitable for active households (kids, pets)
  • Shows dust, marks, and scratches
  • Slipperier than other finishes
  • Requires more frequent maintenance: cleaning and sanding

Matte finish: natural, subtle, perfect for real life

A solid wood floor with a matte varnish highlights the raw, organic side of the wood. With no shine and a visually calming effect, it creates a peaceful, natural, and warm atmosphere. It’s especially suited for busy families.

Why we love it

  • Hides dust, scratches and marks
  • Keeps its new look for longer
  • Less slippery

Ideal for:

  • Any high-traffic area: hallway, kitchen, and family room
  • Homes with kids and pets

What you need to know

Little shine, can look dull if you prefer brighter finishes

Satin finish: the perfect balance

Also known as "lappato," the satin finish sits between matte and semi-gloss. It offers a nice balance of shine and subtlety, adapting to most décors and lifestyles. Satin varnish reflects just enough light to highlight your floor while being forgiving enough for daily use.

Why we love it

  • Subtle shine that diffuses light beautifully
  • Good tolerance to marks and wear
  • Soft, natural appearance

Ideal for

  • Kitchens, hallways, stairs, and living rooms
  • High-traffic areas and multi-purpose spaces

What you need to know

Requires moderate maintenance, but nothing demanding

Déco Surfaces offers cleaning products for all types of flooring.

3 questions to help you choose the right finish for your hardwood floor

1. What style are you looking for?

  • Natural and laid-back: matte varnish
  • Versatile and soft: satin varnish
  • Shiny and chic: semi-gloss varnish

2. How do you live in your home?

Kids, pets, constant traffic? Matte or satin.

3. What level of maintenance are you willing to tolerate?

  • Minimal? Matte.
  • Moderate? Satin.
  • Strict? Semi-gloss.

One last tip: test it in your space

Before making your decision, visit us in-store and ask for a sample to try at home. Observe it in both natural and artificial light, with your furniture and décor. This is the best way to get a real sense of how it will look in your space.

There’s no perfect finish for everyone. What matters is choosing the one that really fits your lifestyle. Matte, satin or semi-gloss: each option has its strengths and personality. The key is finding the balance between style, maintenance, and everyday life, so your hardwood floor stays beautiful for years without becoming a chore.

For even more practical advice, visit our inspiration blog.

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