After years of working with interiors, I’ve painted countless walls and tested dozens of paint brands – from high-end to budget-friendly. I know how OVERWHELMING paint selection can be – especially since manufacturers roll out new lines for different surfaces and purposes every year.
While some paints work great in high-moisture areas, others are specifically made for ceilings or woodwork. Picking the right paint isn’t just about looks – it can make a huge difference in how long your paint job lasts. So what’s the best way to choose?
In this guide, I’ll break down popular interior paint brands and tell you which lines work best for what you need – whether you’re painting your bathroom walls or touching up living room trim.
1. Farrow and Ball
I discovered Farrow & Ball several years ago, and I haven’t stopped raving about them since!
This British brand has been crafting paints with an almost magical depth of color since 1946 – all thanks to their high concentration of pigments and premium ingredients. With only 132 shades in their palette, each color is so carefully curated that it actually makes choosing easier rather than overwhelming you with options.
What makes Farrow & Ball stand out to me:
Their signature colors are truly one-of-a-kind. I personally fell head over heels for Hague Blue and Elephant’s Breath – and trust me, you just can’t duplicate these with other brands. They also have this charming habit of giving their paints quirky (and historical) names – Dead Salmon being one of my favorites.
For interiors, they offer two main ranges: Estate, which has this gorgeous matte finish (perfect for bedrooms and living rooms), and Modern, which holds up better in high-traffic areas like kitchens and hallways.
When it comes to application, it’s a dream to work with – glides on smoothly, keeps a wet edge, and usually covers in one coat. Plus, they use eco-friendly formulas without plasticizers, so your walls can actually breathe – especially important in older homes.
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The downsides of Farrow & Ball:
Let’s talk price – $130-150 per gallon isn’t cheap by any means. In the US and Canada, you’ll only find them in stores in major cities, so most people order online. On the bright side, they do offer free color cards and $8 sample pots to test before you commit.
After years of using F&B, I can honestly say they’re worth the splurge. If you’re after the best interior paint and don’t mind investing in quality – go for it. Currently, nothing else on the market quite matches up.
2. Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore is my go-to brand for both big and small projects. It’s definitely a premium brand, and it shows in both price and quality. Their paints have this rich, thick consistency and often cover completely in just one coat.
The color selection is mind-blowing – over 3,500 shades, and many can’t be matched by other brands thanks to their special Gennex pigment technology.
What I love about BM:
Regal Select has become my favorite line for most projects. It covers up to 450 square feet per gallon – one of the best coverage rates I’ve seen!
The premium Aura line with anti-fungal properties works wonders for bathrooms and other humid spaces. Their Color Lock technology really does keep colors looking fresh for years.
For the eco-conscious, they offer the Eco Spec line with zero VOCs – great for kids’ rooms. Most of their other lines are LEED-compliant too.
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The drawbacks of Benjamin Moore:
The biggest hassle is availability. You can only buy it from their stores or authorized dealers, which can be a pain when you need to grab more paint mid-project.
Price is another sticking point – expect to pay $45 to $90+ per gallon, depending on the line. Their budget-friendly Ben line is cheaper but runs thinner, which can make painting a bit trickier.
3. Sherwin-Williams
With over 140 years in the market, Sherwin-Williams has a serious history. Finding their paints is a breeze – they have 3000+ stores, plus you can grab them at any Lowe’s across the country. This was a huge selling point for me – it’s super convenient to pick up more paint if you run short on a room.
What I love about SW:
The color selection is mind-blowing – we’re talking over 1700 shades. They frequently run sales with up to 40% off, which helps offset their premium pricing. Also, their rewards program is actually worth joining, with some solid perks.
But honestly, it’s the paint quality that really seals the deal. I’ve tested several lines, and each one brings something special to the table!
Breaking down the lines:
- Emerald ($80-90 per gallon) – my go-to for bathrooms. Years later, and still no mold in sight! The antimicrobial properties are a huge plus for bathroom spaces.
- Duration ($80) is a lifesaver for hallways, especially if you’ve got kids and pets running around. I’ve managed to wipe away crayon marks without any issues – it cleans up beautifully.
- Cashmere ($75-80) creates this gorgeous silky finish that’s perfect for bedrooms. Just keep in mind it’s a bit too delicate for high-traffic areas – I wouldn’t use it in the kitchen.
- SuperPaint ($65-70) gives you the best bang for your buck, particularly for larger spaces. Love that it’s self-priming – saves you an extra step and some cash.
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The downsides of Sherwin-Williams:
- Let’s be real – the regular prices are steep. You might need to wait for a sale to make it work for your budget.
- The satin finish has more shine than you might expect – definitely something to consider when picking your finish.
- Some colors need a third coat to look perfect, which means more time and money.
4. Clare
Clare is the new kid on the block, offering a smaller but well-curated color selection. While this makes choosing easier, you might feel limited if you’re after something really specific for complex design projects.
This paint shines in high-traffic areas – think hallways, kids’ rooms, and living spaces. You’ll need two coats for the best results, pretty standard stuff.
What I like about Clare:
- The price point makes sense – $65 per gallon is fair for what you’re getting.
- A major plus is that it’s Zero VOC, so you can breathe while using it indoors.
- The durability and washability are impressive – definitely parent-approved if you’ve got little ones running around.
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The not-so-great stuff about Clare:
- The biggest drawback is that it’s online-only. Sure, you can get samples ($3 each or $35 for the full set), but not being able to see colors in person can be tricky, especially for complex shades.
- You’ll need to work quickly with this paint – it dries fast, which can make it challenging to avoid lap marks.
- Watch out for splattering. Invest in good rollers (Purdy Marathon works great) – it’ll make a huge difference in your results.
5. PPG
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PPG catches the eye with its tech-forward approach to paints. They’ve even incorporated automotive pigments into their Timeless® line – pretty cool, right? But there’s more to the story.
The good stuff first:
- Their basic lines deliver consistently solid quality, even in the mid-price range. Glidden Premium ($25-35 per gallon) works great for bedrooms and living rooms.
- You’ll usually only need one coat, particularly with darker colors. Their ColorTrue technology actually does help colors look more natural in different lighting.
- Plus, most PPG paints come with GREENGUARD certification and low VOC levels – definitely a plus for living spaces.
Looking at specific lines:
- Speedhide Zero VOC – genuinely durable and perfect for high-traffic areas like entryways and hallways
- Advantage 900 – coverage isn’t quite what it used to be since they updated the formula, but it still sticks to oil-based paints better than anything else
- Glidden Premium – great for living spaces, though it might show some wear when you clean it with water
The not-so-great parts:
- The price tags on their “innovative” products can be hard to swallow. Take the Advantage 900 at $80 per gallon – sure, the coverage is nice, but it gets sticky fast while you’re painting, and the smell is another story…
- You’ll definitely need good ventilation. Watch out for cracking if you’re using elastic sealants too.
- Shopping for it can be tricky – you’ll only find the full selection at PPG specialty stores. Home Depot and Lowe’s carry limited lines.
Bottom line: PPG makes quality paint, but you’ll want to pick your line carefully depending on what you’re doing.
6. Valspar
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Valspar is my go-to recommendation when friends want to freshen up their space without breaking the bank. It’s also a favorite among contractors for basic projects where premium isn’t necessary.
Think of it as the reliable middle-ground option. Nothing fancy, but it gets the job done well. You’ll only find it at Lowe’s, and the prices are reasonable – $30 to $45 per gallon, which beats premium brands by quite a bit.
It’s easy to work with and flows nicely, which helps if you’re new to painting. If you can live with a slightly rougher finish than premium brands, you’re getting great value for your money here.
What makes Valspar shine:
- Signature Interior – their star product really delivers on dark walls. I’ve used it myself to cover a black wall with light gray – one coat did the trick.
- Reserve handles high-traffic areas like hallways, kids’ rooms, and entryways like a champ.
- I’m also a fan of their specialty formulas, like their mold-resistant options for bathrooms.
A few things to keep in mind:
- The texture runs thicker than premium paints – you might notice a slight roughness on large, smooth walls. That’s the trade-off for good coverage.
- The 2-hour drying time between coats can test your patience, especially in bigger rooms.
7. Behr
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Behr, Home Depot’s exclusive paint brand, has carved out a sweet spot in the “good value for money” category.
What I love about Behr:
- The Marquee line is definitely their standout product. Sure, it’s pricier than their other offerings ($45-55 per gallon), but it’s worth every penny for its one-coat coverage. I used it in my living room, and I couldn’t be happier – not a single patchy spot in sight.
- Premium Plus is perfect for bathrooms and kitchens. It holds up against moisture and stains, and at about $35 per gallon, it’s a solid pick for high-traffic spaces. With just 2 hours of drying time between coats, you can complete your painting project in a day.
- The Ultra series ($30-40) hits the sweet spot for bedrooms and less-used areas. One neat feature I appreciated was the built-in pouring spout – it actually works at preventing those annoying paint drips.
A few things to keep in mind:
As much as I like these paints, there are some quirks to watch out for.
- Premium Plus, even with its low VOC content, packs quite a smell when you’re painting – you’ll definitely want to crack those windows open.
- The shade might vary slightly between different Home Depot stores, so it’s best to buy all the paint you need in one go.
- Make sure to stir the paint well before using it – skip this step, and you won’t get the promised results. Stick to the instructions, though, and you’ll be set.
8. Dutch Boy
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Dutch Boy really shines when it comes to heavy-duty paints. They don’t get as much attention online as other brands, so here’s my take on them.
Their Porch & Floor line is a real winner in terms of durability – it sets in just an hour, which was a lifesaver when I was painting a deck for clients with two kids and a dog running around.
The good stuff:
- These paints are built to last. Even after years of heavy foot traffic, floors still look fresh
- They offer an anti-slip version – perfect for potentially slippery areas
- Colors stay true even in direct sunlight (both lab tests and real-world use back this up)
- Coverage is impressive – usually, one coat does the trick
The not-so-good stuff:
- The pouring spout is poorly designed – expect some drips and mess
- The formula’s too thick for walls and ceilings – I’d steer clear of using it there
