Gloss, matt or semi-matt – which finish rules in 2025?

The year 2025 brings a fresh perspective on interior design, along with a shift in trends regarding varnishes and finishes. In this article, we take a closer look at the three most popular types of finishes: gloss, matte, and semi-matte. We will discuss their properties, pros and cons, and determine which one takes the lead in 2025.

 

Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Interior trends and varnish choices: gloss, matte, or semi-matte?
3. Gloss – a luxurious effect with light reflection
4. Matte – natural, subtle, and elegant
5. Semi-matte – a golden balance between practicality and aesthetics
6. How varnish impacts the aesthetics and durability of natural cork
7. Summary
8. FAQ

 

Interior trends and the choice of varnish

The year 2025 in the world of interior design marks a redefinition of both aesthetics and functionality. Choosing the right finish—be it gloss, matte, or semi-matte—has become one of the essential steps in the design process.

How user preferences are changing in 2025

Just a few years ago, high-gloss interiors dominated, particularly in modern, minimalist designs. Shiny kitchen cabinets, lacquered doors, and gleaming panels were seen as the epitome of luxury and elegance. However, in 2025, we are witnessing a noticeable shift—users increasingly favor naturalness, subtlety, and balance.

Key trends:

• Matte and semi-matte taking the lead – natural finishes are gaining ground thanks to their elegance and neutrality.

• Conscious design – the choice of varnish is becoming more deliberate, driven not only by visual preferences but also by practical considerations.

• A return to nature – with the growing popularity of eco-friendly materials like natural cork, wood, and stone, users are more often choosing varnishes that highlight the natural texture of surfaces instead of concealing it.

 

Gloss – a luxurious effect with light reflection

Advantages of glossy finishes

• Brightening dark interiors
  With its high level of light reflection, gloss works particularly well in rooms with limited natural light. It adds a sense of spaciousness and airiness.

• Elegance and modern appeal
  Glossy surfaces evoke luxury and high quality. This is why gloss is often chosen in minimalist designs, where clean forms and smooth textures gain extra depth through light play.

• A premium effect
  Glossy kitchen fronts, coffee tables, or decorative elements can give interiors an exclusive character, especially when paired with sophisticated materials like glass, stainless steel, or stone.

Disadvantages of high-gloss finishes

• Highlighting surface imperfections
  Gloss accentuates every flaw, scratch, or unevenness. This means surfaces require thorough preparation before varnishing and regular upkeep afterwards.

• Visible fingerprints and streaks
  Glossy surfaces easily show signs of use—fingerprints, dust, and smudges. In kitchens or on doors, this often means more frequent cleaning compared to matte or semi-matte finishes.

• Risk of overuse
  While gloss can enhance elegance, too much of it may make interiors appear artificial or “cold.” That’s why in 2025, it is often used more sparingly, combined with matte or semi-matte surfaces for a harmonious balance.

 

Matte – natural, subtle, and elegant

Advantages of matte finishes

• Concealing surface imperfections
  Matte varnishes do a much better job than gloss at hiding small flaws such as scratches, dents, or uneven surfaces. This makes them a practical choice for furniture and elements that are frequently used.

• Calm, modern character
  Matte fits perfectly into current interior trends that emphasize harmony and minimalism. It creates a subtle, elegant effect without harsh contrast or excessive shine. This allows for interiors that feel calm and stylish, free from visual clutter.

• High aesthetics with natural materials
  Matte works particularly well with wood, natural cork, stone, and other materials with visible texture. It enhances their natural character and structure, creating a cohesive, organic look. This makes it especially appreciated by fans of nature-inspired and minimalist interiors.

Disadvantages of matte finishes

The main drawback is that they can visually darken a space. Because matte surfaces reflect little light, they absorb it instead, which can make a room feel smaller and less bright.

This effect is especially noticeable in:

• small rooms with limited natural light,

• interiors dominated by dark colors,

• arrangements that use a lot of uniform matte surfaces.

This does not mean matte should be avoided in such spaces—one solution is combining matte finishes with glossy or semi-matte elements, which helps maintain the natural look of surfaces while adding more light and vibrancy to the interior.

 

Semi-matte – the golden balance between practicality and aesthetics

Advantages of semi-matte finishes

• Versatile application
  Semi-matte works well on different surfaces—from walls and floors to furniture. Thanks to its neutrality, it can be applied to virtually any interior style, from modern minimalism to classic elegance.

• Subtle light reflection
  Unlike matte, semi-matte gently diffuses light, which helps visually enlarge the space while avoiding the intense “mirror” effect. It’s ideal for those who want bright, airy interiors while keeping a natural look.

• Practical for everyday use
  Semi-matte surfaces are less demanding than gloss when it comes to cleaning—fingerprints, dust, or small scratches are less visible. For this reason, they are often chosen for heavily used spaces.

Disadvantages of semi-matte

• Less striking than full gloss
  If the goal is a “wow” effect or maximum luxury, semi-matte may feel too understated. In arrangements where shine and brilliance are meant to dominate, high-gloss finishes remain the better choice.

• Can feel too neutral
  In some interior styles, especially those that thrive on boldness and contrast, semi-matte may seem too reserved. That’s why designers often pair it with gloss or matte to create more engaging textural combinations.

 

How does varnish affect the aesthetics and durability of natural cork?

Modern interior trends emphasize sustainable materials and nature-inspired design. Natural cork fits perfectly into this philosophy because it is:

• Eco-friendly – harvested from the bark of cork oak trees in a process that does not harm the tree,

• User-friendly – warm to the touch, soft, and pleasant underfoot,

• Practical – naturally antibacterial, with acoustic and thermal insulation properties,

• Aesthetic – its natural texture and color work well in both modern and classic interiors.

Additionally, natural cork aligns perfectly with the current biophilic design trend, where interiors are inspired by nature and emphasize organic materials.

Finishing options: gloss, matte, and semi-matte

Varnishing cork makes it possible to adapt its appearance and performance to the specific project. In 2025, the three most common finishes are:

• Gloss – highlights the natural grain of cork, adding depth and elegance. Well suited for modern interiors.

• Matte – ideal for those who value naturalness and subtlety. A matte finish preserves the authentic look of the material, giving interiors a calm, cozy atmosphere.

• Semi-matte – a balance between aesthetics and practicality. It reflects light gently, keeping the surface fresh and elegant while being easier to maintain than full gloss.

 

Summary

The year 2025 in interior design is defined by the search for balance – between aesthetics and functionality, elegance and naturalness. Choosing the right finish—gloss, matte, or semi-matte—has become one of the key elements of design, influencing both the visual appeal and the comfort of everyday use.

Key takeaway: there is no single perfect finish for every space. Trends clearly show that designers and clients increasingly opt for combining different textures and varnish types, creating interiors that are personalized, functional, and timeless.

In short, the choice between gloss, matte, and semi-matte in 2025 is no longer just about fashion. It is a conscious decision that helps emphasize style, improve proportions, and ensure both comfort and durability.

 

FAQ

1. Which finish is the most fashionable in 2025?

In 2025, semi-matte is the most popular choice because it combines the advantages of gloss and matte. It is versatile—adding elegance to interiors while remaining practical and easy to maintain. However, mixed finishes are also common, such as matte fronts paired with glossy accents.

2. Which finish works best with natural materials like wood or cork?

For natural materials, matte and semi-matte are the best choices, as they emphasize the texture and color of the material. Matte provides subtlety and a soft-touch effect, while semi-matte adds lightness through gentle reflection. Gloss can be used selectively if an elegant accent is desired.

3. Which finish best enlarges a space visually?

The most effective option is high gloss, as it reflects light and creates a sense of depth. This is especially useful in small apartments and narrow hallways. For a softer version of the same effect, semi-matte is a good compromise.