The Return of Gloss: Lacquer and High-Shine Finishes in Interiors

For years, matte everything dominated interiors: flat paint, honed stone, brushed metals. Now designers are calling the return of shine. Lacquered walls, high-gloss cabinetry, polished stone, and glazed tiles are reappearing — adding light, depth, and a touch of glamour.

Why gloss is coming back

• It reflects light, making rooms brighter and more dynamic.
• It adds depth, especially in dark colors — a lacquered navy wall looks like liquid.
• It feels luxurious and pairs with trends like Neo Deco.
• It's durable and wipeable, ideal for kitchens and high-traffic areas.

Ways to use gloss

Lacquered walls

High-gloss paint on walls — especially in deep colors like oxblood, navy, or green — creates a dramatic, reflective effect. Best in small rooms like studies, powder rooms, and dining rooms.

Glossy ceilings

A high-gloss ceiling reflects light and makes the room feel taller.

High-gloss cabinets

Glossy kitchen cabinets in color or white look sleek and bounce light around. See kitchen remodel ideas.

Glossy trim and doors

Painting trim and doors in gloss is a subtle way to add shine.

Glazed tiles

Zellige and glossy ceramic tiles in kitchens and bathrooms.

Lacquered furniture

A lacquered side table, sideboard, or dining table adds polish.

Polished stone

Polished marble and travertine instead of honed.

Important: preparation matters

Gloss highlights every imperfection. For walls and furniture:

1. Fill and sand surfaces until smooth.
2. Prime properly.
3. Apply thin coats, ideally with a high-quality roller or sprayer.
4. Consider a professional for large lacquered walls.

Balancing shine

Too much gloss can look cold or harsh. Balance it with:

• Soft textiles — velvet, linen, wool
• Natural wood in matte or oiled finishes
• Warm lighting
• Matte walls if furniture or cabinets are glossy (and vice versa)

Best rooms for gloss

See gloss in your room first

Photograph your room and try prompts in RoomStage like "lacquered deep green walls with high-gloss finish, velvet armchair, brass lamp" or "high-gloss navy kitchen cabinets." It's an easy way to see whether shine suits your space. Related: how to choose paint colors.

Frequently asked questions

Is high gloss back in style?

Yes. After years of matte finishes, glossy and lacquered surfaces are returning in walls, cabinets, furniture, and tiles.

Where should I use high-gloss paint?

Trim, doors, cabinets, ceilings, and small rooms like powder rooms and studies. Full lacquered walls require smooth surfaces.

Does gloss make a room look bigger?

Reflective surfaces bounce light around, which can make a room feel brighter and more spacious.

Is glossy paint hard to apply?

It's less forgiving than matte, so surface preparation and thin, even coats are essential.