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The 10 best interior paints to buy in the UK

Picture of a interior paint

Finding the best interior paint is challenging. With so many colours, tones, and textures to consider, it is easy to see why so many people feel overwhelmed at the thought of buying new interior paint for their home. Thankfully, choosing the best interior paints is easier than most think, it just helps to do some research beforehand to make the buying process that bit simpler. To help with this we have created a handy buying guide for interior paints that has all the info you need know!

What are interior paints?

Interior paint is a substance used to coat indoor walls, ceilings, objects and fixtures with a protective layer while adding the desired colours and textures. Available in a near countless range of colours, tones, textures, and fishes, good interior paint is typically used to decorate rooms and objects around the home.

Why should you buy a good interior paint?

If you want to decorate a room then interior paint is a great choice. Affordable and available in a huge range of colours and finishes, it is easy to find an interior paint that matches the desired aesthetic for a space, while most people feel that it is easier to apply than wallpaper. Moreover, you should consider buying the best interior paint possible. This provides a more uniform coating, lasts much longer, and generally looks a lot better than cheaper interior paint.

How to choose the right interior paint in 2024?

Another picture of a interior paint

Choosing the right interior paint can feel overwhelming. So here are some things to consider before buying the best paints for interior walls:

  • Finish: Interior paint comes in many finishes, so always consider each one and whether it provides the desired aesthetic. For emulsion paints, matte, satin, and silk are the main choices. Matte offers a flatter finish while satin and silk provide a glossy finish with an attractive sheen. Eggshell is the go-between of these finishes, being neither overly glossy nor matte.
  • Location: Certain rooms have unique requirements for interior paint, most notable the kitchen and bathroom. These rooms face more moisture so it is recommended to buy an appropriate paint. Avoid emulsion paint for these rooms, as it’s water-based so will draw in the moisture and lead to mould, while gloss paint is better suited for wooden fixtures like skirting boards and door frames. For walls and ceilings, emulsion paint is the best choice.
  • Existing Paintwork: Check your current paintwork before buying new interior paint, as painting over certain colours and finishes can be problematic with the wrong type. For instance, if the current paintwork is a silk finish and you want a matt finish, you’ll need to use a primer undercoat first. Certain colours can be challenging to paint over, so always do some research on this. A good solution is to use an undercoat first, although this requires more time and effort painting.

What is the best kind of interior paint in the UK?

Here are the most popular types of interior paint available to buy:

  • Emulsion Paints: Emulsion is a type of water-based paint that is the best option for interior use, offering the best finish on walls and ceilings. It comes in a range of finishes including matte, silk, satin and eggshell.
  • Gloss Paints: A type of oil-based paint, gloss paint is recognisable for its high shine finishes. It’s a popular option for wood materials, so is one of the better interior paints for skirting, door frames, etc. Due to the high shine finish, imperfections are more apparent on surfaces, so some prepping is necessary before painting.
  • Primers: This type of paint primes the surface for a new coating. It bonds to the surface and allows the new paint to better stick, resulting in a more uniform finish. It’s also good for preventing mould by providing a protective barrier.

Top 10 list of interior paints in the UK (2024)

The bestseller list compares brands and their interior paints. Which interior paint is the best?
Best choice TOP 1
Image of Johnstone's 307781 interior paint
Johnstone's - Wall & Ceiling Paint - Manhattan Grey - Matt…
  • A unique, wide range of colours that have been specially selected from the latest…
  • Provides fantastic coverage, which makes it easy to apply for a quick and efficient…
  • Johnstone's Matt Emulsion Paint provides a smooth, rich and non-reflective finish,…
BUY NOW
Offer TOP 2
Image of Johnstone's 306755 interior paint
Johnstone's 306755 Matt Emulsion Paint, Brilliant White, 5 l…
  • Non-yellowing
  • Ideal for use on plaster
  • Provides a durable, smooth finish
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TOP 3
Image of Dulux 500006 interior paint
Dulux Matt Paint, 7 L - Pure Brilliant White
  • Good coverage
  • Matt Finish
  • Chroma lock technology creates an invisible protective barrier
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TOP 4
Image of Johnstone's 304090 interior paint
Johnstone's - Wall & Ceiling Paint - Toasted Beige - Silk…
  • A unique, wide range of colours that have been specially selected from the latest…
  • Provides fantastic coverage, which makes it easy to apply for a quick and efficient…
  • Johnstone's Silk Emulsion is an attractive high sheen paint with light reflecting…
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TOP 5
Image of Johnstone's 389515 interior paint
Johnstone's One Coat Matt Emulsion Paint - Pure Brilliant White…
  • Coverage (Per litre): 8 m²
  • Dry time: 2 hours
  • Low odour
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TOP 6
Image of Johnstone's 306590 interior paint
Johnstone's - Wall & Ceiling Paint - Antique Cream - Silk…
  • A unique, wide range of colours that have been specially selected from the latest…
  • Provides fantastic coverage, which makes it easy to apply for a quick and efficient…
  • Johnstone's Silk Emulsion is an attractive high sheen paint with light reflecting…
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TOP 7
Image of Johnstone's 3202156-HH interior paint
Johnstone's - Quick Dry Satin - Brilliant White - Satin Finish…
  • A unique, wide range of colours that have been specially selected from the latest…
  • It provides a classic, yet durable and satisfying finish to interior applications.…
  • It is a water based paint, with at non - yellowing, low odour formulation and is…
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TOP 8
Image of CROWN  interior paint
STX_377648 Crown Non Breath Easy Matt Emulsion 10L Soft Grey ()
  • Size: 10 l Pack of 1
  • Brand: CROWN
  • Product type: PAINT
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TOP 9
Image of Johnstone's 308862 interior paint
Johnstone's Wall and Ceiling Soft Sheen Emulsion Paint - Natural…
  • Coverage (Per litre): 12 m²
  • Dry time: 1-2 hours
  • Fantastic coverage
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TOP 10
Image of Johnstone's 389569 interior paint
Johnstone's - Washable Paint - Pure Brilliant White - Matt Finish…
  • A unique, wide range of colours that have been specially selected from the latest…
  • Paint suitable for interior walls and ceilings for your home, with emulsions specifically…
  • The Matt Emulsion provides a smooth, rich and non-reflective finish, perfect for…
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