For most households, mid-tone colours in a satin or matte finish are the easiest to live with. They tend to hide fingerprints, dust, and light wear better than very dark finishes or very glossy surfaces. They also strike a nice balance between looking clean and not showing every small mark.

That said, the easiest finish for one home may not be the easiest for another. A busy family kitchen, for example, has very different demands than a quieter home with less daily wear.

The best choice usually comes from being honest about your lifestyle. If low maintenance matters to you, it makes sense to choose a finish that’s forgiving in real life — not just one that looks great in photos.