Choosing the Best Benjamin Moore Interior Paint for Your Home: A Comprehensive Guide

For over a century, Benjamin Moore has been a cornerstone in the paint industry, consistently delivering premium, long-lasting products since its establishment in 1883. Homeowners and professionals alike trust Benjamin Moore for its exceptional quality, vast color palette, and innovative formulations that promise not just beautiful finishes, but also enduring performance.

Selecting the perfect paint is a critical decision that profoundly impacts the aesthetic and longevity of your interior spaces. Whether you’re undertaking a complete home renovation or a simple room refresh, the right paint transforms a house into a home, reflecting your personal style while offering practical benefits. Different areas within your home present unique challenges and requirements. High-moisture environments like bathrooms demand mildew resistance, while high-traffic zones such as hallways and children’s rooms need superior durability and washability. Understanding these distinct needs and matching them with the appropriate Benjamin Moore paint line ensures your walls remain vibrant, protected, and easy to maintain for years to come. This comprehensive guide will navigate you through Benjamin Moore’s most popular interior paint lines, helping you make an informed choice for every surface in your home.

Overview of Benjamin Moore’s Premier Interior Paint Lineup

Benjamin Moore offers a diverse range of interior paints, each formulated with specific features to meet varying needs, preferences, and budgets. From luxurious, high-performance options to reliable, budget-friendly solutions, there’s a Benjamin Moore product perfect for every project. Let’s explore the standout characteristics of their most popular interior paint lines.

Aura Interior Paint: Unmatched Performance and Color Depth

Considered Benjamin Moore’s flagship interior paint, Aura Interior Paint is renowned for its exceptional performance and luxurious finish. It features proprietary Color Lock® Technology, which ensures rich, vibrant, and true color that stays true over time, even with deep and complex hues. This premium formulation delivers superior hide, often requiring fewer coats for full coverage, saving both time and effort.

**Premium Performance:** Offers unparalleled depth of color and a smooth, elegant finish.
**High-Traffic Durability:** Ideal for demanding areas like living rooms, hallways, and family rooms due to its robust scrubbability.
**Superior Coverage:** Color Lock® Technology means deeper, richer colors are achieved with fewer coats, often just two.
**Exceptional Washability:** Stains and marks can be easily wiped away with just soap and water, maintaining a pristine look.
**Low VOC:** Contributes to healthier indoor air quality, making it a responsible choice for any home.

Regal Select Interior Paint: Balanced Quality and Convenience

Regal Select is a beloved classic, striking an excellent balance between premium quality and affordability. This paint-and-primer-in-one formula streamlines your painting process, saving you a step and ensuring excellent adhesion and coverage. It’s highly durable, incredibly washable, and provides a smooth, uniform finish, making it a versatile choice for most interior spaces.

**Optimal Value:** Offers a fantastic blend of Benjamin Moore quality and a mid-range price point.
**Paint & Primer in One:** Simplifies preparation and application, saving time and labor.
**Mildew Resistance:** Formulated to resist mildew growth, making it an excellent choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and other damp areas.
**Quick Drying:** Dries rapidly, typically within one to two hours, allowing for multiple coats in a single day.
**Enhanced Durability:** Known for its resilience and ability to withstand frequent cleaning without compromising the finish.

Ben Interior Paint: Everyday Quality for Every Home

Ben Interior Paint is Benjamin Moore’s entry-level option, providing dependable performance and an excellent finish at a budget-friendly price. It’s a great choice for basic painting projects, rental properties, or touch-ups where cost-effectiveness is a primary concern. Despite its accessible price, Ben still delivers the smooth application and beautiful results expected from Benjamin Moore.

**Budget-Friendly:** An economical choice without sacrificing essential quality for basic projects and refreshes.
**Fast Drying:** Allows for quick project completion with multiple coats applied within a single day.
**Easy Application:** Known for its smooth flow and easy application, making it suitable for DIY enthusiasts.
**Versatile:** Perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, and low-traffic areas where durability demands are moderate.
**Good Coverage:** While it might require more coats than premium lines for full coverage, it still offers reliable hide.

Advance Interior Alkyd Paint: Superior Finish for Trim and Cabinetry

Benjamin Moore Advance Interior Alkyd Paint is a premium, waterborne alkyd paint that provides the superb flow and leveling of traditional oil-based paints, combined with the easy cleanup of a waterborne formula. It cures to a hard, furniture-like finish, making it the top choice for trim, doors, cabinets, and furniture that demand exceptional durability and a smooth, elegant appearance.

**Flawless Finish:** Delivers a remarkably smooth, durable, and high-quality finish, akin to fine factory-applied coatings.
**Specifically for Woodwork:** Engineered to excel on trim, interior doors, cabinets, and furniture, providing long-lasting beauty.
**Easy Water Cleanup:** Offers the advantages of an oil-based paint’s durability and smooth finish with the convenience of water cleanup.
**Exceptional Durability:** Highly resistant to chipping, scuffing, and general wear and tear, perfect for high-use surfaces.
**Extended Open Time:** Allows for proper leveling and brush-mark elimination, ensuring a professional, even coat.

Detailed Comparison of Benjamin Moore Interior Paint Lines

To help you further differentiate between these excellent paint options, here’s a detailed comparison table highlighting their key features and specifications. Following the table, we’ll delve deeper into what these metrics mean for your painting project.

Feature	Aura	Regal Select	Ben	Advance
Price per Gallon (Approx.)	$85-$95	$60-$70	$45-$55	$70-$80
Coverage (sq ft/gallon)	400-450	375-425	350-400	400-450
Dry Time (to touch, hours)	1	1-2	1-2	4-6 (recoat: 16 hours)
VOC Level	Zero VOC (before tinting)	Low VOC	Low VOC	Low VOC
Finishes Available	Flat, Matte, Eggshell, Satin, Semi-gloss	Flat, Matte, Eggshell, Pearl, Semi-gloss	Flat, Eggshell, Semi-gloss	Satin, Pearl, Semi-gloss, High Gloss
Best Uses	High-end spaces, rich colors, high-traffic walls	General walls, high-traffic areas, bathrooms/kitchens	Basic projects, low-traffic rooms, rental properties	Cabinets, trim, doors, furniture, wainscoting
Primer Needed	Generally No (self-priming for most surfaces)	Generally No (paint & primer in one)	Often Recommended for bare surfaces	Yes (especially for bare wood or significant color changes)
Washability / Scrubbability	Excellent (extremely durable)	Very Good (highly washable)	Good (moderately washable)	Excellent (hard, durable finish)
Mildew Resistance	High (especially Aura Bath & Spa)	High	Moderate	Moderate

When evaluating these lines, consider not just the initial price, but the total cost of ownership. Aura’s superior coverage and durability, for example, might offset its higher per-gallon price by requiring fewer coats and lasting longer. Regal Select offers a compelling middle ground for everyday use, while Ben provides a cost-effective solution for less demanding applications. Advance, with its extended dry time, requires patience but rewards with an unparalleled hard, smooth finish ideal for cabinetry and trim that will see frequent contact and wear.

Understanding Paint Finishes and Their Uses

Beyond choosing the right paint line, selecting the appropriate finish is crucial for achieving your desired look and ensuring practical functionality. Paint finishes range from completely flat to highly glossy, each offering different levels of sheen, durability, and ease of cleaning. Understanding these distinctions will help you make the best decision for every surface in your home.

Description of Benjamin Moore Paint Finishes

Flat: A non-reflective, smooth finish with no shine. It excels at hiding minor wall imperfections and subtle flaws. Ideal for ceilings, low-traffic areas like formal dining rooms, and bedrooms where a soft, uniform look is desired. Offers the least durability and washability.
Matte: Slightly more reflective than flat, offering a subtle, soft sheen while still effectively masking surface imperfections. Provides a rich, elegant look and offers slightly better durability than flat, making it suitable for living rooms and bedrooms.
Eggshell: Features a soft, subtle sheen reminiscent of an eggshell, making it a popular choice for general wall applications. It balances good hiding power with increased durability and washability, making it well-suited for living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms that require occasional cleaning.
Pearl: Offers a noticeable, luminous sheen that provides enhanced durability and excellent washability. This finish is perfect for high-traffic areas such as hallways, children’s rooms, and busy family spaces where frequent cleaning is necessary to maintain appearance.
Satin: Characterized by a smooth, silky luster and higher reflectivity than eggshell or pearl. Satin finishes are exceptionally durable and very easy to clean, making them an excellent choice for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and other areas exposed to moisture and frequent spills.
Semi-gloss: Delivers a brighter, more pronounced shine, creating a crisp, clean look. Its high durability and superior resistance to moisture and scrubbing make it ideal for trim, doors, cabinets, and high-moisture environments like bathrooms and kitchens. It highlights architectural details beautifully.
High Gloss: The most reflective and shiny finish, providing a mirror-like appearance. High gloss is extremely durable, highly washable, and best suited for accent pieces, front doors, furniture, or areas where a dramatic, bold statement is desired. Its reflectivity can emphasize wall imperfections, so meticulous surface preparation is essential.

Choosing the Right Finish for Your Space

Appearance and Light Reflection: Shinier finishes reflect more light, which can make rooms feel brighter and more spacious. Flat and matte finishes absorb light, creating a softer, more intimate ambiance, and are effective at concealing surface imperfections.
Cleanliness and Maintenance: Glossier finishes (satin, semi-gloss, high gloss) are significantly easier to clean and withstand frequent scrubbing without damage, making them perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and children’s rooms. Matte and flat finishes are more delicate and harder to clean effectively without risking damage to the paint film.
Durability and Wear Resistance: The higher the sheen, the greater the durability. Glossy finishes are more resistant to scratches, scuffs, and general wear and tear, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. Flat finishes are best reserved for low-contact surfaces.

Tips for Choosing Based on Room Use and Lighting:

High-Traffic Areas (Hallways, Kids’ Rooms): Opt for satin, pearl, or semi-gloss for maximum durability and easy cleaning.
Low-Traffic or Ceiling Areas (Ceilings, Formal Dining Rooms, Bedrooms): Flat or eggshell finishes work beautifully to hide imperfections and create a soft, inviting atmosphere.
Rooms with Abundant Natural Light: Consider using high-gloss or semi-gloss finishes on trim or accent walls to enhance brightness and highlight architectural features. For walls, an eggshell or matte can prevent excessive glare.
Humid Environments (Bathrooms, Kitchens): Satin or semi-gloss finishes, especially those with mildew resistance, are crucial for resisting moisture and standing up to frequent cleaning.

Selecting the Appropriate Paint Base

Beyond finish, understanding paint bases is vital for achieving optimal color and coverage. Benjamin Moore paints come in different bases, formulated to best accommodate various color intensities:

Base 1 (Pastel/White Base): Formulated for the lightest colors, including whites and pale pastels. This base allows for minimal tinting, ensuring true, delicate hues.
Base 2 & 3 (Medium Bases): Designed for a broad spectrum of medium-toned colors, such as light to medium blues, greens, yellows, and grays. These bases provide the necessary saturation for these popular shades.
Base 4 (Deep/Accent Base): Crucial for achieving the full vibrancy and depth of rich, dark colors like deep reds, navy blues, charcoal grays, and profound browns. Using the correct deep base prevents light colors from showing through and enhances the color’s true richness and intensity with fewer coats.

The base you choose directly affects how the final color appears and the number of coats required for complete and uniform coverage. Always ensure your retailer uses the correct base for your chosen Benjamin Moore color.

Best Benjamin Moore Paint Choices for Specific Rooms

Tailoring your paint selection to the specific environment and function of each room is key to achieving both lasting beauty and practical performance. Here are Benjamin Moore’s recommended paint lines and finishes for various areas of your home.

Kitchens and Bathrooms: Moisture, Durability, and Cleanability

Kitchens and bathrooms are notorious for high moisture levels, splashes, and stains. These rooms demand paints that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly resistant to mold and mildew, and exceptionally easy to clean. Grease splatters in the kitchen and constant humidity in the bathroom necessitate a paint that can withstand rigorous cleaning without fading or deteriorating.

Recommended Finishes and Paint Types:

Aura Bath & Spa (Matte Finish): This revolutionary paint from the Aura line is specifically engineered for high-humidity environments. It’s the first and only matte finish paint that stands up to the challenges of steamy bathrooms, resisting mildew and moisture while providing superior durability and washability, all with a luxurious matte look.
Regal Select (Satin or Pearl Finish): A versatile and durable choice for kitchens and bathrooms. Its excellent scrubbability and mildew resistance make it capable of handling splashes and steam effectively.
Advance Interior Alkyd Paint (Satin or Semi-gloss): For kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities, Advance delivers an incredibly hard, furniture-like finish that resists chips and stands up to frequent cleaning, ensuring long-term beauty and functionality.

Children’s Rooms and Hallways: Ultimate Durability and Washability

Children’s rooms and hallways are among the most active areas in a home, prone to scuffs, crayon marks, and fingerprints. Paint in these spaces must offer superior durability, excellent scrubbability, and preferably low VOCs for the safety of children. These finishes provide a protective barrier that allows for frequent cleaning without compromising the integrity or appearance of the walls.

Recommended Finishes and Paint Types:

Aura Interior Paint (Eggshell, Satin, or Semi-gloss): For the ultimate in durability and washability, Aura is unmatched. Its Color Lock® Technology keeps colors vibrant even after repeated scrubbing, making it ideal for the busiest family spaces.
Regal Select (Pearl or Satin Finish): An excellent choice for high-traffic areas. Its robust formula can withstand the daily wear and tear of active households and is highly washable, making cleanup a breeze.
**Low VOC & Zero VOC Options:** All Benjamin Moore interior paints are low VOC, and Aura is zero VOC (before tinting), ensuring a healthier environment for children and all occupants.

Living Rooms and Bedrooms: Comfort, Style, and Serenity

For areas focused on relaxation and aesthetic appeal, such as living rooms and bedrooms, the emphasis shifts towards finishes that create a desired ambiance while still offering practical benefits. These spaces generally experience less traffic but are central to your home’s character.

Recommended Finishes and Paint Types:

Aura Interior Paint (Matte or Eggshell): For a truly luxurious feel and deep, rich colors that add elegance. Aura’s durability ensures that even these softer finishes maintain their beauty over time.
Regal Select (Matte or Eggshell): A popular and reliable choice for these rooms. It offers a beautiful, smooth finish with good washability for general cleaning.
Ben Interior Paint (Flat or Eggshell): A cost-effective solution for bedrooms or living rooms, especially if you plan to redecorate more frequently. It provides a lovely finish and adequate durability for lighter use areas.

Ceilings and Trims: The Finishing Touches

Ceilings and trim play distinct but equally important roles in defining a room’s aesthetic. Ceilings are best painted with a flat finish to minimize glare and hide imperfections, creating a seamless, uniform appearance. Trim, including baseboards, crown molding, doors, and window frames, are frequently touched and susceptible to dings, requiring a highly durable and washable finish to maintain their crisp look.

Recommended Finishes and Paint Types:

Ceilings:
- **Benjamin Moore Waterborne Ceiling Paint (Ultra Flat):** Specifically formulated for ceilings, this paint offers superior hide for surface imperfections, minimizes roller marks, and provides an ultra-flat finish that reduces glare and disperses light evenly.
- **Ben Interior Paint (Flat Finish):** A good, economical option for ceilings, providing reliable coverage and a soft, non-reflective look.
Trim, Doors, and Cabinets:
- **Advance Interior Alkyd Paint (Satin, Pearl, Semi-gloss, or High Gloss):** The gold standard for woodwork. Its hard, furniture-like finish offers unparalleled durability, smooth leveling, and resistance to chipping, ensuring your trim looks flawless for years.
- **Aura Interior Paint (Semi-gloss):** Provides exceptional durability and vibrant color for trim, especially if you want a perfect color match with your walls in a more resilient finish.
- **Regal Select (Semi-gloss):** A highly durable and washable option for trim, offering a beautiful sheen that stands up well to daily use and cleaning.

Cost Analysis and Value Proposition

Understanding the price differences and long-term value of Benjamin Moore’s paint lines is crucial for budget-conscious homeowners and professionals. While initial price per gallon is a factor, it’s equally important to consider coverage, durability, and the need for future touch-ups or repaints.

Price Breakdown

The cost of Benjamin Moore paints varies significantly across its lines, reflecting the quality of ingredients, proprietary technologies, and performance features. These prices are approximate and can fluctuate based on location and retailer:

**Ben Interior Paint:** Typically the most affordable, costing around $45-$55 per gallon. It covers approximately 350-400 square feet per gallon.
**Regal Select Interior Paint:** Falls into the mid-range category, priced at about $60-$70 per gallon, offering coverage of 375-425 square feet.
**Advance Interior Alkyd Paint:** A premium specialized paint, usually priced around $70-$80 per gallon, with coverage of 400-450 square feet.
**Aura Interior Paint:** The highest-end option, generally costing $85-$95 per gallon, but boasts excellent coverage of up to 450 square feet.

The type of paint you choose directly impacts the overall cost of your project. Premium paints like Aura often require fewer coats due to their superior hide and color richness, potentially saving on material and labor costs compared to more affordable options that might necessitate three or even four coats for full coverage, especially with deep colors.

Value Over Time: Investing in Quality

While the upfront cost of premium paints like Aura and Advance is higher, they often deliver significant long-term savings and superior value. These higher-quality formulations are engineered for exceptional durability, washability, and color retention.

**Extended Lifespan:** Premium Benjamin Moore paints are designed to last longer, typically maintaining their fresh look for 7-10 years or more before needing a repaint. Cheaper paints, while initially less expensive, may fade, chip, or show wear much sooner, requiring repainting every 3-5 years. This means fewer repaints over time, saving you money on paint, supplies, and labor.
**Reduced Maintenance:** High-quality paints stand up better to frequent cleaning, resisting scuffs, stains, and burnishing. This means less effort and fewer specialized cleaning products needed to keep your walls looking pristine.
**Better Aesthetics:** The superior color depth and finish quality of premium paints contribute to a more sophisticated and enduring aesthetic. The initial investment results in a home that looks better, longer.

Consider a scenario where a room is painted with Ben ($50/gallon, 5-year lifespan) versus Aura ($90/gallon, 10-year lifespan). Over 20 years, you’d repaint with Ben four times (4x$50=$200 per cycle) or with Aura twice (2x$90=$180 per cycle). While the initial cost per gallon is higher for Aura, the total cost for paint over two decades is comparable or even less, not even accounting for the labor savings. Furthermore, the daily enjoyment of a superior, more durable finish adds intangible value that goes beyond mere dollars and cents. Investing in premium Benjamin Moore paint is an investment in your home’s beauty and longevity.

Conclusion

Benjamin Moore stands as a beacon of quality in the paint industry, offering a meticulously curated selection of interior paints designed to meet every homeowner’s needs. From the opulent color depth and unparalleled durability of Aura to the versatile, value-driven performance of Regal Select, the everyday reliability of Ben, and the exquisite, hard-wearing finish of Advance for woodwork, each line is crafted with specific applications in mind.

Making the right choice for your home involves carefully considering the unique demands of each room, the desired aesthetic, and your budget. Whether you prioritize stain resistance for a busy family room, mildew protection for a humid bathroom, or a flawless, furniture-like finish for your kitchen cabinets, Benjamin Moore provides a solution. Their extensive range of finishes, from ultra-flat to high-gloss, further allows for customization, ensuring that every surface not only looks beautiful but also performs optimally.

For personalized expert guidance, we highly recommend visiting a local Benjamin Moore retailer or exploring their comprehensive website. The knowledgeable staff can provide tailored advice, help you navigate color choices, and ensure you select the perfect paint system for your project, guaranteeing a professional-looking and lasting finish every time. Transform your living spaces with the confidence and quality that only Benjamin Moore can provide.