Should Posters Be Matte or Glossy? A Guide to the Best Finish

The choice between matte and glossy depends on whether you prefer reduced glare and detailed focus (matte) or vibrant colors and light reflection (glossy).

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What are Gloss and Matte Finishes?
• When and Where to Choose a Glossy Finish?
• When and Where to Choose a Matte Finish?
• Practical Tips for Choosing the Right Finish
• Conclusion

Introduction

When you're picking out a poster, the finish—whether it's matte or glossy—can make a big difference in how it looks on your wall. It’s not just about what catches your eye; the finish can also affect how long your poster lasts and how it handles light. Matte posters are great if you want something that’s less reflective and more durable, while glossy ones have a smooth surface that really makes colors pop.

In this blog, we’re going to break down the differences between matte and glossy finishes, so you can easily figure out which one is the best fit for your space. Whether you’re decorating a cozy nook or a bright, open room, we’ve got you covered.

What are Gloss and Matte Finishes?

Glossy is great for cartoony or high-energy posters, while matte is perfect for fine art, vintage designs, or black-and-white images where every detail matters. 

Paw Prints prefers matte because it preserves the quality and clarity of fine art without distracting glare.

When and Where to Choose a Glossy Finish?

Glossy finishes are all about making your posters stand out. The shiny, reflective surface amplifies colors, making them look more vibrant and lively. This is especially great for posters with bold, high-energy designs where you want every color to pop and catch the eye. 

Glossy posters work particularly well in spaces with even lighting, where the reflective quality can enhance the overall brightness of the room. Think about places like kids’ rooms, gyms, or entertainment areas—anywhere you want to create a lively, fun atmosphere. The gloss helps inject personality into the space, making the poster a true focal point.

Certain types of posters really benefit from a glossy finish. For example, vibrant, colorful images, like a cartoon or a sports-related design, come to life with gloss. Posters with bold contrasts, such as movie posters or modern abstract art, also look fantastic in gloss because the finish accentuates the differences in color and creates a dynamic visual impact.

When and Where to Choose a Matte Finish?

Matte finishes are perfect when you want to focus on the details without the distraction of glare. Unlike glossy finishes, which reflect light and make colors pop, matte reduces glare and creates a softer, more sophisticated look. This makes it ideal for showcasing intricate details in your posters, especially in darker designs where subtlety is key. At Paw Prints, we prefer matte finishes because they bring out the fine details in our artwork, making every element of the design clear and engaging.

Matte posters shine in spaces with plenty of natural light or where you might want to frame them under glass. Rooms like living rooms, offices, or any area with large windows are perfect for matte finishes, as they minimize the reflections that can make it hard to fully appreciate the artwork. When framing under glass, especially for larger posters, matte is the way to go—it keeps the image sharp and visible without the double reflection that can occur with glossy finishes.

Certain types of posters are particularly suited to a matte finish. Black-and-white images, for example, look stunning in matte, as the reduced glare makes every detail crisp and clear. Detailed artworks, such as fine art prints or illustrations, also benefit from matte finishes, which allow viewers to focus on the intricacies without any visual distractions. Vintage designs, with their often muted colors and nostalgic vibes, also look best in matte, as the finish enhances the subtle textures and tones that give these posters their timeless appeal.

Practical Tips for Choosing the Right Finish

When choosing between matte and glossy finishes, start by considering the lighting in your room. Natural light plays a big role—if your space is flooded with sunlight, a matte finish can reduce glare and create a soft, inviting atmosphere. On the other hand, if you want to brighten up a room or make it feel more energetic, a glossy finish can bounce light around and make the space feel more vibrant. Both finishes have their strengths, so think about the mood you want to create.

Another important factor is framing. If you’re planning to frame your poster under glass, a matte finish is typically the better option. Matte reduces glare and reflections, making it easier to see the poster from any angle. When you add glass on top of a glossy poster, it can intensify the glare, making the artwork harder to view. Matte finishes are also generally more durable, so your investment in a quality frame will be well-protected. However, if you’re skipping the frame, both matte and glossy finishes can work—just choose based on the look you’re aiming for.

Finally, consider the vibe of the room. For a calm, sophisticated space like a bedroom or office, matte is a great fit because it enhances detail without being too flashy. In contrast, if you’re decorating a lively area like a living room or entertainment space, glossy can add a pop of energy and make your posters stand out. Matching the finish to the room’s purpose helps tie the entire look together. Paw Prints have found that the matte paper finish is the most popular amongst our customers. 

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing between matte and glossy finishes, it all boils down to what you want from your poster. Glossy finishes are all about making colors pop and adding vibrancy to your space, while matte finishes focus on reducing glare, enhancing details, and giving a softer, more sophisticated look. Here at Paw Prints, we lean towards matte because our customers love how it brings out the fine details in our artwork, especially when framed.

But at the end of the day, the choice is yours. Think about your personal style and the vibe you want to create in your space. Do you want a bold, lively atmosphere? Glossy might be your pick. Or are you going for something more relaxed and elegant? Then matte could be the way to go.

We invite you to explore Paw Prints’ collection and find the perfect finish for your next poster. We offer both matte and glossy options for most of our designs, though we’re big fans of matte for its ability to showcase our art’s intricacies.

Remember, the finish you choose isn’t just about looks—it can also affect the longevity and overall feel of your room. So take your time and pick the one that best fits your style and needs.