Does Paint Dry Lighter or Darker?

A glossy paint appears lighter than a flat paint, and an eggshell finish falls in between those two. Strong colors in the room, such as a bright carpet or a dark wood floor, also can affect the appearance of paint. Ceilings always appear darker than walls, even if the same paint is used. For that reason, decorators recommend choosing a ceiling color that is a few shades lighter than the wall color.