Matt finish is the right choice for your next TV unit if you want a calm, understated look that hides fingerprints, reduces reflections around the screen and suits relaxed, natural interiors. It is less suitable if you want a surface that bounces light around a dark room or wipes completely clean with a single pass, as some matt surfaces can show greasy marks and need a gentler approach to cleaning. For most living rooms, especially those with a lot of daylight or a busy household, the benefits of matt outweigh its drawbacks.
Matt surfaces now appear across a large part of our modern TV units UK, and they sit comfortably beside the rest of our living room furniture UK sale. This guide explains what matt really means, how it compares with other finishes, and how to decide whether it suits your home.
A matt finish is a surface with very low sheen. Instead of reflecting light in a mirror like way, it diffuses it, so the colour appears flat, soft and even. On TV units, matt finishes come in several forms: matt lacquer or paint over a board, matt laminate or foil, and natural wood treated with an oil or matt varnish.
Between matt and high gloss sit satin and silk finishes, which have a gentle sheen. When comparing units, it helps to know that the word matt is used broadly. Some finishes described as matt have a very slight lustre, while others are completely flat. If the exact level of sheen matters to you, look closely at product photographs taken in natural light.
This is one of the most practical benefits. A glossy surface directly below the television can reflect the screen, lamps and windows, which can be distracting while you watch. A matt unit absorbs more light, so the area around the TV stays visually quiet. In bright rooms or rooms with a window opposite the screen, this makes a noticeable difference.
High gloss surfaces show every fingerprint and speck of dust, particularly in darker colours. Matt surfaces are far more forgiving. In homes with children, or on units with handleless doors that are pressed to open, this can save a lot of wiping.
Matt finishes feel calm and tactile. They suit Scandinavian, Japandi, modern rustic and contemporary classic interiors, where the emphasis is on natural materials and a relaxed atmosphere. Matt colours also tend to look richer. A deep green or charcoal in matt has a velvety depth that gloss rarely achieves.
Small scratches and dents catch the light on a glossy surface, making them more visible. On matt, they are less obvious. Over years of use, a matt unit is likely to look tidier for longer.
While matt hides fingerprints in the sense of smudges, some matt surfaces can show oily marks from hands, particularly in very dark colours. These are usually easy to remove with the right cleaning method, but they can be noticeable until then. Many modern matt finishes include anti fingerprint technology that reduces this.
Abrasive cleaners and scourers can polish matt surfaces, creating shiny patches. They need to be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild solution, which is a small adjustment rather than a real burden.
In a dark room with little daylight, a glossy unit can help bounce light around and make the space feel brighter. A matt unit in a dark colour will not do this. In rooms like these, a lighter matt shade or a different finish may be a better fit.
High gloss is sleek and reflective, which suits sharply contemporary interiors and small, dark rooms that need a lift. It shows fingerprints and scratches more readily and can reflect the screen. Matt is softer, more forgiving and quieter around the TV. If you like the glamour of gloss, our high gloss TV stands UK are worth comparing side by side with matt designs.
Natural wood finishes are often matt or satin already, especially when oiled. They add grain and warmth that painted matt surfaces do not have. Many people choose a combination, such as matt painted doors with a wooden top or frame. Our wooden TV stands UK include many designs with low sheen finishes.
Satin offers a middle ground with a soft sheen that is a little easier to wipe than fully flat matt. It works well if you want some light reflection without the high shine of gloss.
Colour and finish work together. Some colours particularly suit matt.
Warm whites and creams feel soft and fresh without the clinical look that bright white gloss can have.
Greige and taupe are versatile neutrals that sit comfortably with wood floors and natural textiles. If you are drawn to this palette, our article on styling a taupe TV unit in UK homes offers ideas on bringing it to life.
Sage and olive greens bring a natural, calming quality.
Charcoal and black create a strong, sophisticated look and help the TV blend in when switched off. Be aware that very dark matt colours can show greasy marks more readily.
Navy and inky blues feel classic and rich, particularly with brass handles.
Matt TV units suit bright rooms with large windows, where reflections would otherwise be a problem. They suit family homes, where fingerprints and knocks are part of daily life. They suit open plan spaces, where a calm finish helps the TV area feel less dominant. And they suit interiors that lean towards natural, organic or Scandinavian styles.
They are also a sensible choice for handleless designs. Push to open doors are touched often, and matt keeps them looking cleaner between wipes. Our guide to Scandi TV units for UK budgets shows how matt finishes help achieve a light, pared back look.
Looking after a matt finish is simple once you know the basics.
Dust regularly with a soft microfibre cloth. For marks, use a cloth dampened with warm water and a drop of mild washing up liquid, then dry with a clean cloth. Wipe in straight lines rather than circles to avoid streaks. Avoid abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, polish and anything containing ammonia or solvents, as these can create shiny patches or damage the finish. Deal with spills promptly, particularly on lighter colours. Use coasters and mats under plants, candles and anything that might mark the surface.
For natural wood with a matt oil finish, occasional reapplication of the recommended oil keeps the surface protected.
A matt TV unit does not need to sit in a room where everything is matt. In fact, a little contrast often makes it look better. A glass vase, a brass lamp base or a polished ceramic on top of a matt unit catches the light and stops the arrangement feeling flat. Likewise, a matt unit beside a glossy coffee table or a mirrored side table creates a pleasing interplay between soft and reflective surfaces.
The key is balance. If the TV unit, walls and floor are all matt, add sheen through smaller pieces such as picture frames, lamp bases and candle holders. If the room already has plenty of shine, from a glass dining table or a gloss kitchen visible in an open plan layout, a matt unit brings welcome calm to the living area. Textiles help as well: a wool rug, linen curtains and velvet cushions all sit naturally alongside a matt surface and add depth without clutter.
How much natural light does your room get? Is the TV wall opposite a window? Do you have children or pets who will touch the unit often? Do you prefer a sleek, reflective look or a soft, natural one? Are you comfortable cleaning with a soft cloth rather than a spray and wipe? Your answers will point you towards matt, gloss or something in between.
Matt finishes have become a mainstay of living room furniture for good reason. They reduce reflections, hide everyday marks and bring a calm, tactile quality that suits many UK homes. If your room is bright, busy or styled with natural materials, matt is likely to serve you well. You can explore matt, gloss and wooden TV units across the range at Furniture in Fashion, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes.
Matt surfaces hide smudges and fingerprints far better than gloss, though very dark matt colours can occasionally show oily marks. Many modern matt finishes include anti fingerprint treatments.
Matt reduces reflections around the screen and is more forgiving of marks, while gloss reflects light and suits sleek, contemporary rooms. The better choice depends on your room’s light and your style.
Use a soft microfibre cloth with warm water and a little mild washing up liquid, then dry it. Avoid abrasive cleaners, polish and solvents, which can create shiny patches.
Matt is generally no more prone to scratching than other finishes, and minor scratches tend to be less visible because the surface does not reflect light sharply.
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