Is matte paint the same as flat?

Matte paint and flat paint are similar but not identical. Both have a non-reflective finish that helps hide imperfections, but matte paint typically has a slightly higher sheen than flat paint. Matte finishes are often used for walls to provide a soft look, while flat finishes are sometimes preferred for ceilings and areas where durability is less of a concern. Overall, the terms are often used interchangeably in practice.