Flat vs. Matte — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 10, 2023
Flat refers to a surface without raised areas or indentations; Matte describes a non-reflective, dull finish, often used in photography or paints.
Difference Between Flat and Matte
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Flat and Matte, while sometimes used interchangeably, especially in the world of paints and finishes, have distinct meanings and applications. The term "Flat" primarily describes a surface that is level, without raised areas or indentations. It signifies the absence of shine or luster, leading to a completely non-reflective look. In contrast, "Matte" refers specifically to a finish or surface texture that, while also lacking shine, might have a slight luster or sheen, making it less reflective than glossy finishes but not entirely devoid of reflection like flat finishes.
In the world of photography and printing, the distinction between Flat and Matte becomes more apparent. When photographers speak of a matte finish, they are referring to a photo print that does not have the shiny finish of a glossy print. It is designed to reduce glare and fingerprints. Flat, in this context, isn’t commonly used to describe a type of photo finish. Rather, it might describe the absence of depth or dimension in an image.
In paint industries, both Flat and Matte are terms used to describe the sheen or finish of paints. While both are on the low-luster end of the finish spectrum, there are differences. Flat paints offer no reflectivity, making them ideal for hiding imperfections on walls or ceilings. Matte paints, while still low in shine, offer a slight reflective quality and can be more durable and easier to clean compared to flat paints.
When discussing light, the difference between Flat and Matte can be understood in terms of reflection. Flat surfaces absorb light, ensuring no reflection, which makes them ideal for spaces where one wants to avoid glare. Matte surfaces, while also diffusing light, might produce a soft reflection, providing a balance between aesthetics and functionality.
Conclusively, while Flat and Matte both imply a lack of shine, they are used in different contexts and offer varied levels of reflectivity. Understanding the nuanced differences between them allows for more informed choices in art, photography, and home décor.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Surface without raised areas or indentations
Non-reflective, dull finish
Reflectivity
No reflectivity
Slight reflectivity, less than glossy finishes
Common Use
Describing a level surface or non-reflective paint
Photography finishes or slightly reflective paints
Texture
Completely non-reflective
Soft, with a minor sheen
Application
Ideal for hiding wall imperfections
Suitable for reduced glare, easy cleaning
Compare with Definitions
Flat
Flat indicates a lack of energy or enthusiasm.
His response was flat, showing no emotion.
Matte
Matte is a non-reflective surface texture.
The matte screen of the laptop was perfect for outdoor use.
Flat
Flat can refer to a fixed charge or price.
The delivery service had a flat rate regardless of distance.
Matte
Matte indicates a subdued color or appearance.
The matte black car had a sophisticated look.
Flat
Flat can mean definite or absolute.
She gave him a flat refusal, leaving no room for negotiation.
Matte
Matte is a crucible for melting metals.
The gold was melted in a matte to separate it from impurities.
Flat
Having a level surface; without raised areas or indentations
He sat down on a flat rock
Trim the surface of the cake to make it completely flat
Matte
Matte can describe a photograph or print finish without gloss.
She preferred matte prints for her photo album.
Flat
Lacking emotion; dull and lifeless
‘I'm sorry,’ he said, in a flat voice
Matte
Matte refers to a finish that is dull and not shiny.
The artist chose a matte finish for the portrait to reduce glare.
Flat
(of a sparkling drink) having lost its effervescence
She sipped some of the flat champagne
Matte
Variant of mat2.
Flat
(of a fee, wage, or price) the same in all cases, not varying with changed conditions or in particular cases
A flat fare of £2.50
Matte
An opaque border or pattern placed between a source of light and a photosensitive surface to prevent exposure of specified portions of the surface.
Flat
(of musical sound) below true or normal pitch.
Matte
A map specifying how two electronic images of the same size and shape are to be cropped for combination into a single image.
Flat
Relating to flat racing
The Flat season
Matte
A kind of paint that dries to a dull finish.
Flat
In or to a horizontal position
She had been knocked flat by the blast
He was lying flat on his back
Matte
A mixture of a metal with its sulfides, produced by smelting the sulfide ores of copper, lead, or nickel.
Flat
Completely; absolutely
I thought you'd turn me down flat
Myers was flat broke
Matte
Having a dull finish.
Flat
Below the true or normal pitch of musical sound
It wasn't a question of singing flat, but of simply singing the wrong notes
Matte
A decorative border around a picture used to inset and center the contents of a frame.
The image is a perfect square of 8 cm (with white matte border the total dimensions are 14 cm tall by 11 cm wide).
Flat
The flat part of something
She placed the flat of her hand over her glass
Matte
(cinema) A background, often painted or created with computers
Matte painting is a tool that filmmakers can use to create a scene that is impossible to achieve with conventional cinematographic means.
Flat
An upright section of stage scenery mounted on a movable frame.
Matte
(pyrometallurgy) The molten metal sulfide phases typically formed during smelting of copper, nickel, and other base metals.
Flat
A flat tyre
I've got a flat—there were nails under the wheel
Matte
(American spelling) Dull; not reflective of light.
Flat or matte paint allows a deep color expression on the walls while also hiding flaws that may be inherent on the painted surface.
A matte lipstick
Flat
Flat racing.
Matte
A partly reduced copper sulphide, obtained by alternately roasting and melting copper ore in separating the metal from associated iron ores, and called coarse metal, fine metal, etc., according to the grade of fineness. On the exterior it is dark brown or black, but on a fresh surface is yellow or bronzy in color.
Flat
A musical note lowered a semitone below natural pitch.
Matte
A dead or dull finish, as in gilding where the gold leaf is not burnished, or in painting where the surface is purposely deprived of gloss.
Flat
A set of rooms forming an individual residence, typically on one floor and within a larger building containing a number of such residences.
A block of flats
Matte
Having a dull, lusterless surface finish; opposed to glossy or polished; as, a matte photograph; a proof coin with matte figures on a polished field.
Flat
Lower (a note) by a semitone
‘blue’ harmony emphasizing the flatted third and seventh
Matte
A mixture of sulfides that forms when sulfide metal ores are smelted
Flat
Make flat; flatten
Flat the loaves down
Matte
The property of having little or no contrast; lacking highlights or gloss
Flat
Live in or share a flat
Zoë flats in Auckland
Matte
Change texture so as to become matted and felt-like;
The fabric felted up after several washes
Flat
Having a smooth, even surface
A flat field.
Matte
Not reflecting light; not glossy;
Flat wall paint
A photograph with a matte finish
Flat
Having a relatively broad level surface in relation to thickness or depth
A flat box.
Flat
Being in horizontal position; lying down
Flat on his back.
Flat
Being without slope or curvature
A flat line on a chart.
Flat
Having a low heel or no heel
Flat shoes.
Flat
Free of qualification; absolute
A flat refusal.
Flat
Fixed; unvarying
A flat rate.
Flat
Lacking interest or excitement; dull
A flat scenario.
Flat
Lacking in flavor
A flat stew that needs salt.
Flat
Having lost effervescence or sparkle
Flat beer.
Flat
Deflated. Used of a tire.
Flat
Electrically discharged. Used of a storage battery.
Flat
Of or relating to a horizontal line that displays no ups or downs and signifies the absence of physiological activity
A flat electroencephalogram indicates a loss of brain function.
Flat
Of or relating to a hierarchy with relatively few tiers or levels
A flat organization chart.
Flat
Commercially inactive; sluggish
Flat sales for the month.
Flat
Unmodulated; monotonous
A flat voice.
Flat
Lacking variety in tint or shading; uniform
"The sky was bright but flat, the color of oyster shells" (Anne Tyler).
Flat
Not glossy; matte
Flat paint.
Flat
Being below the correct pitch.
Flat
Being one half step lower than the corresponding natural key
The key of B flat.
Flat
Designating the vowel a as pronounced in bad or cat.
Flat
(Nautical) Taut. Used of a sail.
Flat
(Informal) Having small breasts.
Flat
Level with the ground; horizontally.
Flat
On or up against a flat surface; at full length.
Flat
So as to be flat.
Flat
Directly; completely
Went flat against the rules.
Flat broke.
Flat
Exactly; precisely
Arrived in six minutes flat.
Flat
(Music) Below the intended pitch.
Flat
(Business) Without interest charge.
Flat
A flat surface or part.
Flat
Often flats A stretch of level ground
Salt flats.
Flat
A shallow frame or box for seeds or seedlings.
Flat
A movable section of stage scenery, usually consisting of a wooden frame and a decorated panel of wood or cloth.
Flat
A flatcar.
Flat
A deflated tire.
Flat
A shoe with a flat heel.
Flat
A large flat piece of mail.
Flat
A horse that competes in a flat race. Also called runner.
Flat
A sign (♭) used to indicate that a note is to be lowered by a semitone.
Flat
A note that is lowered a semitone.
Flat
(Football) The area of the field to either side of an offensive formation.
Flat
An apartment on one floor of a building.
Flat
(Archaic) A story in a house.
Flat
To make flat; flatten.
Flat
(Music) To lower (a note) a semitone.
Flat
To sing or play below the proper pitch.
Flat
Having no variations in height.
The land around here is flat.
Flat
In a horizontal line or plane; not sloping.
A flat roof
Flat
Smooth; having no protrusions, indentations or other surface irregularities, or relatively so.
The surface of the mirror must be completely flat.
The carpet isn't properly flat in that corner.
She has quite a flat face.
Flat
(slang) Having small or invisible breasts and/or buttocks.
That girl is completely flat on both sides.
Flat
Without variation in level, quantity, value, tone etc.
The exchange rate has been flat for several weeks.
Flat
At a consistently depressed level; consistently lacklustre.
Sales have been flat all year, and we've barely broken even.
Flat
Of fees, fares etc., fixed; unvarying.
A flat fee
Flat rates
A flat fare on public transport
Flat
Without variations in pitch.
He delivered the speech in a flat tone.
Flat
(of colours) Without variation in tone or hue (uniform), and dull (not glossy).
The walls were painted a flat gray.
Flat
(figurative) Lacking liveliness or action; depressed; uninteresting; dull and boring.
The party was a bit flat.
The market is flat today as most traders are on holiday.
The dialogue in your screenplay is flat — you need to make it more exciting.
Flat
Lacking in depth, substance, or believability; underdeveloped; one-dimensional.
The author added a chapter to flesh out the book's flatter characters.
Flat
Lowered by one semitone.
Flat
(music) Of a note or voice, lower in pitch than it should be.
Your A string is flat.
Flat
Absolute; downright; peremptory.
His claim was in flat contradiction to experimental results.
I'm not going to the party and that's flat.
Flat
(of a tire or other inflated object) Deflated, especially because of a puncture.
Flat
(of a carbonated drink) With all or most of its carbon dioxide having come out of solution so that the drink no longer fizzes or contains any bubbles.
Flat
(wine) Lacking acidity without being sweet.
Flat
(of a battery) Unable to emit power; dead.
Flat
Without spin; spinless.
Flat
Sonant; vocal, as distinguished from a sharp (non-sonant) consonant.
Flat
(grammar) Not having an inflectional ending or sign, such as a noun used as an adjective, or an adjective as an adverb, without the addition of a formative suffix; or an infinitive without the sign "to".
Many flat adverbs, as in 'run fast', 'buy cheap', etc. are from Old English.
Flat
Having a head at a very obtuse angle to the shaft.
Flat
Flattening at the ends.
Flat
(of measurements of time) Exact.
He finished the race in a flat four minutes.
Flat
So as to be flat.
Spread the tablecloth flat over the table.
Flat
Bluntly.
I asked him if he wanted to marry me and he turned me down flat.
Flat
(of accurately measured timings) Exactly, precisely.
In the mile race, Smith's time was 3:58.56, and Brown's was four minutes flat.
Flat
Used to emphasize the smallness of the measurement.
He can run a mile in four minutes flat.
Flat
Completely.
I am flat broke this month.
Flat
Directly; flatly.
Flat
Without allowance for accrued interest.
The bonds are trading flat.
Flat
An area of level ground (sometimes covered with water).
The hovercraft skimmed across the open flats.
The eastern end of the salt flat; mud flat, tidal flat, flood flat
Flat
(in the phrase 'the flat') Level ground in general.
I can run on the flat but not up hills.
The going will be easier once we're through these mountains and onto the flat.
Flat
Level horse-racing ground, as contrasted with courses incorporating jumps, or the racing done on such ground.
This horse will do better over the flat.
Flat racing, the flat season
Flat
The area in the centre of a racecourse.
Flat
(music) A note played a semitone lower than a natural, denoted by the symbol ♭ placed after the letter representing the note (e.g., B♭) or in front of the note symbol (e.g. ♭♪).
The key of E♭ has three flats.
Flat
A flat tyre/flat tire.
Flat
(in the plural) A type of ladies' shoe with a very low heel.
She liked to walk in her flats more than in her high heels.
Flat
(in the plural) A type of flat-soled running shoe without spikes.
Flat
(painting) A thin, broad brush used in oil and watercolour painting.
Flat
The flat part of something:
Flat
(swordfighting) The flat side of a blade, as opposed to the sharp edge.
Flat
The palm of the hand, with the adjacent part of the fingers.
Flat
A wide, shallow container or pallet.
A flat of strawberries
Flat
(mail) A large mail piece measuring at least 8 1/2 by 11 inches, such as catalogs, magazines, and unfolded paper enclosed in large envelopes.
Flat
A railroad car without a roof, and whose body is a platform without sides; a platform car or flatcar.
Flat
A flat-bottomed boat, without keel, and of small draught.
Flat
(geometry) A subset of n-dimensional space that is congruent to a Euclidean space of lower dimension.
Flat
A straw hat, broad-brimmed and low-crowned.
Flat
A flat sheet for use on a bed.
Flat
(publishing) A flat, glossy children's book with few pages.
Flat
A platform on a wheel, upon which emblematic designs etc. are carried in processions.
Flat
(mining) A horizontal vein or ore deposit auxiliary to a main vein; also, any horizontal portion of a vein not elsewhere horizontal.
Flat
(technical, theatre, stagecraft) A rectangular wooden structure covered with masonite, lauan, or muslin, often produced in standard modules, that is used to build wall surfaces on stage. Flats can be painted and outfitted with doors and/or windows to depict a building or other part of a scene. It's a hard-surfaced alternative to a backcloth orbackdrop.
Flat
(entomology) Any of various hesperiid butterflies that spread their wings open when they land.
Flat
(historical) An early kind of toy soldier having a flat design.
Flat
(obsolete) A dull fellow; a simpleton.
Flat
(optics) A flat (i.e. plane) mirror
Flat
A cheater's die with the edges shaved to make certain rolls more likely.
Flat
An apartment, usually on one level and usually consisting of more than one room.
Flat
(poker slang) To make a flat call; to call without raising.
Flat
(intransitive) To become flat or flattened; to sink or fall to an even surface.
Flat
To fall from the pitch.
Flat
To depress in tone, as a musical note; especially, to lower in pitch by half a tone.
Flat
To make flat; to flatten; to level.
Flat
To render dull, insipid, or spiritless; to depress.
Flat
To beat or strike; pound
Flat
(transitive) To dash or throw
Flat
(intransitive) To dash, rush
Flat
Having an even and horizontal surface, or nearly so, without prominences or depressions; level without inclination; plane.
Though sun and moonWere in the flat sea sunk.
Flat
Lying at full length, or spread out, upon the ground; level with the ground or earth; prostrate; as, to lie flat on the ground; hence, fallen; laid low; ruined; destroyed.
What ruins kingdoms, and lays cities flat!
I feel . . . my hopes all flat.
Flat
Wanting relief; destitute of variety; without points of prominence and striking interest.
A large part of the work is, to me, very flat.
Flat
Tasteless; stale; vapid; insipid; dead; as, fruit or drink flat to the taste.
Flat
Unanimated; dull; uninteresting; without point or spirit; monotonous; as, a flat speech or composition.
How weary, stale, flat, and unprofitableSeem to me all the uses of this world.
Flat
Lacking liveliness of commercial exchange and dealings; depressed; dull; as, the market is flat.
Flat
Clear; unmistakable; peremptory; absolute; positive; downright.
Flat burglary as ever was committed.
A great tobacco taker too, - that's flat.
Flat
Below the true pitch; hence, as applied to intervals, minor, or lower by a half step; as, a flat seventh; A flat.
Flat
Sonant; vocal; - applied to any one of the sonant or vocal consonants, as distinguished from a nonsonant (or sharp) consonant.
Flat
Having a head at a very obtuse angle to the shaft; - said of a club.
Flat
Not having an inflectional ending or sign, as a noun used as an adjective, or an adjective as an adverb, without the addition of a formative suffix, or an infinitive without the sign to. Many flat adverbs, as in run fast, buy cheap, are from AS. adverbs in -ë, the loss of this ending having made them like the adjectives. Some having forms in ly, such as exceeding, wonderful, true, are now archaic.
Flat
Flattening at the ends; - said of certain fruits.
Of all who fell by saber or by shot,Not one fell half so flat as Walter Scott.
Flat
In a flat manner; directly; flatly.
Sin is flat opposite to the Almighty.
Flat
Without allowance for accrued interest.
Flat
A level surface, without elevation, relief, or prominences; an extended plain; specifically, in the United States, a level tract along the along the banks of a river; as, the Mohawk Flats.
Envy is as the sunbeams that beat hotter upon a bank, or steep rising ground, than upon a flat.
Flat
A level tract lying at little depth below the surface of water, or alternately covered and left bare by the tide; a shoal; a shallow; a strand.
Half my power, this nightPassing these flats, are taken by the tide.
Flat
Something broad and flat in form
Flat
The flat part, or side, of anything; as, the broad side of a blade, as distinguished from its edge.
Flat
A floor, loft, or story in a building;
Flat
A horizontal vein or ore deposit auxiliary to a main vein; also, any horizontal portion of a vein not elsewhere horizontal.
Flat
A dull fellow; a simpleton; a numskull.
Or if you can not make a speech,Because you are a flat.
Flat
A character [$] before a note, indicating a tone which is a half step or semitone lower.
Flat
A homaloid space or extension.
Flat
To make flat; to flatten; to level.
Flat
To render dull, insipid, or spiritless; to depress.
Passions are allayed, appetites are flatted.
Flat
To depress in tone, as a musical note; especially, to lower in pitch by half a tone.
Flat
To become flat, or flattened; to sink or fall to an even surface.
Flat
To fall form the pitch.
Flat
A level tract of land
Flat
A shallow box in which seedlings are started
Flat
A musical notation indicating one half step lower than the note named
Flat
Freight car without permanent sides or roof
Flat
A deflated pneumatic tire
Flat
Scenery consisting of a wooden frame covered with painted canvas; part of a stage setting
Flat
A suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house
Flat
Having a horizontal surface in which no part is higher or lower than another;
A flat desk
Acres of level farmland
A plane surface
Flat
Having no depth or thickness
Flat
Not modified or restricted by reservations;
A categorical denial
A flat refusal
Flat
Stretched out and lying at full length along the ground;
Found himself lying flat on the floor
Flat
Lacking contrast or shading between tones
Flat
Lowered in pitch by one chromatic semitone;
B flat
C sharp
Flat
Flattened laterally along the whole length (e.g., certain leafstalks or flatfishes)
Flat
Lacking taste or flavor or tang;
A bland diet
Insipid hospital food
Flavorless supermarket tomatoes
Vapid beer
Vapid tea
Flat
Lacking stimulating characteristics; uninteresting;
A bland little drama
A flat joke
Flat
Having lost effervescence;
Flat beer
A flat cola
Flat
Not increasing as the amount taxed increases
Flat
Not made with leavening;
Most flat breads are made from unleavened dough
Flat
Parallel to the ground;
A flat roof
Flat
Without pleats
Flat
Lacking the expected range or depth; not designed to give an illusion or depth;
A film with two-dimensional characters
A flat two-dimensional painting
Flat
(of a tire) completely or partially deflated
Flat
Not reflecting light; not glossy;
Flat wall paint
A photograph with a matte finish
Flat
Lacking variety in shading;
A flat unshaded painting
Flat
At full length;
He fell flat on his face
Flat
With flat sails;
Sail flat against the wind
Flat
Below the proper pitch;
She sang flat last night
Flat
Against a flat surface;
He lay flat on his back
Flat
In a forthright manner; candidly or frankly;
He didn't answer directly
Told me straight out
Came out flat for less work and more pay
Flat
Wholly or completely;
He is flat broke
Flat
Flat describes a level surface without elevations or depressions.
The table had a flat surface, perfect for writing.
Flat
Flat in music refers to a note slightly lower in pitch.
He played a B flat on his trumpet.
Common Curiosities
How does a matte finish appear in photography?
A matte finish in photography means the print does not have the shiny finish of a glossy print and reduces glare and fingerprints.
Are matte surfaces completely non-reflective?
No, while matte surfaces are non-reflective, they might have a slight luster or sheen.
What does flat primarily describe?
Flat primarily describes a surface that is level, without raised areas or indentations.
How does a flat musical note sound?
A flat note in music is slightly lower in pitch than the standard note.
Can matte be used to describe color appearance?
Yes, matte can indicate a subdued color or appearance without shine.
Why might someone choose a matte screen for a device?
A matte screen can reduce glare and reflections, making it suitable for varied lighting conditions.
Can flat describe a type of fee or charge?
Yes, flat can refer to a fixed charge or price, like a flat rate.
Can flat refer to reflectivity in paints?
Yes, flat paints offer no reflectivity and are ideal for hiding wall imperfections.
Is flat paint more reflective than matte paint?
No, flat paint offers no reflectivity, while matte paint has a slight reflective quality.
Why might photographers prefer matte prints?
Matte prints reduce glare, fingerprints, and are less likely to show minor imperfections.
How does light interact with a matte surface?
A matte surface diffuses light, producing a soft reflection with reduced glare.
Is flat paint easy to clean?
Typically, flat paint is less durable and harder to clean than matte or glossier paints.
In what industries are both flat and matte commonly used terms?
Both flat and matte are commonly used terms in the paint and photography industries.
In terms of durability, how does matte paint compare to flat paint?
Matte paint is generally more durable and easier to clean compared to flat paint.
How does a flat surface react to light?
A flat surface absorbs light, ensuring no reflection and preventing glare.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
