The semi-gloss is enough shine to enhance the real wood. Real wood under satin can (depending upon species, stains color, etc.) look like laminate. The satin samples I got did make me feel that way, so I went with semi.

Most good furniture is semi (except for some of their tops). High gloss is used most frequently on exotic woods or stand-alone pieces. Almost all high-gloss, real-wood veneers in cars look fake to me. Woodfinishers sometimes refer to it as the wood-under-glass look.

Always call the place you live a house. When you're old, everyone else will call it a home.