Which varnish for painted furniture?

[RockingMyFiftiesNot]

I've recently painted a chest of drawers, in an eggshell paint. Really happy with them but am wondering whether they should have a coat of varnish for extra protection - and if so, which varnish? I want protection but not shine.
Thanks

No, no varnish is needed for painted furniture.

Ah ok, I had read on a few websites that you should varnish for extra protection. Happy not to have the extra work. So you've not experienced paint staining or chipping if not varnished?

Varnish or a clear top coat of polyurethane is only needed if you are staining wood or using chalk. It won’t protect the wood any extra if put on top of paint (can also ruin wax finish).

Yes, I’ve had the feet on an antique (1930s) metal lamp stain little spots on a painted side table. But I just touched up the paint and then put a piece of cloth under the lamp.

Most of the staining people experience is by using regular gloss white paint on furniture which is actually because gloss white paint yellows with age. Most of the chipping is due to painting furniture without first stripping any existing varnish or wax finish. You did strip your furniture back to bare wood before painting it?

I gave it a good sanding, fingers crossed.

Quite happy not to have to varnish, will leave it and see how it goes.
Thanks both