A coating composition includes a latex component and an agent for replacing all or part of the volatile coalescing solvent. The agent has the following formula:X(AO)nHwhereinX is a C6 to C16 group selected from the group of linear, chains, branched chains, aromatic rings, and combinations thereof,AO is an alkyleneoxy group selected from the group of ethyleneoxy groups, 1,2-propyleneoxy groups, 1,2-butyleneoxy groups, and combinations thereof, andn is from 3 to 14.The coating composition has a VOC content of less than or equal to 150 g / L. The agent for replacing the volatile coalescing solvent contributes little or nothing to a total VOC level in the coating composition. As such, the coating composition may be formulated to have a VOC content of less than or equal to 150 g / L, which meets or exceeds standards for VOC content in interior and exterior flat and non-flat paints for all sheen ranges, while providing equivalent or superior properties to those provided by volatile coalescing solvents.