Some of the printers allow you to buy paper samples so you can assess yourself. I have printed a few through Blurb both glossy and matt uncoated papers. The experience is similar to ink jet printing - if you want high contrast go for glossy, if you want the better feel of matt without the reflections try uncoated etc. I prefer the hard back 12" x 12" square or landscape but that increases the price. Suggest you try a smaller size and fewer pages first. Do be aware that slight b&w colour casts in certain lights can be a challenge to those who are a little fussy. I found the match between the pages and the dust jacket or soft back cover the hardest, I think they come off different printers.
My advice is to try it ! I find the text / words the most challenging
