So here’s the thing about October Mist and Evergreen Fog that they both are Color of the Year 2022 by their brands Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams.
It created confusion. I’ve had conversations about October Mist vs Evergreen Fog more than any other paint comparison.
They look similar in the small paint swatches, but when I say choosing the right one can change how a room feels.
One will make your space feel light and airy, the other creates a cozy, grounded vibe.
Both colors are soft, nature-inspired greens. I’m talking about the shift away from cold grays into something warm and organic.
People want their homes to feel calming.
October Mist and Evergreen Fog can be in the same green family, but they look different depending on your lighting and what’s in your space.
Pick the wrong one and you may end up with a room that feels either too washed out or dark.
Here, in this post there are the color profiles of October Mist Vs Evergreen Fog, their undertones.
LRV differences and how they impact your space, how each one looks in different rooms, comparisons with other similar greens, and the advantages and drawbacks.
Here are my other blogs that you can also read:
- Tricorn Black Vs Iron Ore
- Simply White Vs Swiss Coffee
- Shoji White Vs White Dove
- Balanced Beige Vs Accessible Beige
- Sherwin Williams Iron Ore Vs Tricorn Black
Color Profile of BM October Mist (Benjamin Moore 1495)
October Mist is what I’d call a soft sage green but with this silvery-gray undertone that keeps it from looking country or traditional.
It’s muted but looks green, you’re not going to mistake it for gray, which is what makes it work well.
The thing about October Mist is it has a calm, airy quality that makes rooms feel big.
I used it in a bedroom that had terrible natural light, and it managed to feel fresh.
Not bright, but not heavy. It has green to feel nature-inspired.
It’s slightly cooler compared to sage greens. Traditional sage is warm with the beige or yellow undertones.
October Mist doesn’t do that. It stays more neutral, which is why it works in modern, transitional, and contemporary interiors without feeling out of place.
I’ve recommended it for living rooms where people wanted color but were nervous about going bold.
It’s perfect for bedrooms if you want something calming that doesn’t feel boring.
And bathrooms it looks good in bathrooms, especially with white trim and natural wood accents.
The LRV of 46.54 means it reflects half the light that hits it.
Color Profile of SW Evergreen Fog (Sherwin Williams 9130)
The Evergreen Fog is deep. It’s a green-gray with subtle blue undertones, but the blue hints only show up in some lighting.
Most of the time, you’re seeing green mixed with gray and a touch of beige warmth.
It’s light and muted in saturation, not a punchy green.
But with an LRV of 30, it absorbs more light than October Mist, which gives it an enveloping, grounded feeling.
I’ve used Evergreen Fog in dining rooms and offices where people wanted depth and sophistication.
It creates an atmosphere in a way that October Mist doesn’t.
In low light or shadowed spaces, Evergreen Fog can look more gray than green.
I tested it on a north-facing accent wall and questioned if I’d picked the right color until the afternoon sun hit it.
Sherwin Williams nailed the modern, calming aesthetic with this one.
It works well in transitional and contemporary spaces, and I’ve seen it used on exteriors where it looks good against natural stone and dark trim.
People use it in living rooms for accent walls, in bedrooms when they want something cozy than standard neutrals, and on kitchen cabinets.
October Mist Vs Evergreen Fog: Key Differences
Okay, so October Mist Vs Evergreen Fog both are green. Both were Color of the Year 2022.
But they’re NOT interchangeable, and understanding why will save you from a mistake.
LRV
Light Reflectance Value is how much light a paint color bounces back.
On the scale of 0-100, with 0 being pure black and 100 being pure white.
October Mist sits at 46.54 LRV. That’s in the medium range. It’ll keep rooms feeling open and breathable.
You can use it in small spaces without worrying about it making things feel cramped.
Evergreen Fog comes in at 30 LRV. It absorbs light, creates drama, and brings a cozy, intimate feeling.
But if you put it in a small, dark room, it may feel heavier than you want.
I made the mistake once of assuming a 15-point LRV difference wouldn’t matter that much.
Test your samples in the lighting conditions of your room before committing.
Undertones
This is where people get tripped up because undertones shift based on lighting, surrounding colors, and the time of day.
October Mist has gray undertones with the soft green base. Minimal yellow or beige influence.
It stays consistent, you’re getting a fresh, botanical feeling that is cool.
In north-facing rooms, the gray becomes obvious. South-facing rooms bring out green. But it never gets warm and muddy.
Evergreen Fog has gray plus subtle beige undertones, with hints of blue that comes. It’s warm and earthy.
It can look taupe-leaning in some situations, mainly in artificial light or shadowed corners.
The blue undertones can show up in bright, natural light, mainly in south-facing rooms.
The warmth difference is the deciding factor. If you want something bright and fresh, October Mist is what you should consider.
If you want grounded and cozy, Evergreen Fog is what you should go for.
Lighting Effect
Natural light direction matters with these colors.
October Mist in different exposures:
- North-facing: Cool, gray, pretty but less green
- South-facing: Bright version, green shows up, feels airy
- East-facing: Soft and fresh in morning light, my personal favorite
- West-facing: Warms in afternoon but stays balanced
Evergreen Fog in different exposures:
- North-facing: Gets heavy, leans gray, can feel almost somber
- South-facing: This is where it shines, green comes alive, grounded but vibrant
- East-facing: Soft, calm, muted in morning
- West-facing: Warm version, beige undertones emerge, cozy at sunset
I always tell people to buy peel-and-stick samples or paint large poster boards and move them around your room throughout the day to decide.
Style and Best Uses
October Mist styling:
- Pairs well with warm whites like White Dove or Swiss Coffee
- Loves light natural woods like oak, maple, birch
- Keep furniture and accents soft like creams, light grays, matte black sparingly
- Works full-room or as an all color
Evergreen Fog styling:
- Needs creamy off-whites for trim, not stark white
- Medium to dark woods look incredible like walnut, espresso
- Bronze, aged brass, black metals all work
- Better as feature walls or cabinets rather than whole-home color
| Aspect | October Mist | Evergreen Fog |
| LRV | 46.54 | 30 |
| Undertones | Gray with soft green | Gray + beige + hints of blue |
| Overall Feel | Light, airy, fresh | Deep, warm, grounded |
| Best Lighting | South or east-facing | South-facing with good natural light |
| Trim Color | Soft warm whites | Creamy off-whites |
| Wood Pairing | Light natural woods | Medium to dark woods |
| Metal Finishes | Matte black, soft brass | Bronze, aged brass, black |
| Style Fit | Modern organic, Scandinavian, minimalist | Modern farmhouse, transitional, cozy contemporary |
How Do October Mist and Evergreen Fog Look in Different Rooms?
Seeing colors in real spaces is different from looking at paint swatches. Here’s what I’ve learned from projects and tests.
Living Room
October Mist in living rooms creates an open, breathable atmosphere.
I used it in an open-concept space last year where the client wanted color but didn’t want the room to feel separated from the rest of the house.
The LRV of 46 kept things feeling connected and light.
It works well because the living room had south-facing windows, the green showed up during the day without getting intense.
If your living room has an existing gray furniture, October Mist may feel a little too neutral.
You’ll want to bring in warm textures and some natural wood pieces to give it life.
Evergreen Fog in living rooms is a bold choice but can be stunning. It creates an instant atmosphere.
I tested it in a small living room with an east-facing window, and it felt heavy in the morning. But in the afternoon light, it looks gorgeous.
The extra depth makes the room feel intentional and designed.
Best use for Evergreen Fog in living rooms is accent walls or in spaces where you WANT the cozy, enveloping feeling.
If your living room is huge with natural light, you can do all four walls.
Bedroom
October Mist in bedrooms is best. Bedrooms should feel calm, and this color delivers that.
The soft green with gray undertones creates the perfect backdrop for sleeping and relaxing. I’ve used it in primary bedrooms and guest rooms, and it works well in both.
Pair it with white bedding, light wood furniture, and some soft textured throws.
The room feels like a retreat without being boring.
One client told me they sleep better since painting their bedroom October Mist, which sounds dramatic but I believe it.
Evergreen Fog in bedrooms is for people who want drama. It creates a cocoon effect that some people love.
I’ve seen it work well in bedrooms with high ceilings and good natural light.
The color makes the space feel intimate.
But here’s what you should remember: if your bedroom is small or doesn’t get great light, test it first.
The LRV of 30 can make a dim bedroom feel cave-like, and waking up to it every morning is not what you want.
Bathroom
October Mist in bathrooms is foolproof. Bathrooms have limited natural light, and the light LRV helps counteract that.
I’ve used it in powder rooms, primary bathrooms, and a basement bathroom with zero windows, it worked everywhere.
The color looks fresh with white subway tile, marble countertops, and brass or matte black fixtures.
It’s sophisticated without trying too hard. Clean, spa-like, what you want in a bathroom.
Evergreen Fog in bathrooms is specific. It works well in large bathrooms with natural light.
I saw it in a bathroom with a big window, white shiplap on the lower half, and it was perfect.
The cozy, grounded feeling translates well to bathrooms where you’re trying to create a spa-like retreat.
Kitchen
October Mist in kitchens brings in color without overwhelming the space.
I’ve seen it on walls with white cabinets, and it’s lovely, fresh, modern and not too trendy.
The key is having white elsewhere to balance it out.
Where it shines is on kitchen cabinets, mainly on islands.
A client did an October Mist island with white perimeter cabinets, and it became the focal point of the whole kitchen without feeling heavy or dark.
Evergreen Fog in kitchens works best on cabinetry rather than walls, in my experience.
The depth and richness look incredible on cabinets, especially lower cabinets or kitchen islands.
Pair it with white or cream upper cabinets, and you’ve a sophisticated, modern look.
I tested Evergreen Fog on kitchen walls, and it felt dark for my taste.
Kitchens need to feel bright and functional, and unless you have natural light.
October Mist Vs Evergreen Fog Vs Other Colors
Let me compare them to other popular greens that people cross-shop.
October Mist Vs Clary Sage
Clary Sage Benjamin Moore is warmer than October Mist with beige undertones.
It is more traditional, whereas October Mist feels modern and fresh.
If you’re choosing between them, consider first if you want warm (Clary Sage) or cool or fresh (October Mist).
Clary Sage works better with warm woods and traditional furniture.
October Mist pairs better with contemporary furniture and cooler metal finishes.
October Mist Vs Saybrook Sage
Saybrook Sage Benjamin Moore is close to October Mist but lighter and with more gray. It’s more neutral, a bit less green.
I’ve used both, and the difference is subtle: lighting and existing decor will determine which one looks better.
If you want a hint of green, October Mist is what you should consider.
If you want to play it safe with something neutral, Saybrook Sage is what you should go with.
Evergreen Fog Vs Dried Thyme
Dried Thyme Sherwin Williams is darker and more saturated than Evergreen Fog.
It looks like a true green where Evergreen Fog looks as green-gray.
Dried Thyme makes a statement. Evergreen Fog is subtle and grounded.
If you’re nervous about color, stick with Evergreen Fog.
If you want something with personality and aren’t afraid of commitment, Dried Thyme is what you should consider.
| Color | Brand | LRV | Undertones | Best For |
| October Mist | Benjamin Moore | 46.54 | Gray, soft green | Full rooms, modern spaces, bathrooms |
| Evergreen Fog | Sherwin Williams | 30 | Gray, beige, hints of blue | Accent walls, cabinets, cozy spaces |
| Clary Sage | Benjamin Moore | ~45 | Beige, warm green | Traditional interiors, warm wood pairings |
| Saybrook Sage | Benjamin Moore | ~54 | Gray, minimal green | Ultra-neutral, full-home color |
| Dried Thyme | Sherwin Williams | ~28 | True green, earthy | Bold spaces, exterior use, statement walls |
Advantages and Drawbacks of October Mist Vs Evergreen Fog
Let me be honest here because both colors have situations where they’re perfect and situations where they fall flat.
October Mist Advantages:
- Versatile LRV works in lighting situations
- Fresh, modern feeling that doesn’t go out of style
- Works beautifully as whole-home color
- Pairs easily with different decor styles
- Safe choice that brings color and personality
- Looks clean and spa-like in bathrooms
October Mist Drawbacks:
- Can feel bland if you don’t style it
- Look too gray in north-facing rooms
- Not enough depth for people wanting drama
- Can look almost white in bright spaces
- Needs warm textures to avoid feeling cold
Evergreen Fog Advantages:
- Rich, grounded feeling creates atmosphere
- Works beautifully on cabinetry and built-ins
- Named Sherwin Williams Color of the Year 2022 because it’s gorgeous
- Creates cozy, intimate spaces
- More interesting than standard neutrals
- The blue undertones in bright light are beautiful
Evergreen Fog Drawbacks:
- Too dark for small, poorly-lit spaces
- Can look different throughout the day
- Not ideal as whole-home color unless you love depth
- Hard to coordinate, it needs creamy whites and warm woods
- North-facing rooms get gloomy
- May feel too heavy in small rooms
Conclusion
So, choosing between October Mist vs Evergreen Fog is not too difficult to understand. October Mist is for people who want a fresh, versatile green that works anywhere and won’t cause problems.
It’s the safe choice that delivers personality. Use it when you want color but need the space to feel light and open.
Evergreen Fog is for people who want richness and atmosphere. It’s the choice when you’re ready for something with depth and aren’t afraid of a color that changes based on lighting.
Use it when you want rooms to feel intentionally designed and cozy.
If you’re painting a whole home, October Mist is what you should go for.
If you’re doing accent walls, cabinets, or single rooms, Evergreen Fog is better.
But before going to consider testing both in space is important because it’ll help you to consider the best one from October Mist Vs Evergreen Fog for the space.
FAQs On October Mist Vs Evergreen Fog
Evergreen Fog is a soft green-gray with subtle blue and beige undertones. It has an LRV of 30, which is deep and more grounded than many modern greens. The color shifts throughout the day, it is more gray in low light, green in bright natural light, and the blue undertones come in south-facing rooms.
The big differences are LRV and undertones. October Mist LRV 46.54 is light, cool, and has gray undertones that keep it fresh and airy. Evergreen Fog LRV 30 is dark, warm, with gray-beige undertones that create a cozy, grounded feeling. October Mist works better for rooms and small spaces, while Evergreen Fog works best for accent walls or cabinets.
October Mist is cool compared to sage greens. It has minimal yellow or beige influence, leaning toward gray undertones that give it a fresh, botanical feeling rather than an earthy, warm vibe.
October Mist is lighter than Evergreen Fog. It’s light, about 16 LRV. If you want something closer to Evergreen Fog but with a touch light, look at Sherwin Williams Contented or Acier.
