Soft, muted greens have become a favorite for homeowners who want color without overwhelming a space. Two of the most popular options are Evergreen Fog and October Mist. At first glance, they may look similar, but their undertones and overall feel are noticeably different once on the wall. Here’s how they compare.
Overall Color Tone
Sherwin-Williams Evergreen Fog (SW 9130)
- Muted green with strong gray influence
- Slightly deeper and moodier
- Earthy and grounded
- Evergreen Fog feels more subdued and sophisticated
Benjamin Moore October Mist (1495)
- Light sage green
- Airier and softer
- Fresher and more botanical
- October Mist feels lighter and more relaxed
Undertones: The Key Difference
Evergreen Fog Undertones
- Gray base
- Subtle green
- Very slight blue influence in cooler light
- It often reads as a “greige-green” rather than a true green
- If you want something more muted → Evergreen Fog.
October Mist Undertones
- Noticeable green base
- Soft gray influence
- Slight warmth in certain lighting
- It leans as a cleaner cut color
- If you want more visible color → October Mist.
Paint Color LRV (Light Reflectance Value)
- Evergreen Fog LRV: 30
- October Mist LRV: 46.5
This is a significant difference.
- Evergreen Fog is considerably darker and moodier. In low-light rooms, Evergreen Fog may feel deeper and more dramatic.
- October Mist has a higher LRV, so it reflects more light and feels brighter. October Mist will maintain a lighter presence.
How They Look in Different Lighting
North-Facing Rooms
- Evergreen Fog may feel cooler and slightly grayer
- October Mist can appear softer but still distinctly green
South-Facing Rooms
- Evergreen Fog warms slightly but remains muted
- October Mist becomes more lively and fresh
Artificial Lighting with Warm Bulbs
- Add softness to Evergreen Fog
- Bring out more green in October Mist
Lighting makes a noticeable difference with both colors.
Best Uses for Evergreen Fog
Evergreen Fog works especially well in:
- Home offices
- Dining rooms
- Moody living spaces
- Cabinetry
- Accent walls
It pairs beautifully with:
- Creamy whites
- Natural wood tones
- Black hardware
- Warm metals
Because it’s deeper, it creates more contrast.
Best Uses for October Mist
October Mist shines in:
- Bedrooms
- Living rooms
- Kitchens
- Open-concept spaces
- Hallways
It pairs well with:
- Warm whites
- Light wood flooring
- Brushed brass
- Soft neutral furnishings
Its higher LRV makes it easier to use throughout an entire home.
Which One Is More Versatile?
October Mist is generally easier to use in large spaces due to its lighter value.
Evergreen Fog is more statement-driven and works beautifully when you want a slightly richer look.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Evergreen Fog if:
- You prefer muted, earthy tones
- You want a moodier atmosphere
- You’re painting cabinetry or a feature wall
Choose October Mist if:
- You want a lighter sage green
- You prefer brighter interiors
- You’re painting multiple connected rooms
Before Deciding…
Sample both colors on multiple walls. View them at different times of day. Compare them against flooring and trim. Soft greens are highly responsive to lighting — subtle differences can completely change the feel of a space.
Visit any of our paint stores near you to speak with our team members and get the paint you need!