Sherwin-Williams’ Evergreen Fog (SW 9130) is more than just a trending paint color — it’s a beautifully balanced blend of green, gray, and soft blue undertones Before this, it was the color of the year in 2022. And still in 2025 its the perfect blend of 4 colors grey,green,yellow and blue.
With the change of light it shifts its undertones and gives a unique blend of coy but moody colors.
Ive reviewed and observed many green colors that are bold ,moody ,cozy and sometimes only muted to balance your mood. But when I listen to Evergreen Fog ,i accept that this color is worth all the hype.
Described by many as a modern “gray-green” with a nature-inspired edge, this versatile hue shifts subtly depending on the light, making it a favorite among designers for everything from serene bedrooms to stylish kitchens and cozy living rooms.
I’ve collected the Best Grey Green colors according to reviews and observation in my home and others.Click here to read: 22 Best Grey Green Paint Colors From Light to Dark
What are the undertones of Evergreen Fog
Evergreen Fog is a muted green-gray hue with subtle blue and gray undertones. Sherwin-Williams describes it as a “green-gray with the right amount of blue undertones”.
I noted that it’s essentially a true gray-green – a soft, earthy green reminiscent of sage leaves – balanced by greige depth. In some lights it even shows a whisper of warm yellow-green, but that warmth is very subtle.
Overall, Evergreen Fog feels like a calm, subdued sage-like color rather than a bright or grassy green.
Light Reflectance Value (LRV)
Evergreen Fog has a moderate LRV of about 30. On the 0–100 scale (0 = pure black, 100 = pure white), this places it in the mid-to-low range.
In practical terms, it’s neither very bright nor very dark. Its LRV=30 means it adds depth and richness to a space without making it feel too heavy.
In well-lit rooms it can still appear soft and airy (the green and gray show up clearly), but in dimmer light it will read as a cozier, moody greenish-gray.
Effect of Lighting
Evergreen Fog is quite chameleon-like in different lighting. In north-facing light (cool, blue-tinted) it tends to look darker and bluer – the gray-blue undertones come forward.
In contrast, south-facing light (warm, yellow-tinted) brightens it and pulls out the green; the color looks lighter and slightly olive under direct sun.
East-facing light (warm in morning, cooler later) makes Evergreen Fog shift dramatically: it will appear brighter and warmer in the morning, then cooler and stormier by afternoon.
West-facing light (cool morning, warm afternoon) similarly shifts the hue – muted with a blue hint in the morning and then warmer, greener in late afternoon. In short, its appearance can change with the day, so testing with peel-and-stick samples is recommended.
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Bedroom
Evergreen Fog excels in bedrooms as a soothing, restful color. Its muted, gray-leaning green creates a calm, cozy atmosphere for sleeping. In fact, designers describe Evergreen Fog on bedroom walls as creating “a calming, restful vibe”.
For example, I used Evergreen Fog walls paired with a deeper green (Rosemary) ceiling to achieve a cozy, traditional look. In general, Evergreen Fog in a bedroom will feel tranquil and nature-inspired – a bit like sage foliage – especially when balanced by crisp white trim or natural wood floors.
Kitchen
Evergreen Fog is a popular choice for kitchens, especially on cabinetry. Its medium tone is deep enough to look interesting yet not so dark that it makes the room feel small.
Designers recommend Evergreen Fog for kitchen cabinets or islands, since it adds warmth and character without overwhelming the space. In practice, Evergreen Fog cabinets often appear a rich, smoky green-gray.
For example, in one of friends’ kitchen photo Evergreen Fog painted on lower cabinets looks “lovely and smoky” alongside warm oak floors. That same example shows Evergreen Fog harmonizing beautifully with natural wood tones and white marble countertops.
Overall, Evergreen Fog in a kitchen feels fresh and organic – it’s a softer alternative to bold navy or black cabinets, yet more colorful than a neutral gray.
Living Room
In living rooms and family spaces, Evergreen Fog provides a stylish, grounded backdrop. It’s neutral enough to pair with many furnishings but still adds gentle color.
In a living room with good natural light, Evergreen Fog can read as a soft green-gray that lends a sense of calm. Designers note it works just as well in living rooms or entryways as it does in bedrooms.
the color feels peaceful next to white sofas and wood accents, giving the room an airy yet cozy feel.
A modern living room featuring walls painted in the gray-green hue of Sherwin-Williams Evergreen Fog (SW 9130), paired with white and natural wood accents for a calm, balanced look.
Bathroom
Evergreen Fog is also well-suited for bathrooms, where it adds a spa-like serenity. Its soft green-gray hue feels fresh against white tile and stone, yet retains warmth. Design sources specifically mention EF creating a “spa-like” calm in baths.
For example, one styled bath uses Evergreen Fog on the walls behind a double vanity; the color pairs beautifully with warm bronze fixtures and wood tones to make the space cozy and inviting.
Overall, Evergreen Fog in a bathroom lends a clean, natural feel – richer than plain gray or white, but still neutral and tranquil.
Cabinets
Beyond kitchens, Evergreen Fog is a top pick for painted cabinets (kitchen, bathroom, or laundry). Its depth gives cabinetry a subtle pop without clashing. Design experts say Evergreen Fog is a “great choice” for cabinets when you want something soft and earthy.
Cabinetry painted in Evergreen Fog will look muted but interesting – not as stark as black or white, yet more grounded than brighter green. In photos of EF kitchen cabinets, the color appears beautifully smoky and sophisticated next to wood and white.
Even on built-ins or vanities, EF can serve as a neutral focal point that ties in with wood grain or cream tones.
Exterior
Although Evergreen Fog isn’t as common on full exteriors, it can be used outdoors for a fresh, subtle statement.
It works especially well on front doors, shutters, or small accent areas to give a home a unique touch. If used on siding or brick, Evergreen Fog would come across as a light gray-green that’s a bit lighter and grayer than some dark green exteriors.
For comparison, Sherwin-Williams’ darker green Rosemary (SW 6187) has a very low LRV (14), whereas EF (LRV 30) would look much lighter on a house. In fact, design examples show that Benjamin Moore’s Carolina Gull (a similarly neutral gray-green) has been used on homes with charcoal trim to achieve a balanced look.
In summary, EF on an exterior would feel modern and earthy – a kind of “sage gray” siding – especially when paired with warm wood or stone elements.
Coordinating Color Palettes
Evergreen Fog plays well with many colors. Here are some palette ideas:
Soft, Neutral Accents: Pair Evergreen Fog with warm whites and light beiges to keep the scheme airy. For example, SW Alabaster or Creamy (warm off-whites) create a crisp contrast that highlights EF’s green tones.
Light greiges like Accessible Beige (SW 7036) or a pale gray such as Agreeable Gray (SW 7029) also work beautifully. These neutrals add warmth and softness, allowing Evergreen Fog to stand out gently.
Bold, Contrasting Shades: For drama, introduce deep colors. Dark charcoal or black-brown tones (e.g. SW Iron Ore or Urbane Bronze) provide strong contrast without clashing.
Navy or rich blue-greens (for instance SW Naval or Charcoal Blue) also make Evergreen Fog pop by emphasizing its green side. Even a warm terracotta or mustard yellow accent can liven up the scheme, as EF’s gray base makes it surprisingly versatile.
Muted Earthy Tones: Enhance the natural vibe with soft organic colors. Earthy greens like SW Olive Grove or muted sage (SW Sage) create a tonal green palette that feels harmonious.
Warm greiges or taupes (such as Balanced Beige or Accessible Beige) reinforce the grounded, organic feel. You can also add a touch of dusty pink or mauve (for example, SW Rosé Tan or Blushing) to introduce gentle warmth – these soft colors play nicely with Evergreen Fog without overwhelming it.
Each of these palettes can be adjusted to your taste. For trim and ceilings, crisp whites (SW Pure White, Shoji White, etc.) often look great with EF, accentuating its quiet green tones. Earthy textures (wood, rattan, stone) and warm metals (brass or bronze) also complement the color beautifully.
FAQ
Is Evergreen Fog a sage green?
Evergreen Fog is often compared to sage, but it’s actually a more neutral gray-green. Unlike a traditional yellowy sage, Evergreen Fog leans toward a balanced gray with a hint of blue. Many designers call it a “muted sage” color.
In short, it sits in the sage family mood-wise, but technically it reads as a subdued green-gray. Its overall effect is softer and less overtly green than a classic sage.
Comparison with Other Greens
Evergreen Fog SW 9130 vs SW Dried Thyme (SW 6186)
Dried Thyme is a similar gray-green but darker and cooler. Thyme’s LRV is about 21 (vs 30 for EF), so it looks noticeably deeper. It also has stronger green tones, whereas Evergreen Fog pulls more toward gray.
In practice, Dried Thyme will feel more saturated; Evergreen Fog sits between Dried Thyme and lighter grays on the SW chart.
Evergreen Fog SW 9130 vs BM October Mist
Benjamin Moore’s October Mist is a lighter, warmer sage. October Mist’s LRV is around 46, making it much brighter than Evergreen Fog. It also has a slightly yellow-green cast, so it reads more plainly “green.”
By contrast, Evergreen Fog will appear cooler and grayer next to October Mist. If you want the softness of Evergreen Fog but need more lightness, October Mist is a good lighter alternative.
Evergreen Fog vs SW Clary Sage (SW 6178)
Clary Sage is a lighter, more vivid green. Its LRV (~40.96%) is higher than Evergreen Fog’s 30.4%, so Clary Sage looks brighter. It also has a higher saturation (richer color) and warm yellow undertones.
In comparison, Evergreen Fog is darker and more muted. So Clary Sage reads as a lively sage-green, whereas Evergreen Fog is a toned-down, gray-leaning version of sage.
Evergreen Fog SW 9130 vs SW Escape Gray (SW 6185)
Escape Gray is a very pale gray-green. With LRV 41, it’s lighter than Evergreen Fog. In other words, Escape Gray is about a 50%-gray-green, whereas Evergreen Fog is noticeably deeper.
On walls, Escape Gray will look like a subtle pale green, while Evergreen Fog will have more color depth. Escape Gray makes a great alternative if Evergreen Fog seems too dark – it shares the cool-green vibe but with a brighter, more muted look.
