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Sherwin Williams Drift of Mist is a soft, warm gray paint color that offers a gentle and versatile backdrop for various interior styles. Its understated character and muted undertones make it a great choice for those seeking a subtle yet warm look, making it one of the favorite colors among interior designers.

liivng room walls painted Drift of Mist with blue and gold artwork over a tan couch and a styled coffee table in front.

What Color is Drift of Mist?

Drift of Mist is a warm gray with very muted undertones, often considered a greige paint color. It walks a fine line between gray and greige, showing its warmer side in south-facing or western afternoon light, while appearing cooler in north-facing light.

Vanity painted SW Drift of Mist.

What is The LRV?

Light Reflective Value (LRV) is an indicator of the amount of light that a color reflects when illuminated. The LRV of Sherwin Williams Drift of Mist is 69, placing it on the lighter end of the spectrum, close to off-white. This light gray can wash out in a very bright room but might appear a bit dingy in a darker room due to its warm gray nature.

Is SW Drift of Mist a Warm or Cool Color?

SW Drift of Mist is a warm paint color with subtle warm undertones that are perfect to balance rooms already filled with cool tones of blue and green.

Bathroom walls painted Sherwin Williams Drift of Mist. The vanity is white with a light gray countertop and brushed nickel hardware.

SW Drift of Mist Undertones

One of the intriguing aspects of Drift of Mist is its subtle undertones. It slightly leans towards green, but its lack of strong commitment to any particular undertone makes it versatile, though potentially challenging to pair with other finishes.

Trim Color and Drift of Mist

SW Drift of Mist pairs well with softer whites like Sherwin Williams Pure White or cleaner whites like High Reflective White and Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace, making these white colors the best trim color options.

This color benefits from a bright and uplifting white tone, enhancing the room feel almost instantly!

bedroom with picture frame molding painted SW Drift of Mist. The bed and nightstand are vintage looking.

How Does Light Affect Drift of Mist?

Like most paint colors, under different lighting conditions, the color can shift slightly. Drift of Mist can appear cooler in north-facing rooms and reveal its greige qualities more noticeably in south-facing rooms or west-facing rooms due to the warmer light.

Can Drift of Mist Work on the Exterior?

While suitable for exterior use, its high LRV might render it more like an off-white in direct sunlight, suitable for spaces desiring a light, bright appearance.

Exterior Home painted with Drift of Mist paint color.
Exterior Home Painted with Drift of Mist by @mopaintingandreno

Altogether, the light and brightness of the open sky can wash it out. When using it outside, just be careful to pair it with stronger colors to ensure it doesn’t fade into the background. It stands out best when it’s not the only player on the field.

Can Drift of Mist Work on Kitchen Cabinets?

Drift of Mist can be a great option for kitchen cabinets, especially in light-depth color schemes. However, ensure that its undertones align with other finishes in your kitchen.

SW Drift of Mist kitchen cabinets.

Drift of Mist Coordinating Colors

Drift of Mist hangs beautifully on your walls but pairing it with the right colors is key. I find that darker blue-greens bring depth and contrast to this neutral shade. A good match is Sherwin Williams Sea Salt, which brings out those earthy tones.

You might also try soft cream colors. They offer a subtle distinction without being too overpowering. For a creamy companion to SW Drift of Mist, consider Sherwin Williams Shoji White. This hue balances the green undertone lovely.

coordinating color scheme for Sherwin Williams Drift of Mist.

SW Drift of Mist coordinates well with:

  • SW Repose Gray
  • SW Sea Salt
  • SW Alabaster
  • SW Pure White (trim)
  • SW tinsmith
  • SW Greek Villa
  • SW Ellie Gray

Drift of Mist vs. Gossamer Veil

side by side comparison watches of drift of mist and gossamer veil.

SW Gossamer Veil, darker with an LRV of 62, presents more body and a slightly more pronounced undertone.

Drift of Mist vs. Intense White

side by side comparison watches of drift of mist and intense white.

SW Intense White appears cooler and grayer, sharing a similar green undertone.

Drift of Mist vs. Agreeable Gray

side by side comparison watches of drift of mist and agreeable gray.

SW Agreeable Gray provides more depth with an LRV of 60 and a warmer, muddier look, maintaining its popularity among neutral paint colors.

Don’t Forget…

Don’t forget – no matter what you’ve read or photos you’ve seen online, it’s really important to sample paint colors in your home before committing!

Samplize provides real paint samples that are easy to move around your home, and cheaper than buying a gazillion paint pots! It’s the only way I buy paint samples.

Final Thoughts

Sherwin Williams Drift of Mist is a warm, muted gray that offers a soft and sophisticated backdrop for a variety of interior styles, from a cozy bedroom ambiance to an inviting living room space, making it a peaceful and inviting atmosphere.

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