Paint Colour Review: Evergreen Fog SW 9130 by Sherwin Williams

If you’ve been searching for a paint colour that feels calm, grounded, and just a little bit unexpected, let me introduce you to Evergreen Fog SW 9130 by Sherwin-Williams. This soft green-meets-grey hue is very popular in interior design and for good reason. It’s one of those magical colours that can feel both fresh and timeless, cozy and modern, all at once.

In this post, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about Evergreen Fog: its undertones, how it behaves in different lighting, its LRV (don’t worry, I’ll explain!), the best white trims to pair it with, and my favourite coordinating colours. I’ll also share where it works best in the home so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your space. Let’s dive into this dreamy, earthy shade and see what makes it such a standout.

What colour is Evergreen Fog?

Evergreen Fog is a beautiful blend of green, grey, and just a whisper of blue. It’s a muted, mid-tone shade that leans slightly cool, but still feels soft and inviting rather than stark or cold. The dominant tone is definitely a soft green, but it’s not the bright, grassy kind. Instead, it’s mellow and earthy, like sage or eucalyptus leaves. The grey undertones give it a grounded, sophisticated feel, while the subtle blue hint keeps it feeling fresh and modern.

What is Evergreen Fog’s LRV?

LRV (or Light Reflectance Value) helps determine how much light is absorbed or reflected by a paint colour. It is measured on a scale from 0 to 100, 0 being absolute black and absorbing all light, and 100 being pure white and reflecting all light. The higher the LRV, the lighter and brighter the paint colour. The LRV of a paint colour is an important factor to consider, especially if you're concerned about brightness or creating a specific ambience. Colours with higher LRVs tend to make a room feel brighter and more spacious, while colours with lower LRVs can create a more intimate or cosy atmosphere.

Evergreen Fog has an LRV of 30, which means it sits in the mid-to-low range on the Light Reflectance Value scale. It doesn’t reflect a ton of light, but it’s not too dark either. It has enough depth to create a cozy, moody feel, especially in rooms with limited natural light, but it won’t suck the life out of a space. In a well-lit room, it can actually look quite soft and airy, with its green and grey tones coming to life. It’s one of those colours that adds a layer of richness and character without making a room feel too heavy or closed-in, perfect if you want something a little more interesting than your average neutral.

How does Evergreen Fog look in different lighting conditions?

Lighting greatly impacts how a paint colour is perceived within a space, whether it be natural or artificial light. Natural light varies throughout the day making colours look slightly different in the morning and the evening, which is why it’s essential to use samples before fully committing to a paint colour so you can see how colours look at various times of the day and you can decide if a paint colour is the right one for your space.

In bright natural light, especially in south-facing rooms, Evergreen Fog tends to show off more of its soft green side. It feels warm, fresh, and inviting, almost like bringing a bit of nature indoors. In north-facing rooms, which naturally have cooler light, the grey and even slightly blue undertones come forward, giving it a more muted, moody feel.

In the evening or in rooms with artificial lighting, Evergreen Fog can deepen a little, leaning more into its earthy, sage character. It still feels calm and balanced, just a bit more dramatic. The type of bulb you use matters too: warm white bulbs will bring out more green and warmth, while cooler bulbs might highlight the grey and make the colour feel a bit cooler overall. If you're considering this colour, it’s definitely worth testing it in your space at different times of the day. Evergreen Fog is beautifully versatile, but those subtle shifts can make a big difference depending on your lighting.

Where to best use Evergreen Fog in the house?

Evergreen Fog is one of those colours that can work just about anywhere. It’s neutral enough to be versatile, but interesting enough to make a statement. It’s beautiful in bedrooms, where it creates a calming, restful vibe, and it works just as well in living rooms, entryways, or even bathrooms for a touch of spa-like serenity. It’s also a great choice for kitchen cabinets or a laundry room, especially if you want something that feels soft and earthy but not too traditional. And if you’re feeling bold, it makes a gorgeous front door or exterior colour, a little different, but still grounded and timeless.

Basically, if you’re looking for a colour that feels peaceful, stylish, and just a little bit nature-inspired, Evergreen Fog is worth considering.

Best white trim colours

When it comes to trim, Evergreen Fog looks its best when paired with a clean white, something that gives a nice contrast and lets the soft green-grey tones really shine. Here are a few tried-and-true white paints that work beautifully with Evergreen Fog:

• Sherwin-Williams Pure White (SW 7005): This is a go-to white for trims. It’s soft and slightly warm, but still clean and fresh, perfect if you want a subtle contrast without anything too stark.

• Sherwin-Williams Extra White (SW 7006): A brighter, cooler white that gives more contrast. If your style leans more modern or you want Evergreen Fog to pop a little more, this is a great pick.

• Sherwin-Williams Alabaster (SW 7008): A warm, creamy white that adds a cozy touch. This pairs nicely if you're using Evergreen Fog in a space with warmer tones or more traditional elements.

All of these options help Evergreen Fog feel balanced and intentional, whether you're painting walls, cabinets, or even an accent wall.

What about best coordinating colours?

One of the reasons Evergreen Fog is so well-loved is because it plays nicely with other colours. Whether you’re going for a soft, nature-inspired palette or something with a bit more contrast, there are plenty of beautiful options to pair it with. Here are some of my favourite coordinating colours:

• Warm whites and creams: Shades like Alabaster SW 7008 or Greek Villa SW 7551 bring warmth and softness to the space, creating a cozy, layered look.

• Earthy neutrals: Think warm greiges or even a soft beige like Accessible Beige SW 7036. These help enhance the grounded, natural vibe of Evergreen Fog.

• Deep charcoals or soft blacks: For a bit of drama and contrast, try pairing it with a deep charcoal like Iron Ore or Urbane Bronze. These add a modern edge without feeling harsh.

• Dusty pinks or mauves: If you want a more unexpected combo, a muted pink like Rosé Tan SW 0069 or a mauve-toned neutral can add a subtle touch of warmth and femininity.

• Soft golds or brass accents: While not a paint colour, warm metallics pair beautifully with Evergreen Fog. Think hardware, light fixtures, or even picture frames.

Whether you're creating a whole-house palette or just coordinating a few rooms, Evergreen Fog gives you lots of flexibility to build a scheme that feels cohesive and calm.

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Evergreen Fog is one of those colours that just works. It’s calm without being boring, stylish without trying too hard, and versatile enough to use in almost any room. Whether you’re leaning into its soft green tones for a nature-inspired vibe or pairing it with warmer neutrals for a cozy, layered look, this colour brings a quiet elegance to any space.

If you’re feeling inspired to use Evergreen Fog but not quite sure how to pull everything together, don’t worry, I’ve got you! I offer digital paint colour consultations and ready-made whole-home colour palettes designed to take the stress out of choosing paint colours. Whether you need help with just one room or your entire home, I’m here to make the process easy and enjoyable.

Thank you for reading and happy decorating,

Manon xx