When searching for the perfect light green paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar verdant shades from Sherwin Williams. Popular choices Clary Sage SW 6178 and Evergreen Fog SW 9130 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two beautiful, pale greens?
In this guide, we’ll analyze Clary Sage vs Evergreen Fog in-depth to help you determine the ideal light green paint for your home. We’ll look at undertones, light reflectance, real-life photos, room pairings and more.
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between Clary Sage and Evergreen Fog
Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Sherwin Williams’ Clary Sage and Evergreen Fog:
- Light Reflectance – Clary Sage has an LRV of 41, Evergreen Fog has an LRV of 30
- Undertones – Clary Sage is a gray-green, Evergreen Fog is a blue-green
- Use – Clary Sage suits modern and traditional styles, Evergreen Fog leans modern
- Rooms – Clary Sage excels in bedrooms, Evergreen Fog shines in bathrooms
- Availability – Both come in all sheens
Now let’s explore Clary Sage and Evergreen Fog more thoroughly.
Sherwin Williams Clary Sage SW 6178
With its soft gray-green appearance, Sherwin Williams Clary Sage SW 6178 creates a relaxed backdrop well-suited for varied styles. This versatile color works beautifully across modern and traditional spaces.
Here are some details about Clary Sage:
- LRV: 41
- Undertones: Gray-green
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms
- Pairs Well With: Warm neutrals, white, wood tones
Clary Sage is a pale sage green with faint hints of gray. In all lighting it maintains its subtle greenish-gray appearance.
The 41 light reflectance value provides ideal illumination without being too dark. Clary Sage gives an open, soothing feel.
This adaptable green complements a wide variety of colors from vivid to muted. Popular Clary Sage color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Pure White SW 7005
- Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray SW 7029
- Crisp white trims
- Blonde wood stains
- Matte black accents
While suitable anywhere at home, Clary Sage truly excels in these casual, relaxing spaces:
- Bedrooms
- Bathrooms
- Living Rooms
- Kitchens
- Dining Rooms
Clary Sage’s versatility helps create a calming, natural backdrop perfect for varied styles and rooms.
Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog SW 9130
With its cool blue-green appearance, Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog SW 9130 creates a refreshing backdrop well-suited for contemporary styles. This versatile color leans modern across varied spaces.
Here are some details about Evergreen Fog:
- LRV: 30
- Undertones: Blue-green
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Bathrooms, kitchens, dining rooms, offices
- Pairs Well With: Crisp whites, black, wood tones
Evergreen Fog is a pale seafoam green with hints of sky blue. In all lighting it maintains its cool green-blue appearance.
The 30 light reflectance value provides nice contrast without being too dark. Evergreen Fog gives an airy, relaxing feel.
This adaptable green complements a wide variety of colors from bold to muted. Popular Evergreen Fog color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Extra White SW 7006
- Sherwin Williams Black Magic SW 6991
- White trims
- Rich wood stains
- Chrome accents
While suitable anywhere at home, Evergreen Fog truly excels in these sleek, modern spaces:
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- Laundry Rooms
Evergreen Fog’s vibrance helps create an elegant yet refreshing backdrop, perfect for contemporary styles and accent colors.
Comparing Clary Sage vs Evergreen Fog
Now that we’ve examined Clary Sage and Evergreen Fog independently, let’s directly compare them:
Light Reflectance
Clary Sage and Evergreen Fog have LRVs of 41 and 30 respectively. Clary Sage will appear brighter.
Undertones
Here’s where the main difference lies. Clary Sage is a gray-green, while Evergreen Fog is a blue-green.
Use & Rooms
Clary Sage’s subtlety excels in bedrooms and living rooms. Evergreen Fog’s vibrance shines in modern kitchens and baths.
Availability
Both Clary Sage and Evergreen Fog come in any sheen from matte to high gloss.
Clary Sage vs Evergreen Fog Comparison Chart
| Paint Color | Clary Sage SW 6178 | Evergreen Fog SW 9130 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 41 | 30 |
| Undertones | Gray-green | Blue-green |
| Use | Varied styles | Modern styles |
| Finishes | All sheens | All sheens |
| Style | Subtle, relaxed | Vibrant, airy |
Real-Life Photos: Clary Sage vs Evergreen Fog
Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the differences between Clary Sage and Evergreen Fog:
Sherwin Williams Clary Sage
Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog
While both are light greens, Clary Sage appears more subtle and gray, while Evergreen Fog is bolder and blue-toned. Lighting affects their look.
Should I Choose Clary Sage or Evergreen Fog?
So how do you decide between Sherwin Williams’ Clary Sage or Evergreen Fog for your home? Here are a few tips:
Choose Clary Sage SW 6178 if you want:
- A soft gray-green tone
- A versatile color for bedrooms and living rooms
- A relaxed, soothing feel
- A subtle, earthy backdrop
Choose Evergreen Fog SW 9130 if you want:
- A vibrant blue-green tone
- A bold color for modern bathrooms and kitchens
- An airy, refreshing feel
- To allow accent colors to pop
Get samples of both Clary Sage and Evergreen Fog. Paint large sections on your walls viewing at different times of day. This gives you the best sense of how the undertones read in your environment.
You can also pair them with decor you already have to visualize the look. Both offer beautiful light green tones that suit varied needs.
Ideal Room Pairings
Here are some rooms that are especially well-suited to Clary Sage and Evergreen Fog paint colors:
Sherwin Williams Clary Sage
- Bedrooms
- Bathrooms
- Living Rooms
- Kitchens
- Dining Rooms
Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- Laundry Rooms
While both light greens work well throughout the home, the above applications make optimal use of their unique strengths.
Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, Clary Sage and Evergreen Fog create peaceful backdrops. Complement them with other colors and materials for gorgeous spaces:
Clary Sage SW 6178 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Pure White SW 7005
- Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray SW 7029
- Crisp white trims
- Blonde wood stains
- Matte black accents
Evergreen Fog SW 9130 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Extra White SW 7006
- Sherwin Williams Black Magic SW 6991
- White trims
- Rich wood stains
- Chrome accents
Clary Sage vs Evergreen Fog – Which is Better?
So which light green paint color is better for your home – Clary Sage or Evergreen Fog?
Consider Clary Sage SW 6178 if you want:
- A soft gray-green tone
- A versatile color for bedrooms and living rooms
- A relaxed, soothing feel
- A subtle, earthy backdrop
Consider Evergreen Fog SW 9130 if you want:
- A vibrant blue-green tone
- A bold color for modern bathrooms and kitchens
- An airy, refreshing feel
- To allow accent colors to pop
While Clary Sage is subtle, Evergreen Fog is bold and vibrant. Get samples before deciding. Either beautiful pale Sherwin Williams green you choose will suit your home perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to decide between Clary Sage or Evergreen Fog? Here are answers to some common questions:
What are the main differences between Clary Sage and Evergreen Fog?
The main differences are their undertones and uses. Clary Sage is a subtle gray-green fitting varied spaces, while Evergreen Fog is a bold blue-green that excels in modern rooms.
What colors complement Clary Sage?
Clary Sage looks beautiful paired with light neutrals like cream, white, blonde wood tones, and black for nice contrast.
Can you use Evergreen Fog in a bedroom?
Yes, Evergreen Fog’s vibrance would work wonderfully in a bedroom paired with crisp white trim and bedding for a relaxing retreat.
Is Clary Sage suitable for northern exposure?
Yes, Clary Sage’s gray-green undertone is light enough to provide illumination without appearing dreary in a north facing room.
Does Evergreen Fog come in eggshell finish?
Yes, Evergreen Fog is extremely versatile and comes in any sheen from flat matte to eggshell to high gloss semi-gloss.
