Evergreen Fog vs Retreat: What’s the Difference?

When searching for the perfect green paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar rich shades from Sherwin Williams. Popular choices Evergreen Fog SW 9130 and Retreat SW 6207 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two beautiful, deep greens?

In this in-depth guide, we’ll analyze Evergreen Fog vs Retreat to help you determine the ideal green paint for your home. We’ll look at undertones, light reflectance, real-life photos, room pairings and more.

Key Differences Between Evergreen Fog and Retreat

Before getting into the details, here is an overview of the main differences between Sherwin Williams’ Evergreen Fog and Retreat:

Undertones – Evergreen Fog is a gray-green, Retreat is a blue-green
Light Reflectance – Evergreen Fog has an LRV of 30, Retreat has an LRV of 21
Use – Evergreen Fog suits contemporary styles, Retreat fits modern farmhouse decor
Rooms – Evergreen Fog excels in offices, Retreat shines in bedrooms
Availability – Both come in all sheens

Now let’s explore Evergreen Fog and Retreat more thoroughly.

Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog SW 9130

With its cool, gray-green appearance, Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog SW 9130 makes a dramatic statement well-suited for accentuating contemporary styles. This versatile deep green works across modern spaces.

Here are some details about Evergreen Fog:

LRV: 30
Undertones: Gray-green
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Offices, dining rooms, kitchens, bathrooms
Pairs Well With: Grays, blacks, whites

Evergreen Fog is a rich pine green with subtle gray undertones. In certain lights it can read as true forest green. The dramatic green has modern appeal.

The 30 light reflectance value makes this close to true green without appearing flat. Evergreen Fog has depth and sophistication.

This adaptable deep green complements both bold and muted colors nicely. Popular Evergreen Fog color pairings include:

Sherwin Williams Online
Black upholstery
Brushed nickel accents
Crisp white trim

While suitable anywhere at home, Evergreen Fog truly excels in these dramatic modern spaces:

Offices
Dining Rooms
Kitchens
Bathrooms
Libraries

Evergreen Fog’s coolness helps create a sleek, contemporary feel perfect for bold modern statements.

Sherwin Williams Retreat SW 6207

With its deep, blue-green appearance, Sherwin Williams Retreat SW 6207 makes a dramatic statement well-suited for accentuating modern farmhouse styles. This versatile green works across casual spaces.

Here are some details about Retreat:

LRV: 21
Undertones: Blue-green
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Bedrooms, dining rooms, living rooms
Pairs Well With: Blues, tans, black and white

Retreat is a rich emerald green with faint blue undertones. In certain lights it can read as true forest green. The dramatic green has rustic appeal.

The 21 light reflectance value makes this close to true green without being too dark. Retreat has depth and character.

This versatile deep green complements both warm and cool accents nicely. Popular Retreat color pairings include:

Sherwin Williams Rainwashed
Black and white patterns
Rustic wood finishes
Navy blue accents

While suitable anywhere at home, Retreat truly excels in these casual spaces:

Bedrooms
Dining Rooms
Living Rooms
Libraries
Studies

Retreat’s laidback feel helps create a relaxing backdrop, perfect for accentuating modern farmhouse styles. Use it to allow accent colors to pop.

Comparing Evergreen Fog vs Retreat

Now that we’ve examined Evergreen Fog and Retreat independently, let’s directly compare them:

Light Reflectance

Evergreen Fog and Retreat have quite different LRVs of 30 and 21 respectively. Evergreen Fog will appear noticeably brighter.

Undertones

Here’s where the main difference lies. Evergreen Fog is a cool gray-green, while Retreat is a deep blue-green.

Use & Rooms

Evergreen Fog’s coolness excels in modern offices and kitchens. Retreat’s warmth is perfect for farmhouse bedrooms.

Availability

Both Evergreen Fog and Retreat come in any sheen from matte to high gloss.

Paint Color	Evergreen Fog SW 9130	Retreat SW 6207
LRV	30	21
Undertones	Gray-green	Blue-green
Use	Contemporary styles	Modern farmhouse
Finishes	All sheens	All sheens
Style	Modern	Casual

Real-Life Photos: Evergreen Fog vs Retreat

Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the differences between Evergreen Fog and Retreat:

Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog

Sherwin Williams Retreat

While they can overlap, Evergreen Fog generally appears cooler and more grayed than the deep blue undertone of Retreat. But lighting affects their look.

Should I Choose Evergreen Fog or Retreat?

So how do you decide between Sherwin Williams’ Evergreen Fog or Retreat for your home? Here are some tips:

Choose Evergreen Fog SW 9130 if you want:

A cool, gray-based deep green
A versatile color suitable for modern spaces
A sophisticated feel for offices and kitchens
To allow bold accent colors to pop

Choose Retreat SW 6207 if you want:

A deep blue-green tone
A dramatic color suitable for modern farmhouse
A laidback feel for bedrooms and living rooms
A moody but inviting backdrop

Get samples of both Evergreen Fog and Retreat. 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 rich green tones that suit varied styles.

Ideal Room Pairings

Here are some rooms that are especially well-suited to Evergreen Fog and Retreat paint colors:

Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog

Offices
Dining Rooms
Kitchens
Bathrooms
Libraries

Sherwin Williams Retreat

Bedrooms
Living Rooms
Dining Rooms
Libraries
Studies

While both deep greens work well throughout the home, the above applications make optimal use of their unique strengths.

Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings

On their own, Evergreen Fog and Retreat make dramatic statements. Complement them with other colors and materials for gorgeous spaces:

Evergreen Fog SW 9130 Pairings

Sherwin Williams Online
Black upholstery
Brushed nickel accents
Crisp white trim

Retreat SW 6207 Pairings

Sherwin Williams Rainwashed
Black and white patterns
Rustic wood finishes
Navy blue accents

Evergreen Fog vs Retreat – Which is Better?

So which green paint color is better for your home – Evergreen Fog or Retreat?

Consider Evergreen Fog SW 9130 if you want:

A cool, gray-based deep green
A versatile color suitable for modern spaces
A sophisticated feel for offices and kitchens
To allow bold accent colors to pop

Consider Retreat SW 6207 if you want:

A deep blue-green tone
A dramatic color suitable for modern farmhouse
A laidback feel for bedrooms and living rooms
A moody but inviting backdrop

While Evergreen Fog offers modern edge, Retreat provides cozy rustic character. Get samples before deciding. Either rich Sherwin Williams green you choose will lend beautiful drama.