Drift of Mist SW 9166 is the warmer, softer light gray, with an LRV of 69 and a faint green whisper that comes across as a fresh, airy neutral.
Gray Owl OC-52 is the cooler, crisper light gray, with an LRV of 66 and a green-blue undertone that reads as a true cool gray with a fresh edge.
They are cross-brand (Sherwin-Williams versus Benjamin Moore) and similar in depth (LRV 69 versus 66), but they sit on opposite sides of the temperature scale. Drift of Mist is warm and soft; Gray Owl is cool and crisp. Test both on a photo of your space before you commit.
Drift of Mist and Gray Owl are two light grays that homeowners often cross-shop when they want a gray that looks like a neutral rather than a color. Drift of Mist (SW 9166) is Sherwin-Williams' warm light gray, a soft, airy neutral that pairs beautifully with warm woods and cream trim. Gray Owl (OC-52) is Benjamin Moore's reference-point cool light gray, known for its fresh green-blue undertone. This is our side-by-side method for comparing paint colors applied to two light grays that define the warm-cool divide.
The numbers side by side
| Attribute | Drift of Mist SW 9166 | Gray Owl OC-52 |
|---|---|---|
| Family | Warm light gray, green whisper | Cool light gray, green-blue |
| LRV | 69 | 66 |
| Approximate hex | #D0CCC0 | #CBC9C1 |
| Undertone | Faint green, warm, soft | Green-blue, cool, fresh |
| Loves | Living rooms, bedrooms, warm palettes | Kitchens, baths, modern interiors |
| Watch out for | Reading beige beside cool whites | Reading blue in north-facing rooms |
| Overall vibe | Soft, warm, airy neutral | Crisp, cool, fresh gray |
Try it on your house
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LRV figures are the published values from each brand. Hex values are approximate digital renderings only, and screens vary; the authoritative reference is always a physical paint chip from the retailer.
Upload one photo, get a photorealistic render, then swap to Gray Owl in one click. Free, no signup.
Room by room, exposure by exposure
| Situation | Usual winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| North-facing room | Gray Owl | The cool green-blue undertone reads as fresh in north light; Drift of Mist can read flat warm. |
| Bright south room | Drift of Mist | Strong sun brings out the warm green whisper; Gray Owl can read blue in bright light. |
| Room with warm wood trim | Drift of Mist | The warm undertone complements wood tones without clashing. |
| Kitchen or bath | Gray Owl | The cool fresh vibe feels clean and crisp in high-moisture spaces. |
| Open main floor | Drift of Mist | The softer warmth flows better across connected spaces with different exposures. |
| Modern interior | Gray Owl | The cool crispness defines a clean, contemporary look. |
Drift of Mist and Gray Owl are both light grays, but Drift of Mist leans warm and soft while Gray Owl leans cool and crisp. The 3-point LRV gap is small, so temperature is the deciding factor. For more on Gray Owl, see our Gray Owl vs Classic Gray guide and our Mindful Gray vs Gray Owl duel.
When to choose Drift of Mist
- You want a light gray that feels soft, warm, and airy rather than cool or crisp.
- Your room has warm wood, cream trim, or traditional furniture that needs a compatible neutral.
- You prefer a gray with a green whisper that never reads as blue.
- You want a light neutral that feels warm without going beige.
When to choose Gray Owl
- You want a cool, crisp light gray with a fresh green-blue undertone.
- Your room is north-facing or dim and you need a gray that reads as fresh, not flat.
- You are painting a kitchen, bathroom, or modern interior where clean and crisp matters.
- You prefer a gray that reads as a true cool gray, not a warm neutral.
Same wall, both grays, your actual light. Free render in about 30 seconds.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Drift of Mist and Gray Owl?
The main difference is temperature. Drift of Mist SW 9166 has an LRV of 69 and a faint green undertone, reading as a warm, soft light gray. Gray Owl OC-52 has an LRV of 66 and a green-blue undertone, reading as a cool, crisp light gray. They are cross-brand (Sherwin-Williams versus Benjamin Moore) and at similar depth.
Which is lighter, Drift of Mist or Gray Owl?
Drift of Mist is slightly lighter. Its LRV is 69, compared with 66 for Gray Owl. That 3-point gap is small and barely noticeable on the wall. The visible difference comes from temperature, not depth.
Do Drift of Mist and Gray Owl have the same undertones?
No. Drift of Mist has a faint green-based warmth that reads as fresh but never blue. Gray Owl has a green-blue undertone that leans clearly cool and can read blue in north light. Drift of Mist is the warmer, softer option; Gray Owl is the cooler, crisper option.
Can I see both colors on my own wall before I buy paint?
Yes. Upload one photo of your room to FacadeColorizer, get a photorealistic render in Drift of Mist, then swap to Gray Owl in one click. You will see the temperature difference on your actual wall. The first HD render and three color variations are free.
1 HD render plus 3 free color variations. Start with Drift of Mist, swap to Gray Owl in one click.
Trademark notice. Benjamin Moore and Gray Owl are trademarks of Benjamin Moore & Co. Sherwin-Williams and Drift of Mist are trademarks of The Sherwin-Williams Company. FacadeColorizer is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by these companies. Brand and color names are used descriptively (nominative fair use). Hex and RGB values are approximate digital renderings; the only authoritative reference is a physical paint sample.
Trademarks mentioned (Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, Behr, Caparol, Brillux, Sto, Alpina, Valspar, PPG, Glidden, Dulux, Crown Trade, Sandtex, Farrow & Ball, Johnstone's, Leyland) are property of their respective owners. FacadeColorizer is independent and not affiliated with any of them. Nominative fair use under Lanham Act §1125.
