Soft, warm neutrals are really popular right now, and it’s easy to see why. These colors help create calm, cozy rooms that still feel fresh and never go out of style.
Two shades that often get compared are Gossamer Veil and Drift of Mist by Sherwin-Williams.
I’ve used both in many homes, and people always want to know which one is better.
The truth is, both are great, but each works best in different situations.
In this blog, I’ll show you how the two colors are different, when to use one over the other, and which other shades they pair well with.
By the end, you’ll feel more confident picking the perfect neutral for your home; no more guessing when you’re staring at paint samples!
Gossamer Veil (SW-9165)
Gossamer Veil (LRV-62) is a soft gray-beige color, often called greige, that feels light and calm.
The name fits it well; it reminds you of a thin, airy fabric that adds just the right touch without being too much.
This color has become really popular with designers because it works almost anywhere. It’s not too warm and not too cool, so it blends in well no matter what kind of lighting you have.
What makes it stand out is how it looks modern and classic at the same time. It adds just enough color to keep your walls from looking plain white, but still helps the room feel bright and open.
I’ve used Gossamer Veil in many homes, from cozy farmhouses to modern city apartments. Every time, it creates a clean, simple background that helps the rest of the room stand out.
Drift of Mist (SW-9166)
Drift of Mist (LRV-69) is a lighter, softer version of Gossamer Veil. It has a calm, airy feel, like light fog just starting to fade in the morning.
This shade sits between off-white and a pale beige, making it perfect for rooms that need a soft touch.
In bright light, Drift of Mist can look almost white. But in low light, you’ll notice its quiet gray and beige tones show up more clearly.
That’s what makes it so flexible. It gently shifts with the light without feeling too bold.
It’s a great pick if you want something brighter than beige but softer than pure white. I often use it in smaller spaces or darker rooms to help them feel open, warm, and welcoming.
Gossamer Veil vs Drift of Mist
While these colors may look nearly identical on small swatches, their differences become more apparent when painted on larger surfaces. Let’s break down exactly how they compare:
1. LRV
One of the most important technical differences between Gossamer Veil and Drift of Mist is their Light Reflection Value (LRV).
LRV tells you how much light a paint color bounces back into the room. This affects how bright and open a space feels, especially in rooms with little natural light.
| Paint Color | LRV | Light Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Gossamer Veil | 62 | Reflects a moderate amount of light, soft and warm, without being too dark |
| Drift of Mist | 69 | Reflects more light; feels brighter and more open |
The 7-point difference might not sound like much, but it’s enough to make Drift of Mist feel noticeably lighter.
If you’re working with a small room, low ceilings, or limited sunlight, this higher LRV can help the space feel less cramped and more comfortable.
2. Undertones
Both Gossamer Veil and Drift of Mist belong to the grey color family, but they don’t behave the same.
The difference comes down to their undertones, the slight hints of color that show up depending on light and surroundings.
| Paint Color | Main Undertones | How It Feels in a Room |
|---|---|---|
| Gossamer Veil | Gray-beige with a touch of green | Slightly cooler and more complex, especially in cooler light |
| Drift of Mist | Soft beige with warm undertones | Warmer and more neutral, it stays steady in most lighting |
These small undertone shifts can change how each color looks in your space. Gossamer Veil may feel cooler in rooms with less natural light, especially those facing north.
On the other hand, Drift of Mist consistently maintains a warmer, softer feel regardless of the room or time of day.
3. Visual Warmth
While both Gossamer Veil and Drift of Mist are warm neutrals, they vary in how warm they actually feel. This difference can affect the overall comfort and mood of a space, especially depending on your location and lighting.
| Paint Color | Warmth Level | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Gossamer Veil | Balanced warmth with a soft gray base | Feels modern and calm; good for any style or room |
| Drift of Mist | Consistently warm, never reads as cool | Feels extra cozy; great for colder areas or bedrooms |
The amount of warmth each color brings can help you decide what’s best for your space. Gossamer Veil gives a clean, slightly cooler feel that works with modern styles.
Drift of Mist, with its steady warmth, is a great pick if you live in a colder area or want your space to feel extra inviting all year long.
4. Appearance in Natural Light
Both Gossamer Veil and Drift of Mist react to natural light, but they do so in different ways. Understanding how each paint shifts throughout the day can help you choose the right one for your space.
| Paint Color | Lighting Reaction | In North-Facing Rooms |
|---|---|---|
| Gossamer Veil | Changes more during the day—cooler in the morning, warmer by afternoon | Can look a bit flat or cool due to gray tones |
| Drift of Mist | Stays soft and bright all day, with a touch more warmth near sunset | Balances cool light with steady warmth |
Gossamer Veil has a dynamic feel that shifts with the light, keeping a room feeling fresh and ever-changing.
Drift of Mist is more even and stable, which makes it a great choice if you want a shade that feels calm and predictable all day long.
5. Design Flexibility
Both Gossamer Veil and Drift of Mist are flexible and easy to design with, but they offer that flexibility in different ways.
Depending on your project, one may suit your needs better than the other.
| Paint Color | Design Flexibility | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Gossamer Veil | Has a more noticeable color; stands out and adds character | Great for creating a color palette or acting as a feature color |
| Drift of Mist | Acts more like a true neutral; blends in softly | Ideal for rooms with existing décor or natural wood elements |
Gossamer Veil works well if you’re building your design from scratch and want your wall color to take the lead.
Drift of Mist is better when you want something subtle that supports other colors and textures in the room without drawing too much attention.
6. Ideal Use Cases
Each of these colors shines in different settings based on what makes it special. Choosing the right one depends on your room’s size, lighting, and style.
| Paint Color | Best For |
|---|---|
| Gossamer Veil | Living and dining rooms where a more defined color is wanted |
| Bright rooms where its soft undertones can shift throughout the day | |
| Highlighting trim, built-ins, or other features | |
| Homes with modern or transitional styles | |
| Drift of Mist | Smaller rooms that need to feel open and airy |
| Large, open layouts where color flow matters | |
| North-facing spaces that could use extra warmth | |
| Homes with traditional, farmhouse, or coastal vibes | |
| Whole-house color schemes that need soft, subtle variation |
Both are great choices, but picking based on your space’s needs will give you the best results.
Coordinating Colors and Pairing Tips
Both Gossamer Veil and Drift of Mist are flexible neutrals that work well with many color schemes. But depending on the look you want, each pair best with certain shades.
For Gossamer Veil:
- Naval
- Clary Sage
- Alabaster
- Terracotta
For Drift of Mist:
- Sea Salt
- Agreeable Gray
- Extra White
- Natural Wood Tones
Conclusion
So, which is better: Gossamer Veil or Drift of Mist? The answer really depends on your space and what you’re looking for.
Pick Gossamer Veil if you want a soft grey with more color and depth.
It works great in rooms with lots of natural light and gives your walls a subtle, stylish look that still feels calm. It stands out just enough without being loud or too bold.
If your room is smaller or darker, go with Drift of Mist. Its higher LRV makes it feel brighter, and it stays more consistent throughout the day. It gives you that airy, light feel without going full white.
Both are timeless colors that won’t go out of style. The best way to choose is to get samples, paint big swatches on your walls, and observe them in different lighting.
That’s how you’ll know which one truly fits your space.
I’d love to hear what you think. Have you used either of these colors in your home? Drop your thoughts, questions, or favorite pairings in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Gossamer Veil and Drift of Mist Be Used in The Same Open Floor Plan?
Yes! They’re similar enough to create flow while providing subtle definition between spaces. Use Drift of Mist in darker areas.
How Do These Colors Look with Wood Floors?
Both pair beautifully with wood. Gossamer Veil complements cooler woods like oak, while Drift of Mist enhances warmer woods like cherry.
Will These Colors Look Dated in Five Years?
These colors will not look outdated. As balanced neutrals, both have staying power beyond typical color trends. They’re timeless rather than trendy.
Are These Colors Good for Selling a Home?
Yes, both shades are ideal “seller colors” that appeal to most buyers. They’re neutral but more interesting than plain white.