Benjamin Moore’s October Mist (1495) : A Review

Like the ethereal beauty of morning fog lifting from autumn meadows, Benjamin Moore’s October Mist (1495) envelops your space in calm refinement.

This versatile sage green carries delicate gray undertones that bridge the gap between statement color and neutral backdrop, offering just enough personality to create interest while remaining subdued enough to complement diverse design elements.

October Mist creates a sanctuary of balance—a refreshed, serene atmosphere that fosters creativity while maintaining calm.

Its perfect LRV of 46.54 strikes an ideal equilibrium between light reflection and absorption. It allows spaces to feel simultaneously open and intimate as natural light dances across surfaces, revealing new dimensions throughout the day.

More than just another green, October Mist is an experience—one that brings the restorative qualities of nature’s most balanced hues into your everyday environment.

Understanding Benjamin Moore’s October Mist

Color Terminology

Undertones:

• October Mist has subtle gray undertones balancing its sage foundation
• It’s a versatile green with a gentle, misty quality
• Not a flat or one-dimensional sage, but a refined, complex neutral with noticeable depth

Psychology of Sage Green Colors

Sage greens like October Mist create a sense of balance and natural serenity.

• Biophilic relation: Offers a link to nature and the outdoors
• Gray-tinted greens: Produce refinement, calm, and contemporary polish
• Benefits: More nuanced than stark greens, adds substantial presence to spaces, create a balanced backdrop for both colorful furniture and natural elements

October Mist provides the perfect balance for those seeking a considerable green that isn’t too overwhelming or trend-dependent.

Its subtle gray undertones make it particularly versatile in spaces with varying exposures, where it maintains its gentle character while shifting beautifully with changing light.

Why Choose this Color?

The balanced warmth of October Mist evokes a sense of nature-inspired calm and refinement that promotes creativity and peace in any environment.

This enduring color carries complex undertones that shift subtly with changing light, ensuring your space feels both current and timelessly inviting.

1. Key Features

Benjamin Moore October Mist offers exceptional versatility across different lighting conditions. It maintains its subtle sage character in dim spaces while creating a bright, refreshing atmosphere in rooms with varied natural light.

Its timeless quality provides a refined backdrop that complements both colorful elements and natural textures without appearing overly stark or flat.

2. Adaptability

Benjamin Moore’s October Mist demonstrates remarkable adaptability with existing elements like dark-colored furniture and natural wood fixtures, creating harmonious blends between spaces.

It provides enough character to feel substantial and refined while maintaining a refined, enduring quality that won’t quickly date your interior design choices.

This versatile sage works equally well as an all-over color for creating serene, atmospheric environments or as a complementary element to more saturated accent walls.

3. Durability

Benjamin Moore October Mist, particularly in premium finishes like Aura or Regal Select, delivers outstanding durability with excellent coverage in both new and repainted areas.

Its balanced tone and subtle gray undertones maintain a refined appearance throughout your home while providing a forgiving surface for everyday living.

This paint resists staining and maintains color consistency even with regular cleaning when properly applied.

4. Texture Patterns

Benjamin Moore’s October Mist creates a soft, velvety texture that adds subtle dimension to walls and constructive features.

Its complex undertones produce a stunning light play that enhances moldings and adds visual interest to even simple walls.

When applied to different finishes, it can stylishly highlight architectural details while maintaining a consistent, refined appearance throughout connected spaces.

Room-by-Room Color Recommendations with October Mist

1. Living Spaces and Open Floor Plans

• October Mist works exceptionally well as an all-over color in open floor plans, creating a refreshed, cohesive space while maintaining a refined, timeless palette.
• The 46.54 LRV of October Mist provides a substantial, balanced feel that makes spaces appear more harmonious and refined without feeling overwhelming.
• Use October Mist to unify different areas in larger spaces while allowing colorful furnishings and artwork to stand out against its tranquil backdrop.

2. Bedrooms and Relaxation Areas

• October Mist creates a soothing, restful atmosphere in bedrooms that promotes relaxation and sleep.
• The subtle gray undertones in October Mist evoke a sense of serenity while creating a refined backdrop for colorful bedding and furniture of any style.
• Consider October Mist for all walls to create a serene sanctuary that feels both spacious and intimate without sacrificing character.

3. Kitchens

• October Mist in satin or semi-gloss finish on cabinets creates a fresh, timeless element that pairs beautifully with white islands or accent pieces.
• The balanced depth of October Mist enhances both light countertop materials and brushed nickel fixtures, making it adaptable to various kitchen styles, from contemporary to modern farmhouses.
• October Mist upper and lower cabinets paired with a subtle accent wall create appealing harmony that refreshes the kitchen while maintaining a refined, cohesive feel.

4. Bathrooms and Spa-like Retreats

• Benjamin Moore October Mist creates a balanced, refined atmosphere in bathrooms. Its subtle gray undertones establish a sense of tranquility while complementing various fixtures.
• This versatile shade pairs beautifully with nickel and brass fixtures, marble, and natural wood, creating a timeless, refined retreat that is stylish and inviting.
• Use October Mist on all walls in smaller bathrooms to create a sense of spaciousness without sacrificing character.

October Mist Color Combinations

October Mist is a balanced sage green with subtle gray undertones. Its medium Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 46.54 makes it a substantial, balancing foundation that adds harmony and versatility to spaces while maintaining a refined character.

Let me help you with color pairings and combinations for this shade.

1. Complementary Trim Colors

• Chantilly Lace (BM OC-65) – A bright, clean white that creates crisp contrast with October Mist
• White Dove (BM OC-17) – A soft white that balances October Mist’s depth with subtle warmth
• Glacier White (BM OC-37) – A versatile soft white that complements October Mist’s balanced quality
• Steam (BM AF-15) – A warm white that harmonizes with October Mist’s subtle undertones

2. Coordinating Wall Colors

• Edgecomb Gray (BM HC-173) – A versatile greige that creates a balanced, cohesive palette
• Venetian Portico (BM AF-185) – A warm beige that complements October Mist’s gentle character
• Springfield Sage (BM 510) – A deeper green that creates monochromatic harmony with October Mist
• Hale Navy (BM HC-154) – A deep navy that creates a dramatic contrast with October Mist’s softness

3. Accent Colors

• Black Satin (BM 2131-10) – A soft black that creates grounding contrast with October Mist
• Venetian Portico (BM AF-185) – A warm beige that provides a natural complement to October Mist
• Steam (BM AF-15) – A soft neutral that balances the color in a compatible palette
• Hale Navy (BM HC-154) – A deep navy that grounds October Mist’s airy quality

Coordinating with Furniture and Decor

1. Wood Tones

October Mist pairs beautifully with a wide range of wood tones, offering different refined effects. Light oak, whitewashed, and maple creates harmonious brightness against October Mist’s refreshing backdrop.

Medium wood tones like walnut provide complementary warmth that balances October Mist’s sage undertones.

For a more contrasting look, espresso or ebony woods create striking depth, highlighting October Mist’s luminous quality and making a refined contemporary statement.

Natural, unstained wood creates organic, balanced harmony that enhances October Mist’s depth and versatility.

2. Metals

Brushed nickel, chrome, and matte black hardware enhance October Mist’s modern undertones and create a fresh, contemporary look.

Antique brass fixtures create a warm contrast that emphasizes October Mist’s complexity. While October Mist works beautifully with cool metals, bronze and copper accents create a vibrant tension between warm and cool elements—opt for brushed or antique finishes for a more refined pairing.

Matte black finishes provide a refined, timeless combination that complements October Mist’s distinguished character with grounding contrast.

3. Decor

Natural fibers like linen, cotton, and wool in earthy tones create textural interest against October Mist walls while providing the necessary depth.

Colorful accents in terracotta, navy, and cream offer a striking contrast against the sage backdrop.

Ceramic, stone, and woven elements add weight and prevent October Mist from feeling too ethereal in spaces with abundant natural light.

Introducing natural elements with varied textures—like jute, rattan, or handwoven textiles—reinforces the organic balance inherent in this versatile sage while adding tactile interest.

Similar Paint Colors: Perfect Alternative to October Mist

October Mist vs. Tree Moss

October Mist (Benjamin Moore 1495)

• A balanced sage green with subtle gray undertones
• Medium LRV (Light Reflectance Value) that creates bright, inviting spaces
• Works well in contemporary, transitional, or biophilic interiors
• Best for spaces where you want a substantial, refined character

Tree Moss (Benjamin Moore 508)

• A rich, deep olive green with earthy undertones
• Lower LRV that creates a more dramatic, cozy backdrop
• It contains warm undertones that create a more traditional atmosphere
• Popular for creating statement walls and accents in many design styles

Key Differences:

• October Mist has more subtle gray undertones, while Tree Moss has more pronounced olive undertones
• October Mist appears significantly brighter in most lighting conditions
• October Mist creates a more gentle presence, while Tree Moss is more dramatic and grounded
• They serve different roles in design – October Mist as a versatile all-over color and Tree Moss as a deeper accent

Final Thoughts

October Mist outdoes trends, representing the perfect balance between character and neutrality that makes it a perennial favorite among designers and homeowners seeking refreshed, refined spaces.

Its subtle complexity allows it to adapt effortlessly to changing styles and seasonal accents, ensuring longevity in your design choices.

Whether bringing a biophilic relation to your walls in morning light or creating a canvas for contrasting elements, October Mist delivers a timeless quality that both raises and balances a space.

In choosing this exceptional shade, you’re not simply selecting a color—you’re welcoming a design philosophy that values balance, refinement, and enduring beauty in the spaces we call home.