Start with the documented color character
Drift of Mist is an airy gray with relatively high reflectance. A physical comparison is needed to decide how that character works with your own finishes. Drift of Mist is lighter than Gossamer Veil and close to Pale Oak in reflectance, without being established as a formula match.
Why the white trim and pale oak relationship matters
Connected spaces often differ more in light and fixed materials than the sample chips suggest, making the weakest-lit room an important constraint.
Drift Of Mist has an LRV of 69; Sherwin-Williams Gossamer Veil SW-9165 is 62. The difference is 7 points, with Drift Of Mist returning more light under the reference measurement. Gossamer Veil is a cool gray with a misty, relatively light appearance. This supplies a named color control; the LRV gap alone does not identify the warmer, greener or pinker paint.
Use Gossamer Veil as a control
Use Drift Of Mist and Gossamer Veil to clarify the undertone choice against white trim and pale oak. Keep the sample edges touching the fixed material, and cover one color before judging the other. Near-neutrals can look noticeably different side by side; the final choice still needs to work on its own. Record the specific relationship you prefer, such as a clearer trim outline or a quieter connection to the floor.
Separate a persistent cast from a comparison effect
Compare one board in each connected space at the same time so the decision reflects the weakest light as well as the best. The warm-versus-cool comparison covers that related choice.
If the unwanted cast remains beside a permanent finish under normal light, that is a practical reason to replace Drift Of Mist. If it appears only beside an unused sample, remove the comparison and assess the intended palette alone. Before ordering samples, compare room-planning features in the paint color visualizer roundup.
Sources & notes
Color specifications: Sherwin-Williams Drift Of Mist SW-9166. The recorded LRV is 69. Named comparison values come from the respective manufacturers; material schemes are editorial suggestions.
This guide reviews published color information and proposes practical sample checks. It does not claim first-hand paint testing or customer-review scores. Sherwin-Williams does not sponsor or endorse this site. Product names and trademarks belong to their respective owners. Confirm the color in a physical sample and select the coating for the actual surface and finish.