What 21 tells you about Dried Thyme
The published LRV of Sherwin-Williams Dried Thyme SW-6186 is 21. It describes light reflectance; it does not specify an undertone or predict the brightness of your room. Dried Thyme's green with a blue note supports a muted cabinet direction, backed by the manufacturer's own cabinetry suggestion.
The choice beside butcher block and aged brass
Butcher block is both a broad warm surface and a horizontal light reflector, making the board below its edge especially informative.
Draw the proposed dark area on a room photograph and compare it with a broad physical Dried Thyme sample in shadow. The LRV describes the starting depth, while the size and location of that area determine its role. Check whether adjacent dark furniture remains legible.
What the comparison can—and cannot—settle
Dried Thyme has an LRV of 21; Sherwin-Williams Evergreen Fog SW-9130 is 30. The difference is 9 points, with Evergreen Fog returning more light under the reference measurement. Dried Thyme is an organic green with a blue note; Sherwin-Williams specifically suggests cabinetry. The value measures reflectance, so it cannot by itself identify an undertone, a coating finish or the amount of illumination needed in the room. The daylight and evening-light checks covers that related choice.
Compare a vertical cabinet board under the counter overhang before extending the color to every cabinet. Do not read LRV 21 as a percentage improvement in perceived room brightness. Make the decision with the board upright at the actual wall or cabinet position, including the least illuminated portion. The north-facing room assessment covers that related choice. Before ordering samples, compare room-planning features in the paint color visualizer roundup.
Sources & notes
Color specifications: Sherwin-Williams Dried Thyme SW-6186. The recorded LRV is 21. 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.