Retreat and Dried Thyme: the documented difference
Retreat and Dried Thyme both have a published LRV of 21. That equality describes reflectance, not matching colorants or identical undertones. Choose by the material relationship as well as the number. Retreat is deeper than Acacia Haze and shares the green with blue-gray direction, offering a more substantial cabinet anchor. Dried Thyme is an organic green with a blue note; Sherwin-Williams specifically suggests cabinetry.
| Color | Brand / code | LRV |
|---|---|---|
| Retreat | Sherwin-Williams SW-6207 | 21 |
| Dried Thyme | Sherwin-Williams SW-6186 | 21 |
The choice beside cream counters and brass fittings
A cream countertop produces a strong edge above the green, while brass highlights details without lightening the entire lower door.
Set up both candidates with cream counters and brass fittings. Use equal-sized boards with the intended finishes and place them in the same orientation. Do not put one directly beside a window and leave the other in shadow. A difference that follows the position rather than the board is a lighting observation, not evidence that the formula changed.
What the comparison can—and cannot—settle
For a second point of reference, Acacia Haze is recorded at LRV 32.
Evaluate the cabinet under the overhang, then decide whether the depth belongs on the full run or one feature area. Assess Retreat and Dried Thyme alone as well as side by side. The unchosen board will not remain in the finished room, and a preference created only by that neighbor may not survive its removal. Before ordering samples, compare room-planning features in the paint color visualizer roundup.
Sources & notes
Color specifications: Sherwin-Williams Retreat SW-6207. 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.