Niagara Mist → Behr
The closest Behr matches for PPG Niagara Mist (PPG1036-2), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a Behr Equivalent for Niagara Mist
If you love PPG Niagara Mist but need a Behr alternative, you are not alone. This is one of the most common cross-brand paint matching searches, whether you are working with a painter who prefers Behr, your local store does not carry PPG, or you simply want to compare prices across brands before committing.
Niagara Mist (PPG1036-2) is a medium gray with cool mist gray undertones. A cool, misty light gray. Named for the famous falls. Clean and modern with the refreshing quality of water spray. To find a good Behr match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 58) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Niagara Mist and every Behr color using the CIE2000 Delta E formula, which measures how different two colors look to the human eye. A Delta E under 2 means most people cannot tell the colors apart. Between 2 and 4, you might notice a difference in certain lighting. Above 5, the difference is clearly visible side by side.
The good news: there is a strong Behr match for Niagara Mist. Pier (PPU18-11) comes in with a Delta E of 2, which puts it in the "excellent match" range. Pier is the closest Behr option. Very close match.
Behr Matches for Niagara Mist
Pier is the closest Behr option. Very close match.
| Niagara Mist | Pier | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 58 | 58 |
| Hex | #CDCDC9 | #CECAC4 |
| Undertone | Cool Mist Gray | Warm Light Gray |
| Family | Gray | Gray |
Undertone Comparison
Niagara Mist has cool mist gray undertones. A cool, misty light gray. Named for the famous falls. Clean and modern with the refreshing quality of water spray.
Pier has warm light gray undertones. A light warm gray. Clean and versatile.
The undertone difference is worth paying attention to. While they are close in overall appearance, the different undertones mean they may diverge in certain lighting. Niagara Mist's cool mist gray quality may read differently than Pier's warm light gray character, especially in rooms with strong directional light or colored accents that could pull out one undertone more than the other. Test a sample in your specific room before committing.
How These Colors Behave in Different Lighting
Niagara Mist in Your Room
Cool and clean. A reliable neutral light gray.
Pier in Your Room
Warm and balanced. A reliable light gray.
LRV and Brightness
Niagara Mist has an LRV of 58, while Pier has an LRV of 58. These two colors reflect a very similar amount of light, so you should not notice a significant difference in room brightness when switching between them. The room will feel approximately the same in terms of light and space, which makes this a smoother transition.
Best Rooms for Niagara Mist
PPG recommends Niagara Mist for: bathroom, bedroom, hallway, whole house, office. With an LRV of 58, this is a medium color that is in the medium-light range, reflecting enough light to keep rooms feeling open while adding more color and depth than a white or off-white. It works well in living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways where you want warmth and character without darkness.
Pier is recommended for: whole house, hallway, bedroom, living room, bathroom. The recommended applications differ slightly between brands, but the color's properties should work in the same rooms regardless of which brand you choose. Trust the LRV and undertone data more than the specific room suggestions, and always test in your actual space.
Niagara Mist in Other Brands
Looking for Niagara Mist equivalents in other brands besides Behr? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest Behr match for Niagara Mist (PPG1036-2) is Pier (PPU18-11) with a Delta E of 2, which rates as a "excellent match" match. Pier is the closest Behr option. Very close match. Delta E measures perceptual color distance on a scale where under 2 means nearly identical, 2 to 4 means close with subtle differences, and over 5 means clearly noticeable.
No, they are not identical. Niagara Mist is a PPG color with cool mist gray undertones and an LRV of 58. Pier is a Behr color with warm light gray undertones and an LRV of 58. With a Delta E of 2, these are extremely close and most people will not spot the difference on a wall. Paint formulations differ between brands, so even colors with similar values can look slightly different due to pigment concentration, binders, and finish.
With a Delta E of 2, these colors are close enough to use in separate rooms of the same house without a jarring difference. However, avoid painting them on adjacent walls in the same room, as even subtle differences become apparent at a hard edge where two paints meet. For the smoothest result, use one brand consistently within each connected space and reserve the other brand for rooms that are visually separated.
There are several practical reasons to look for a Behr equivalent. Price differences between brands can be significant on large projects. Availability matters if your nearest paint store or home center specializes in Behr. Some painters have strong preferences for one brand's formula based on coverage, dry time, or workability. And if you are touching up existing Behr work, matching within the same brand gives you the best consistency for seamless results.
Match calculations use Delta E (CIE2000) computed from Lab color space conversion. Color data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Last reviewed: March 22, 2026.