PPG Pony Tail PPG1086-4

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Every once in a while, a paint color comes along that just… gets it right. PPG Pony Tail (PPG1086-4) is one of those shades. Think of it as the perfect balance between warm and cozy without tipping into “why does my wall look muddy?” territory. This color is a midtone, shaded clay beige with subtle khaki undertones that keep it grounded and versatile. It’s classy, approachable, and perfect for anyone who wants timeless warmth in their home.

And with an LRV of 50, it sits smack-dab in the middle of the reflectance scale—neither too dark nor too light. In other words, Pony Tail is the “Goldilocks” of beige paint colors.

Let’s break it all down so you know if it deserves a starring role on your walls.

What are the Undertones of PPG Pony Tail?

Undertones matter—a lot. Pony Tail has a khaki beige undertone, which gives it a slightly earthy, grounded look. It’s not pink-beige (no Pepto-Bismol flashbacks here), and it’s not yellow-beige either. Instead, it leans into that warm clay beige territory.

• In north-facing light, it can look a touch cooler, emphasizing its muted khaki side.
• In south-facing light, the warmth shines through, giving you that cozy, sun-kissed beige.
• East-facing rooms will feel bright and warm in the morning but more muted by afternoon.
• West-facing rooms will flip-flop—neutral in the morning, glowing warm and rich as the sun sets.

How Lighting Affects PPG Pony Tail

Lighting makes or breaks beige. Because it has a 50 LRV, it’s pretty flexible:

• In a bright, sunny room, it holds its own without getting washed out.
• In a dim room, it won’t look too dark or muddy (a common beige pitfall).
• Under artificial light (especially warm bulbs), it takes on a creamy, cozy glow.

If you’ve ever had a beige turn “blah” on you, Pony Tail is refreshingly different.

Trim Colors that Work with Pony Tail

Pony Tail loves a crisp white trim. It creates a clean contrast that makes the beige look sophisticated instead of flat.

My top picks:

• PPG Delicate White (PPG1001-1) – soft, warm white that keeps things cozy.
• PPG Gypsum (PPG1006-1) – a bright, classic white for high contrast.
• PPG Aria (PPG1001-2) – a slightly muted white if you don’t want it too stark.

Pro Tip: Avoid creamy or yellowed whites—they can muddy Pony Tail and drag down its elegance.

The Significance of LRV with Pony Tail

LRV (Light Reflectance Value) is a fancy way of saying how much light a paint color reflects. At 50 LRV, it is a true midtone. Translation? It won’t brighten a dark cave-like room the way a lighter neutral would, but it won’t make a space feel closed in either. It’s a happy middle ground that’s versatile for both large, airy rooms and smaller, cozier spaces.

Color Comparisons: Pony Tail vs. Bonjour Beige

A very comparable color is Bonjour Beige by Glidden, and for good reason. Both are warm, khaki-inspired neutrals. The difference?

• Pony Tail is a bit more grounded, with that clay-beige depth.
• Bonjour Beige feels lighter and a touch less shaded.

Sample Color Palettes with Pony Tail

Here are a few palettes to get your design wheels turning:

FAQs About PPG Pony Tail

Q: Is Pony Tail warm or cool?
A: It is warm, thanks to its khaki undertones, but not overly yellow or orange.

Q: Does Pony Tail look gray?
A: Nope. While it’s shaded and muted, it leans beige—not greige.

Q: Can I use Pony Tail on kitchen cabinets?
A: Yes! It looks gorgeous on cabinets, especially paired with a white or soft gray wall.

Q: What flooring works best with Pony Tail?
A: Medium-to-dark hardwoods, natural stone, and warm-toned tile all pair beautifully.

The Importance of Sampling Pony Tail

Here’s the deal: paint colors are sneaky. They’ll look one way on a swatch, another way on your wall at 9 a.m., and then completely different again at 7 p.m. under your kitchen pendant lights. That’s why sampling is non-negotiable.

Normally, I’d tell you to grab a Samplize peel-and-stick sample (because let’s be honest, who actually enjoys painting messy test patches on the wall?). But here’s the kicker: Samplize doesn’t carry PPG colors yet. Sad, I know.

So, what do you do?

• Pick up a sample pot at your local Home Depot or PPG store.
• Paint a large swatch on white poster board instead of directly on the wall. That way, you can move it around and see how it looks in morning light, evening shadows, and under artificial lighting.
• Live with it for a few days—you’ll be amazed at how much your opinion can change once you see it in real life.

👉 Want a shortcut while you wait on PPG samples? Check out Samplize’s similar options to Pony Tail:

• Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige – a warm beige with similar versatility.
• Benjamin Moore Manchester Tan – another grounded, earthy neutral in the same family.
• Sherwin Williams Shaker Beige – a slightly lighter take that echoes Pony Tail’s cozy vibe.

Even though they aren’t exact matches, these Samplize samples can give you a really good feel for how warm clay-beige shades behave in your home’s light—and you might even find a color you like better

✨ You can shop Samplize peel-and-stick samples here and have them delivered right to your door (no paintbrush required).

Final Thoughts

PPG Pony Tail (PPG1086-4) is like the beige that grew up, got a little style, and learned how to behave at dinner parties. It’s warm without being too “builder beige,” and classy without feeling stuffy. With its khaki undertones and mid-level depth, it knows how to play nice with just about any space.

In a kitchen, it’s soft and timeless. In a bedroom, it’s cozy but not snoozy. And in a hallway? Let’s just say Pony Tail is the kind of neutral that makes all your other paint colors look better—like that one friend who somehow looks amazing in group photos no matter what.

If you’re looking for a color that’s dependable, versatile, and just a little more interesting than the usual beige suspects, this might be your new ride-or-die. And honestly, with a name like Pony Tail, you know it’s low-maintenance and always ready to go.

Looking for more paint color inspiration? Check out my latest reviews and tips:

• Sherwin Williams Repose Gray – Paint Color Review
• PPG Hourglass – A Soft & Versatile Neutral
• The Best Paint Colors for Bedrooms
• Small Space Decor Tips + The Best Colors to Use
• Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee – A Timeless Favorite

💡 Pro Tip: I update my paint color reviews weekly, so there’s always something fresh to explore!