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If you’ve been lurking the paint aisles (don’t worry, I do too—it’s like Target, you never just “pop in”), you may have noticed PPG Ghost Writer PPG1007-3 sneaking its way into all the “I want a modern, sophisticated neutral” conversations.
And for good reason. Ghost Writer is that just right balance of gray and beige—what we in the biz call greige—with a little something extra: a soft mahogany undertone that gives it warmth and personality. Not too cool, not too warm, just perfectly grounded.
Let’s dig into why this might be your new favorite wall color (and why it’s not just another boring gray).
What Color is Ghost Writer?
Ghost Writer (PPG1007-3) is a soft gray greige with subtle mahogany undertones. Unlike flat grays that can feel sterile, this gray has a touch of warmth that keeps it cozy and versatile.

- Brand: PPG
- Color Code: PPG1007-3
- LRV: 48
- Category: Greige / Neutral
With an LRV of 48, it sits smack in the mid-tone category. Translation: it reflects just enough light to keep a room feeling alive, but still has enough depth to give your walls character.
Undertones: Let’s Get Real
The mahogany undertone is what makes Ghost Writer different. It’s not an in-your-face red undertone (don’t panic). Instead, think of it as a soft, muted warmth hiding beneath the surface. This gives the color richness without tipping it into taupe or brown territory.
- North-facing rooms: it will lean a bit more cool-gray, but that undertone keeps it from looking icy.
- South-facing rooms: The warmth of natural sunlight will pull out that mahogany softness, making it feel extra inviting.
- East-facing rooms: Morning light will highlight the gray side, while afternoon shadows will bring out a cozy depth.
- West-facing rooms: Expect the warmth to come alive in the evening golden-hour glow—this is when it looks extra dreamy.
The Significance of LRV (Why 48 Matters)
LRV, or Light Reflectance Value, tells us how much light a paint color reflects. At 48, Ghost Writer is a mid-tone shade, which means:
- It won’t wash out in bright light (unlike a ton of lighter grays).
- It adds depth without making a room feel dark.
- It’s flexible for both small and large spaces.
Basically, if you want a color that holds its own in any room but doesn’t swallow it whole, this one nails it.
Where to Use Ghost Writer
Let’s be honest, you can use it pretty much anywhere (as long as you sample first). But, if you want my opinion (like you have a choice), here are a few places:
- Living rooms: Cozy but modern.
- Bedrooms: Calm, sophisticated, and flexible for any style.
- Dining rooms: Adds drama without being too bold.
- Open concept spaces: Neutral enough to flow seamlessly.
- Doors: Great way to add contrast
Trim and Ceiling Pairings
Don’t overlook the trim—Ghost Writer deserves a good supporting cast.
- Crisp white trim: PPG Delicate White or PPG Pure White for a fresh, modern contrast.
- Soft warm white: PPG Gypsum for a softer, warmer vibe.
- Ceiling: Stick with white (unless you’re feeling daring with a darker ceiling).
Coordinating Colors & Palettes
Ghost Writer is versatile, so you’ve got options. Here are a few palettes I’d pull together:
1. Soft & Airy

- Walls: Ghost Writer (PPG1007-3)
- Trim: Atrium White (PPG1020-1)
- Accent: Whiskers (PPG1025-3) – a lighter greige
2. Warm & Cozy

- Walls: Ghost Writer
- Trim: Gypsum (PPG1006-1)
- Accent: Clay Pot (PPG1194-6) – a warm terracotta
3. Modern Contrast

- Walls: Ghost Writer
- Trim: Delicate White (PPG1001-1)
- Accent: Black Magic (PPG1001-7) – bold and moody
Ghost Writer vs. Other Popular Greiges
If you’re comparing Ghost Writer to other fan-favorites, here’s the scoop:
- PPG Whiskers – Lighter, more airy.
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter – Slightly warmer and more beige.
- Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray – Softer and less complex undertones.
Ghost Writer falls right in the sweet spot—modern without feeling cold, warm without leaning too brown.
Comparable Colors in Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams
Since Samplize doesn’t carry PPG colors just yet, I always recommend checking out the closest matches in Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams—both of which you can get from Samplize.
Here are the two most comparable shades to PPG Ghost Writer PPG1007-3:

- Benjamin Moore Himalayan Trek 1542 – This color sits right in the same family as Ghost Writer. It has that soft, balanced greige vibe with just enough warmth to keep it cozy. Sample Himalayan Trek here
- Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray SW 7016 – A near twin in terms of depth and undertone. Mindful Gray is slightly more neutral, but it’s often the go-to “Ghost Writer equivalent” for Sherwin Williams fans. Sample Mindful Gray here

If you’re debating between these two brands or simply want to compare how they stack up against Ghost Writer, this is where peel-and-stick samples are a lifesaver.
👉 Pro Tip: You can grab Himalayan Trek and Mindful Gray from Samplize and test them side-by-side in your own space without committing to a gallon of paint. Trust me, this step saves a ton of regret later.
Use Samplize Peel & Stick Paint Samples for a mess-free way to test paint colors!
FAQs About PPG Ghost Writer
Q: Does Ghost Writer look gray or beige?
A: Both! That’s the beauty of greige. In cooler light, it leans gray; in warmer light, you’ll see a hint of beige/mahogany warmth.
Q: Is Ghost Writer good for small rooms?
A: Yes. The mid-tone LRV means it won’t overwhelm, but it still gives definition. Pair it with white trim to open things up.
Q: What’s the best white trim color with Ghost Writer?
A: Pure White or Delicate White for crisp contrast, Gypsum for something warmer.
Q: Can I use Ghost Writer in an open floor plan?
A: Absolutely. It’s a flexible neutral that works great with a bunch of other colors.
Final Thoughts: Should You Choose Ghost Writer?
If you’re craving a modern neutral with depth and character, Ghost Writer is an excellent pick. It’s not just another gray—its mahogany undertone keeps it from feeling flat, and its LRV of 48 makes it versatile for just about any space.
Pro tip: Always sample before committing. Lighting, décor, and flooring can completely change how Ghost Writer behaves in your home. While Samplize doesn’t carry PPG colors just yet, you can still grab traditional paint samples from your local PPG store (or Home Depot) to test it out properly on your walls.
✅ My Advice? If you want a neutral that’s sophisticated, modern, and warm without being bossy, Ghost Writer should definitely make your shortlist.
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I’m Cate. As a seasoned paint color consultant and former proprietor of the highly regarded painting company WOW 1 Day Painting in Bergen County, my journey in the world of design and home improvement has been a colorful one, quite literally. Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Northern New Jersey, I’ve cultivated a passion for transforming spaces through the power of paint, furniture restoration, and thoughtful home decor.