PPG Hourglass PPG1022-1

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Let me introduce you to Hourglass PPG1022-1. His may be the paint color for you if you’re hunting for that just-right neutral that isn’t blah beige or builder-grade gray. It’s a pale gray-taupe beige with a touch of pink undertone. With an LRV of 75, it’s bright, versatile, and basically the kind of paint color that plays well with everyone. We love a team player.

I’ve tested more paint colors than I’d like to admit (okay, no regrets—I live for this stuff), and Hourglass is one of those soft neutrals that can sneakily transform a space without being demanding. It’s a chameleon depending on lighting, direction, and pairings. So let’s break it all down.

The Undertones of Hourglass

Hourglass lives in that tricky greige-but-with-attitude family. It’s got:

• A taupe beige base – grounding, warm, but not too yellow.
• A hint of gray – keeps it from feeling muddy or too beige-y.
• A soft pink undertone – the secret sauce. It’s subtle, not Barbie Dreamhouse pink, but you will notice it in certain lights.

If your walls suddenly look like they’re blushing, that’s just Hourglass being herself.

The LRV of 75 – Why It Matters

In case you skipped Paint Nerd Class (don’t worry, I took notes for you):

• LRV (Light Reflectance Value) tells us how much light a color reflects.
• At 75, Hourglass is very light, meaning it will bounce natural and artificial light all around your space.
• Translation: great for making small rooms feel bigger and for keeping spaces airy and fresh.

Basically, if your room feels like a cave, Hourglass will be your nightlight.

Hourglass in Different Lighting + Cardinal Directions

Lighting can make or break this shade. Here’s how it shifts:

• North-facing rooms – This light leans cool, slightly softening the pink undertone. Gives it more of a balanced feel.
• South-facing rooms – Expect more warmth, and yes, the pink undertone may peek through more noticeably.
• East-facing rooms – In the morning, Hourglass will feel brighter and slightly warmer. In the afternoon, it settles into a soft neutral.
• West-facing rooms – Warm sunset light will pull the pink undertones forward. If you’re sensitive to pink, you’ll notice it here the most.

Where to Use

This is where Hourglass shines (literally, thanks LRV):

• Main walls – An obvious great choice for a whole-house neutral if you’re okay with a touch of pink warmth.
• Trim – Yes, it works for trim when paired with darker walls. Think of it as a softer alternative to stark white.
• Bedrooms – That soft pink undertone brings just enough coziness without being overbearing.
• Open concept spaces – Light and airy, it flows beautifully with other neutrals.

Best Trim Colors FOR HOURGLASS

Aiming for a crisp trim, go classic:

• PPG Gypsum (PPG1006-1) – A bright, clean white.
• PPG Delicate White (PPG1001-1) – A softer white that pairs effortlessly.

Craving contrast:

• PPG Black Magic (PPG1001-7) – A bold black for a modern edge.
• PPG Artillery (PPG1008-6) – A  deep, gray, cappuccino greige.

Color Palettes Featuring Hourglass

Here are some palettes I’d build around Hourglass:

1. Soft + Airy

• Hourglass (main)
• Gypsum (trim)
• PPG Chalky Blue (PPG1153-5) – saturated, shaded, stormy blue accent

2. Warm + Cozy

• Hourglass (main)
• Delicate White (trim)
• PPG Toasted Almond (PPG1097-3) – warm beige accent

3. Modern Contrast

• Hourglass (main)
• Black Magic (trim)
• PPG Pine Forest (PPG1134-7) – deep green accent

Close Matches to PPG Hourglass

If you love Hourglass but want to see similar options from other brands, there are a couple of colors that are pretty close twins:

1. CSP-365 Grandma’s China – Benjamin Moore

• A soft, pale beige with subtle gray and pink undertones, Grandma’s China reads very similar to Hourglass in most lighting.
• Works beautifully on walls or trim, and like Hourglass, it has a bright, airy feel.
• Perfect for those who want a Benjamin Moore option with that same gentle blush undertone.

2. SW 6077 Everyday White – Sherwin-Williams

• A light neutral that’s a little cleaner and whiter than Hourglass but shares the same taupe-beige base.
• The undertones are muted, leaning slightly pink in warm light, giving it that soft, inviting glow.
• Ideal for open-concept spaces or when you want a more modern, crisp feel while staying neutral.

💡 Tip: If you’re trying to match Hourglass but don’t have access to PPG, either of these alternatives will give you a very similar look in your home. Test them in your space before committing—they’ll behave slightly differently depending on lighting, just like Hourglass.

✨ Try them before you buy them:

• Order Benjamin Moore Grandma’s China from Samplize
• Order Sherwin-Williams Everyday White from Samplize

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is PPG Hourglass gray or beige?
A: It’s both—it’s a taupe beige with gray, plus a pink undertone. Think of it as a neutral with personality.

Q: Does Hourglass look pink on the walls?
A: Not Pepto pink, but the undertone does show up in warm light. If your room gets a ton of evening sun, you’ll see it more.

Q: Can I use Hourglass in a north-facing room?
A: Absolutely—it’ll lean slightly cooler, but still soft and inviting.

Q: What’s the best white trim for Hourglass?
A: PPG Gypsum if you want crisp contrast, Delicate White for a softer transition.

Q: How do I test PPG Hourglass before committing?
A: Since Samplize doesn’t carry PPG samples yet, the best option is to buy a quart sample from PPG or The Home Depot. Paint it on a large board and move it around your space—this way, you’ll see how Hourglass shifts in different lighting without committing to a full gallon.

More Paint Wisdom

If you’re into Hourglass, you might also love:

• PPG Whiskers Review
• Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee Review
• Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige Review

My Final Thoughts

PPG Hourglass PPG1022-1 is like that friend who goes with the flow—light, neutral, easy to pair, but with just enough pink undertone to keep things interesting. It’s not for you if you despise pink undertones, but if you want a soft, airy neutral that won’t fall flat, this one deserves a test patch.

Since Samplize doesn’t currently carry PPG samples, the best way to test Hourglass is to grab a quart sample directly from PPG or The Home Depot. Paint it onto a large piece of poster board (not directly on your wall), then move it around the room to see how it changes in north, south, east, and west light.

Trust me, this step makes all the difference—you’ll see the pink undertone when it shows up, and you won’t have any surprises after painting an entire room.