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Looking for a soft, versatile neutral that’s not too warm, not too cool, and certainly not boring? Say hello to Whiskers by PPG (PPG1025-3)—a chameleon-like sepia greige with umber undertones and a whole lot of charm.
As a color consultant who has dealt with more greiges than I can count (on walls, trim, cabinets, you name it), I’m excited to introduce you to this beautiful, underrated paint color. This one doesn’t get the hype it deserves, but that’s exactly why I love it.
Shall we?
What Color Is Whiskers PPG1025-3?

Whiskers is a soft gray with warm, sepia-brown undertones and just the right touch of greige. Imagine a vintage photograph coming to life as a paint color – that’s Whiskers.
- Brand: PPG Paints
- Code: PPG1025-3
- Undertones: Umber (aka a warm brownish-gray)
- Finish: Looks gorgeous in eggshell, satin, or matte
- LRV: 60
🖌️ Pro Tip: The higher the LRV (Light Reflectance Value), the more light the color reflects. At 60, Whiskers is a light-medium shade that won’t necessarily suck the life out of your space, even in darker corners.
Let’s Talk Undertones (aka Why It Doesn’t Look Boring Beige)
What sets Whiskers apart from other grays or greiges is that subtle umber undertone. It’s warm, but not yellow. Think of it as greige’s more sophisticated cousin who wears a wool blazer and drinks earl grey.
Whiskers leans warm, but it still plays nicely with cool tones—making it ultra versatile. You won’t find sneaky green or purple peeking through, which is a huge win if undertones usually drive you bonkers.
The Effects of lighting
Whiskers changes depending on the light, like all paint colors do. So here’s a little insight into what you can expect to see in different exposures:
🧭 North-Facing Rooms
North light is cool and can bring out the cooler gray side. So in these rooms, it’ll give the space a more modern and soft vibe or feel.
☀️ South-Facing Rooms
Expect Whiskers to pull warmer—those umber undertones will shine. It’ll look more greige, even taupey at times.
🌅 East-Facing Rooms
Morning light gives it a golden glow. Perfect if you want a soft, welcoming entryway.
🌇 West-Facing Rooms
Afternoon sun warms it up, so Whiskers will look its coziest in the late day—great for bedrooms or living rooms where you wind down.
Where to Use Whiskers
Honestly? Almost anywhere. But it really shines in these spots:
- Entryways: Makes a subtle, elegant first impression.
- Living rooms: Pairs beautifully with creamy whites and deep wood tones.
- Bedrooms: Soft enough for a restful vibe without feeling flat.
- Kitchens: Charming with white or wood cabinets and brass or black hardware.
- Hallways: Adds warmth without overwhelming.
🐾 I’ve even seen Whiskers used on interior doors—and it looks stunning with soft white trim!
🖼️ Want to Make Your Paint Planning Even Easier?
Choosing the right paint color is just one piece of the puzzle. That’s why I created a collection of printable guides to help you pull it all together—without the stress (or the paint regrets).
✔️ Room-by-room paint planners
✔️ Finish and sheen cheat sheets
✔️ Budget-friendly decorating tips
✔️ Coordinating color palette templatesThey’re designed to take the guesswork out of decorating—and look cute on your clipboard, too.
👉 Browse my printable shop here and start planning your dream home with confidence.
Trim Colors That Pair Well With Whiskers
Top White Trim Picks:
- PPG Delicate White: A clean white that keeps things crisp and modern.
- Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace: Bright, neutral white—pairs with anything.
- Sherwin Williams Alabaster: A warm white that softens the contrast.
Go with a semi-gloss or satin finish for trim to get that subtle pop next to Whiskers’ matte walls.
Sample Color Palettes With Whiskers
1. Classic & Clean

- Whiskers (walls)
- Delicate White (trim)
- PPG Flagstone (deep charcoal)
- Natural oak or light wood accents
2. Moody and Modern

- Whiskers (main)
- PPG Phantom Mist (near-black)
- SW Urbane Bronze (accent walls or cabinetry)
- Brass or matte black hardware
3. Soft & Serene

- Whiskers
- PPG Cotton Tail (creamy white)
- Benjamin Moore Quiet Moments (muted blue-green)
- Pale beige or linen textures
How Does Whiskers Compare to Other Popular Greiges?
Paint Color | LRV | Undertone | Vibe |
---|---|---|---|
Whiskers | 60 | Umber | Soft, sepia greige |
SW Agreeable Gray | 60 | Warm beige | Slightly warmer |
BM Revere Pewter | 55 | Green-gray | Earthier |
PPG Toasted Almond | 58 | Yellow-brown | Warmer, more golden |
Whiskers hits that sweet spot where it’s neutral enough to be safe, but unique enough to feel designer-approved.
FAQs
Is Whiskers a warm or cool paint color?
Warm. It has brown-gray umber undertones that give it a cozy, sepia feel—especially in natural light.
What’s the best white paint to pair with Whiskers?
PPG Delicate White or Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace are safe bets. If you want a warmer, more relaxed vibe, try Sherwin Williams Alabaster.
Will Whiskers look gray on the wall?
Yes, but not cold gray. It’s a warm gray with greige and sepia influence—like taupe and gray had a baby.
What’s the LRV of Whiskers?
The LRV is 60, which means it reflects a fair amount of light. It’s ideal for making small rooms feel a bit bigger without being stark.
Does Whiskers work with wood tones?
Absolutely. Especially with light oak, medium walnut, and even deep espresso—thanks to those umber undertones. And yes, it even works with honey oak, too.
Final Thoughts: Should You Try Whiskers?
If you’re tired of greiges that lean green, gray, or purple when you least expect it, Whiskers is the dependable neutral you’ve been dreaming of.
It’s:
- Light enough for small spaces
- Warm enough to feel welcoming
- Neutral enough to go with everything
I always recommend testing it in your own space first (lighting really is a wild card), and Samplize is my favorite way to do that.
👉 While Samplize doesn’t currently carry PPG colors, you still have a few good options:
- Visit your local PPG store or a Home Depot that carries PPG paints to grab a sample pot.
- Paint large sample swatches on white poster board and move them around your space at different times of day.
- Test it in the exact room and lighting where it will be used—this is key!
Check out how I recommend testing your paint samples.
✨ Pro Tip: Paint at least two coats of your sample, and check it against your trim, floors, and natural light for the most accurate read.
If you’re curious about whether Whiskers is the one for your home—or if you’re stuck between a few good options—I’d love to help. Reach out for a personalized paint color consultation, or browse my other favorite paint reviews.
🎨 More Paint Wisdom
Still deciding? I’ve got you. Here are more expert reviews and helpful posts to guide you through your next paint decision like a pro:
- The Top 12 Most Underrated Paint Colors from Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams
Discover the hidden gems you won’t find trending—but totally should be. - Best Paint Colors for a Bedroom: Soft, Calm & Perfectly Cozy
The most soothing shades that’ll make you want to hit snooze on your alarm. - 14 Basement Paint Colors That Actually Work (No Cave Vibes)
Lighten up your lower level with colors that fight the gloom. - Painting Mistakes DIYers Make—and How to Avoid Them
Because no one wants roller marks or peeling paint six months later. - Color Review: PPG Shark – A Bold Gray with Bite
Meet Whiskers’ moody cousin. Great for contrast walls or modern accents.

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.