Hippopotamus
With a focus on versatile tones, Hippopotamus (PPG0994-4) is a standout paint color in our database. It was selected for this featured gallery for its ability to add character and warmth to any space. See it applied across 10 real world scenarios and find professional pairing data below.
Hex
#a7aaa5
LRV
40.00
Hippopotamus's Color Strip
Hippopotamus is the fourth shade on this 7-color strip, sitting between Half Dome and Steel Curtain. The strip spans from Afraid Of The Dark at the lightest end to Pencilpoint at the deepest. Color strip PPG0994 groups these shades together so you can see how each reads next to its neighbors.
Hippopotamus in Real Rooms
Hippopotamus has a medium-high LRV of 40 — present enough to register on the wall without making a room feel heavy.
1 Dining Room Photo
In a formal dining room, Hippopotamus provides a sophisticated backdrop for artwork and large-scale mirrors. The color's depth helps to "absorb" the room's edges, making the flickering light of candles and the sparkle of glassware the stars of the show.
Hippopotamus paint in a moody dining room
@simplywalldecor
1 Bathroom Photo
In a powder room, Hippopotamus can be used floor-to-ceiling to create a dramatic, high-impact experience for guests. Because these rooms are small and transitional, they can handle the full intensity of the color's personality without feeling overwhelming.
Hippopotamus — moody bathroom
@simplywalldecor
1 Bedroom Photo
Hippopotamus has a unique ability to make a bedroom feel larger yet more intimate at the same time. By softening the "edges" of the room, the walls seem to move back, while the warmth of the tone makes the bed feel like a safe, protected island in the center of the space.
A scandinavian bedroom painted in Hippopotamus
@simplywalldecor
1 Front Door Photo
The front door is a great place to experiment with higher sheen levels. Hippopotamus in a high-gloss finish creates a mirror-like surface that looks incredibly expensive and traditional, echoing the grand entryways of London or New York.
rustic modern front door featuring Hippopotamus by PPG
@simplywalldecor
1 Home Office Photo
The transition from "home life" to "work life" can be signaled by the color of the room. Entering a space painted in Hippopotamus provides a mental shift, telling your brain that it's time to settle in and be productive.
PPG Hippopotamus in a contemporary home office
@simplywalldecor
1 Kitchen Photo
In a farmhouse or traditional kitchen, Hippopotamus adds a layer of modern relevance. It updates classic cabinetry and apron-front sinks without clashing with the traditional "bones" of the house, offering a bridge between the old and the new.
Hippopotamus — organic modern kitchen
@simplywalldecor
1 Living Room Photo
For open-concept living rooms, Hippopotamus is a powerful tool for definition. It has enough presence to signal where the living area begins without creating a harsh visual break from the rest of the house. It defines the "zone" of relaxation through color psychology and sophisticated depth.
A mid century living room painted in Hippopotamus
@simplywalldecor
1 Patio Photo
Outside, Hippopotamus takes on a completely different life. Whether on deck boards, patio furniture, a fence, or a garden wall, it weathers beautifully and holds its character in open light. It is a natural companion to stone, weathered wood, and greenery.
industrial patio featuring Hippopotamus by PPG
@simplywalldecor
1 House Photo
Exterior paint earns its keep over years, not months — it needs to handle bleaching summers, wet winters, and the slow shifts of a neighborhood's context. Hippopotamus has the depth and pigment quality to age gracefully through all of it.
Hippopotamus color — transitional house inspiration
@simplywalldecor
1 Mudroom Photo
The mudroom is often the first interior space guests see. Hippopotamus makes that threshold feel considered and designed without demanding more attention than it deserves. It's a "hardworking" color that still maintains its dignity.
Hippopotamus paint in a coastal mudroom
@simplywalldecor
Expert Perspectives
In-depth articles and real-home features from across our network of home and design sites.
Coordinating Colors
At LRV 62 vs 40, Sourdough is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 40 vs 21, Hippopotamus is decisively the brighter choice.
Trim Color
At LRV 81 vs 40, Horseradish is decisively the brighter choice.
Delicate White reflects far more light (LRV 88 vs 40), opening up a space where Hippopotamus encloses it.