Playing Possum
Playing Possum is a versatile paint color from PPG. Our real-world data shows it is a primary choice when homeowners need to add character and warmth to any space. Below, you'll find 10 examples of this shade in actual homes along with suggested color relationships.
Hex
#969795
LRV
31.00
Playing Possum's Color Strip
Playing Possum is the fifth shade on this 7-color strip, sitting between Precipitation and Industrial Revolution. The strip spans from Allegheny River at the lightest end to Black Widow at the deepest. Browsing strip PPG0997 alongside this color helps you gauge whether to go lighter, darker, or stay right here.
Playing Possum in Real Rooms
Playing Possum has a medium LRV of 31 — it adds real depth and will read noticeably darker as natural light fades.
1 Front Door Photo
Front door color is the one exterior choice that gets examined up close. Playing Possum rewards that scrutiny — it has the kind of depth that looks richer the closer you get, rather than flatter. Pair with polished or unlacquered brass hardware for the best result.
bold front door featuring Playing Possum by PPG
@simplywalldecor
1 Bathroom Photo
Playing Possum is the perfect "clean" color for a bathroom that still wants to feel cozy. It lacks the clinical coldness of a pure white but retains a sense of hygiene and order that is essential for a space dedicated to self-care and grooming.
Playing Possum — japandi bathroom
@simplywalldecor
1 Bedroom Photo
To use Playing Possum in a bedroom is to lean into the concept of "soft minimalism." It provides enough visual interest that you don't need a lot of wall decor; the color itself becomes the art. This allows for a clutter-free environment that is essential for mental clarity at the end of the day.
A organic modern bedroom painted in Playing Possum
@simplywalldecor
1 Home Office Photo
Playing Possum works exceptionally well with "warm" tech—leather desk pads, brass lamps, and wooden monitor stands. It bridges the gap between modern technology and traditional home comfort, making the office feel like part of the house.
PPG Playing Possum in a unique home office
@simplywalldecor
1 Dining Room Photo
Playing Possum encourages conversation. Its calm, grounded presence creates a sense of safety and comfort that allows guests to relax and stay at the table longer, which is the ultimate goal of any well-designed dining area.
Playing Possum paint in a parisian dining room
@simplywalldecor
1 Kitchen Photo
The sophisticated undertones of Playing Possum make it an excellent partner for mixed metal finishes. Whether you have a brass faucet and matte black cabinet pulls, or traditional chrome fixtures, this color acts as a neutral mediator that makes the mix look intentional.
Playing Possum — contemporary kitchen cabinets
@simplywalldecor
1 House Photo
For coastal or high-exposure homes, Playing Possum is a smart choice. It has the complexity to look good even when dusted with salt or slightly weathered, maintaining its "intentional" look even when the elements are at their peak.
Playing Possum color — rustic modern house inspiration
@simplywalldecor
1 Living Room Photo
For open-concept living rooms, Playing Possum 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 organic modern living room painted in Playing Possum
@simplywalldecor
1 Mudroom Photo
Playing Possum in the mudroom earns its keep. It's a color that can handle the traffic — grounding enough to hide the daily chaos, and intentional enough to make the transition from outside feel considered and high-end.
Playing Possum paint in a cottagecore mudroom
@simplywalldecor
1 Patio Photo
Exterior color behaves differently than interior — there's more bleaching, more weather, and more competition from the natural surroundings. Playing Possum holds its character in open light and tends to look even better after a few seasons than it does fresh from the can.
mediterranean patio featuring Playing Possum by PPG
@simplywalldecor
