Light Blue → PPG
The closest PPG matches for Farrow & Ball Light Blue (No.22), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a PPG Equivalent for Light Blue
If you love Farrow & Ball Light Blue but need a PPG alternative, you are not alone. This is one of the most common cross-brand paint matching searches, whether you are working with a painter who prefers PPG, your local store does not carry Farrow & Ball, or you simply want to compare prices across brands before committing.
Light Blue (No.22) is a medium blue with classic light blue undertones. One of Farrow & Ball's most iconic colors. A classic, sophisticated light blue with gray undertones that keep it from feeling juvenile or overly bright. The blue of drawing rooms and Swedish country houses. To find a good PPG match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 50) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Light Blue and every PPG color using the CIE2000 Delta E formula, which measures how different two colors look to the human eye. A Delta E under 2 means most people cannot tell the colors apart. Between 2 and 4, you might notice a difference in certain lighting. Above 5, the difference is clearly visible side by side.
The results are decent but not perfect. The closest PPG option is Pine Whisper (PPG1134-3) with a Delta E of 3.8, which is a "good match" level match. Pine Whisper is the closest PPG option. Similar character. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.
PPG Matches for Light Blue
Pine Whisper is the closest PPG option. Similar character.
| Light Blue | Pine Whisper | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 50 | 52 |
| Hex | #BECCCC | #C3CCC1 |
| Undertone | Classic Light Blue | Soft Green |
| Family | Blue | Green |
Undertone Comparison
Light Blue has classic light blue undertones. One of Farrow & Ball's most iconic colors. A classic, sophisticated light blue with gray undertones that keep it from feeling juvenile or overly bright. The blue of drawing rooms and Swedish country houses.
Pine Whisper has soft green undertones. A soft, muted green with gray undertones. Like a forest on a misty morning. Calming and natural without being bold or overwhelming. PPG's answer to the spa-green trend.
The undertone difference is worth paying attention to. While they are close in overall appearance, the different undertones mean they may diverge in certain lighting. Light Blue's classic light blue quality may read differently than Pine Whisper's soft green character, especially in rooms with strong directional light or colored accents that could pull out one undertone more than the other. Test a sample in your specific room before committing.
How These Colors Behave in Different Lighting
Light Blue in Your Room
In bright light, it reads as a definite but soft blue. In dim rooms, the gray pulls it into sophisticated neutral territory. Under warm light, the blue softens. Under cool light, it brightens beautifully.
Pine Whisper in Your Room
The green is gentle and natural. In bright rooms, it reads as a soft sage. In dim or cool rooms, the gray takes over. Under warm light, the green stays subtle.
LRV and Brightness
Light Blue has an LRV of 50, while Pine Whisper has an LRV of 52. These two colors reflect a very similar amount of light, so you should not notice a significant difference in room brightness when switching between them. The room will feel approximately the same in terms of light and space, which makes this a smoother transition.
Best Rooms for Light Blue
Farrow & Ball recommends Light Blue for: bedroom, bathroom, living room, nursery, dining room. With an LRV of 50, this is a medium color that is in the medium-light range, reflecting enough light to keep rooms feeling open while adding more color and depth than a white or off-white. It works well in living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways where you want warmth and character without darkness.
Pine Whisper is recommended for: bathroom, bedroom, nursery, kitchen, sunroom. The recommended applications differ slightly between brands, but the color's properties should work in the same rooms regardless of which brand you choose. Trust the LRV and undertone data more than the specific room suggestions, and always test in your actual space.
Light Blue in Other Brands
Looking for Light Blue equivalents in other brands besides PPG? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest PPG match for Light Blue (No.22) is Pine Whisper (PPG1134-3) with a Delta E of 3.8, which rates as a "good match" match. Pine Whisper is the closest PPG option. Similar character. Delta E measures perceptual color distance on a scale where under 2 means nearly identical, 2 to 4 means close with subtle differences, and over 5 means clearly noticeable.
No, they are not identical. Light Blue is a Farrow & Ball color with classic light blue undertones and an LRV of 50. Pine Whisper is a PPG color with soft green undertones and an LRV of 52. With a Delta E of 3.8, the difference is subtle and mainly visible in direct side-by-side comparison. Paint formulations differ between brands, so even colors with similar values can look slightly different due to pigment concentration, binders, and finish.
With a Delta E of 3.8, the difference is enough that they should not be used on adjacent walls in the same room. You can use them in separate rooms of the same house, but be aware that walking from one room to the other may reveal the difference, especially if the rooms have similar lighting. For the most consistent look, pick one brand for all connected living spaces and reserve the other brand for visually separate rooms like bathrooms or bedrooms behind closed doors.
There are several practical reasons to look for a PPG equivalent. Price differences between brands can be significant on large projects. Availability matters if your nearest paint store or home center specializes in PPG. Some painters have strong preferences for one brand's formula based on coverage, dry time, or workability. And if you are touching up existing PPG work, matching within the same brand gives you the best consistency for seamless results.
Match calculations use Delta E (CIE2000) computed from Lab color space conversion. Color data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Last reviewed: March 22, 2026.