The Theory Behind Haint Blue Ceilings

By Design Specialist Erin Walker 

Haint Blue porch ceilings are a signature of Southern culture just as much as wrap around porches, sweet tea and drawn-out vowels.  There are many theories behind the start of the design tradition ranging from keeping evil spirits away to elongating the day. Though one thing is certain: this design staple is here to stay!

Southerners in many states have been painting their porch ceilings blue for generations but the tradition is thought to have begun in South Carolina and Georgia in the Gullah Geechee communities. The Gullah Cheechee were descendants of central and west Africans, who used blue paint on their window frames, doors, shutters and porch ceilings as a way to scare “haints” or evil spirits.  They believed that evil spirits were afraid of water and would steer clear of any house with blue on the exterior.  There is much cultural documentation behind this theory and as it’s the most commonly accepted, designers have dubbed blue porch ceilings “haint blue” for any blue ranging from the sky blue ceilings of the Southern states to the aqua blue ceilings of the Caribbean.

Don’t believe in ghosts?  What if a blue porch ceiling keeps bugs away?

Some Southerners paint their porch ceilings blue out of respect of family tradition.  Their grandmother insisted the blue ceilings tricked the wasps from building nest on the porches because the pests confused the ceilings with the sky.  Many historical homes originally used milk paints common of their time, which also required lye.  The smell of lye repels insects so there may be some historical truth to this theory.  Since lye is no longer used in paints modern day home owners will have to rely on citronella to keep the bugs away and hope the blue porch ceiling color does confuse bugs.

Who doesn’t want more daylight?

Designers and home owners alike often agree that there are just never enough hours in the day, especially daylight hours.  Many people believe that a blue porch ceiling will visually extend the daylight. Although there isn’t much scientific proof behind this theory, the subconscious of being covered by sky blue color might be enough to trick some into lounging longer on the porch before turning in for the night.  

Willing to give it a try?

Even if you don’t believe any of the old-wives tales associated with painting your porch ceiling blue, many people will agree that it simply looks pretty.  This is a design detail that we promise will never go out of style so if you are willing to try it, check out some of our favorite blue porch ceiling colors:  Sherwin Williams Rainwashed SW6211, Sherwin Williams Atmospheric SW6505, Sherwin Williams Tradewind SW6218.

Logan Homes has two design studios to serve our clients - in NC and SC! If you are interested in learning more about Logan Homes, Move-In-Ready homes, new communities or building on your own home site in one of our preferred communities, contact us today to learn more!