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Haint Blue Ceilings: A Charleston Tradition That’s Beautiful and Practical

  • jesusmurgapaint
  • Oct 10
  • 2 min read

By Murga Pro Painting Solutions | Charleston, SC

In Charleston and throughout the Lowcountry, you’ll often find porch ceilings painted a soft, serene shade of blue. It’s more than just a design choice — it's a Southern tradition rich in history, culture, and even a bit of superstition. At Murga Pro Painting Solutions, we love helping homeowners carry on this beautiful tradition with a modern touch.

Let’s explore what haint blue is all about — and why it might be the perfect option for your porch ceiling.


🌀 What Is Haint Blue?

The term “haint” comes from the Gullah Geechee culture, referring to restless spirits or ghosts. According to tradition, painting ceilings (and sometimes doors or window frames) a pale blue was believed to keep these spirits away, as the color resembled water — something haints were said to be unable to cross.

Over time, this practice became part of Southern architectural charm, especially in historic homes throughout Charleston, Savannah, and beyond.


🪰 Does Haint Blue Really Keep Bugs Away?

While we can’t speak to the supernatural, many locals swear that haint blue ceilings help repel insects — especially wasps and spiders. The idea is that bugs may mistake the blue color for open sky and avoid nesting there.

While not scientifically proven, homeowners often report fewer cobwebs and wasp nests on porches with haint blue ceilings. It’s one more reason this tradition continues today.


🎨 Choosing the Right Shade of Haint Blue

Haint blue isn’t a single color — it’s a range of soft blues, greens, and blue-grays that mimic the color of water or sky. Sherwin-Williams offers several beautiful options that work well with Charleston’s classic coastal and historic home styles.

Here are a few of our favorite haint blue shades from Sherwin-Williams:

  • SW 9058 – Secret Cove: A deeper, elegant blue that adds richness and depth.

  • SW 6505 – Atmospheric: A breezy, true sky blue — perfect for open, airy porches.

  • SW 6491 – Open Air: Soft and subtle, ideal for traditional Lowcountry homes.

  • SW 6204 – Sea Salt: A blue-green hybrid that gives a more muted, beachy feel.

  • SW 6519 – Hinting Blue: A pale and versatile option that works with almost any exterior palette.

We can help you test samples on your actual porch ceiling to find the one that works best with your home’s style, trim, and lighting.


🖌️ Let Murga Pro Paint It for You

Painting a porch ceiling isn’t always as simple as it looks. The right prep, paint type, and application technique are essential for a long-lasting, beautiful finish — especially in Charleston’s humid climate.

At Murga Pro Painting Solutions, we’ve painted our fair share of haint blue ceilings across the Lowcountry, and we’d love to help you carry on the tradition — or start a new one.


📞 Ready for a Refresh?

Let’s talk color, tradition, and curb appeal. Whether you're restoring a historic Charleston home or adding charm to a modern porch, haint blue is always a classic.

📲 Call us at 216-394-2988 🌐 Visit www.murgapropaintingsolutions.com📍 Proudly serving Charleston, Johns Island, Summerville, and surrounding areas


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