Haint Blue Paint Colors: Porch Ceilings & Beyond

Full disclosure. I will probably not require haint blue paint colors suggested here for our front porch ceiling at the Georgian. It is two stories high in the sky, and no one (not even bad spirits) would ever notice the color. Also, I’m not concerned about this house becoming haunted…I pity the fool Casper that would say boo or make a racket. So this is mainly an excuse to post pretty blue-green paint colors and beautiful Southern homes! And I bet there are plenty of folks looking for pretty light blue paint colors to bring cheer to a space or a piece of furniture.

Beautiful Southern front porch in Franklin, TN with haint blue ceiling, columns, and porch swing - Hello Lovely Studio. #porchswing #southernporches #haintblue
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Haint Blue Paint Colors for Porch Ceilings & Beyond

We peeked at Charleston homes recently, and for some reason, I didn’t stroll past many homes with haint blue porch ceilings on our last trip. I spotted the aqua-turquoise colors on shutters and doors, but I guess I’ll have to return on a quest! Since beautiful Franklin, Tennessee homes are still on my radar (it’s on our list of possible places to retire), we’ll peek at homes on the market there with blue porch ceilings. (All are way out of our price range, but what the heck, we’ll peek at lovely rooms inside the homes too for inspiration!)

Exquisite detailed porch ceiling with haint blue insets at an 1836 historic home property on Old Hillsboro in Franklin, TN.

Then we’ll consider five haint blue paint colors as possibilities for you to sample. Can you even fathom the haint blue on the historic 19th century home above? So gorgeous! This home on the market in Franklin is located on Old Hillsboro Rd.

Haint blue ceiling on front porch of a beautiful 1836 historic home on Old Hillsboro in Franklin, TN.

What Color is Haint Blue?

Haint blue is a light blue-green hue and is frequently used for ceilings, shutters, doors, and porch ceilings of many Southern homes in the United States, particularly in the Lowcountry region.

Beautiful haint blue ceiling in a gazebo on a 1836 historic Franklin, TN property (Old Hillsboro). #haintblue

This blue color has a rich history and holds significant cultural and spiritual significance in Southern folklore and superstitions.

Stunning aerial view of a beautiful 1836 property in Franklin, TN (Old Hillsboro) with formal gardens and pool.

What a property! Are you buying it? Maybe this next one at 501 Murfreesboro Rd. is more your style:

Haint blue porch ceiling at a stunning 1870 historic home (Murfreesboro Rd) in Franklin, TN. #haintblue

What Does Haint Mean?

“Haint” is derived from the word “haunt” and refers to a ghost or restless spirit.

1870 historic red brick home with porches and arched windows - Murfreesboro Rd. in Franklin, TN.

According to Gullah traditions (influenced by West African and African-American folklore), haints are believed to be spirits trapped between physical and spiritual realms.

1870 historic red brick home with porches and arched windows - Murfreesboro Rd. in Franklin, TN.

These spirits are said to be unable to cross over into the afterlife, and they can cause harm or misfortune to the living.

Haint blue porch ceiling at a stunning 1870 historic home (Murfreesboro Rd) in Franklin, TN. #haintblue

Why Would Blue Keep Ghosts Away?

This shade of haint blue is thought to have the power to ward off malevolent spirits and prevent them from entering the home. But why not an awful shade of pink or brown?

1870 historic red brick home with porches and arched windows - Murfreesboro Rd. in Franklin, TN.

The blue is said to confuse the spirits who are unable to cross bodies of water and mistake the haint blue for water or sky, preventing them from entering the house.

Informal dining area with lantern style pendant and blue wallpaper in a stunning 1870 historic Franklin, TN home on Murfreesboro Rd. #bluediningrooms

Also, the blue color is thought to possess protective qualities and provide spiritual protection for the occupants.

Stunning kitchen with two tone cabinetry, farm sink, and traditional style within a historic 1870 home (Murfreesboro Rd) in Franklin, TN. #farmhousekitchens

Why Is This Blue Porch Ceiling Tradition Kept?

The tradition of painting porch ceilings, shutters, and doors with haint blue has been passed down through generations in the South.

Stunning kitchen with two tone cabinetry, farm sink, and traditional style within a historic 1870 home (Murfreesboro Rd) in Franklin, TN. #farmhousekitchens

It not only serves as a cultural and historical symbol but also adds a distinctive aesthetic charm to homes, giving them a cool and inviting appearance.

Stunning kitchen with two tone cabinetry, farm sink, and traditional style within a historic 1870 home (Murfreesboro Rd) in Franklin, TN. #farmhousekitchens

What Other Reasons Make a Blue Ceiling Wise?

In addition to its spiritual significance, haint blue also has practical benefits.

Stunning kitchen with two tone cabinetry, farm sink, and traditional style within a historic 1870 home (Murfreesboro Rd) in Franklin, TN. #farmhousekitchens

The light blue-green color helps to deter insects, as some believe that it resembles the sky, tricking insects into thinking it is an open space.

Original brick wall in a lovely butler pantry in a 1870 historic home (Murfreesboro Rd) in Franklin, TN. #pantrydesign

For some reason, I don’t understand why a blue sky would be avoided by insects, but okay…

Beautiful canopy bed in a historic 1870 home on Murfreesboro Rd in Franklin, TN.

It can also create the illusion of a larger, more open porch ceiling.

Beautiful traditional light blue bedroom at a stunning 1870 property on Murfreesboro Rd in Franklin, TN. #historichomes #bluebedrooms

Overall, haint blue holds a unique place in Southern folklore and architecture, combining spiritual beliefs, cultural traditions, and practical considerations into a color choice that has become an iconic symbol of the South.

1870 historic red brick home with porches and arched windows - Murfreesboro Rd. in Franklin, TN.

What a glorious Franklin home! This next home with haint blue porch ceilings is a Charleston-style home but very much located in Tennessee.

Beautiful Franklin, TN red brick Charleston style house exterior on Stephens Valley. #charlestonstyle #houseexteriors #piazzas

I love how the pretty blue works magic with all the red brick on this home on the market at 341 Stephens Valley Rd.

Beautiful haint blue ceiling on porch of a Franklin, TN red brick Charleston style house on Stephens Valley. #charlestonstyle #haintblueceiling #piazzas

Haint blue definitely is reminiscent of watery, aqua, oceanic blues.

Beautiful Franklin, TN red brick Charleston style house with piazza on Stephens Valley. #charlestonstyle #houseexteriors #piazzas

And I couldn’t help noticing how beautiful this home’s garage is:

Red brick detached 3 car garage on Stephens Valley in Franklin, TN. #garagearchitecture

What an amazing design!

Haint blue painted porch ceiling at a beautiful farmhouse style home - 368 Stephens Valley in Franklin, TN.

Southern Homes With Haint Blue on the Porch

This home on 368 Stephens Valley Rd. also caught my eye with its iconic blue ceilinged front porch.

Haint blue painted porch ceiling at a beautiful farmhouse style home - 368 Stephens Valley in Franklin, TN.

I’m noticing a lot of folks who are choosing white for their exterior siding or brick and light grey for the shutters. Adding that pretty pop of blue? Just so coastal. And doesn’t a coastal home need a bunk room?

Built-in bunks in a beautiful bunk room at 368 Stephens Valley Franklin, TN. #bunkrooms

A beautiful design that I am filing away!

Tennessee Farmhouse Style Homes

Even though the colors are pale, here’s a home with a mix of various textures on the exterior.

Beautiful white farmhouse exterior with brick, shutters, and haint blue ceiling on porch - Pasquo Rd. in Franklin, TN. #modernfarmhouseexterior

Located at 6081 Pasquo Rd., I’m ready to move right in!

Classic and beautiful white kitchen with island and warm wood floors in a Sipple Home on Pasquo in Franklin, TN.

The hardwood floors are just right for me, and the wood on the ceiling is one of those design elements that is a bear to add later so what a boon when it is a part of the home’s original design!

Classic and beautiful white kitchen with island and warm wood floors in a Sipple Home on Pasquo in Franklin, TN.

The gorgeous pendants are also hard to beat.

Another beautiful lantern style pendant in the laundry:

Beautiful laundry with tile floor and mud room with built-ins in a Sipple Home on Pasquo in Franklin, TN.

And more pretty light haint-y blue looks elegant and so fitting.

Gorgeous light blue grey laundry room with gold lantern pendant in a Sipple Home on Pasquo in Franklin, TN. #laundryrooms

I was a little disappointed that this bedroom ceiling was missing a bit of haint blue…

Beautiful bedroom with architectural ceiling in a Sipple Home on Pasquo in Franklin, TN.

And wouldn’t haint blue be gorgeous on a bathroom vanity?

Beautiful luxurious bath in a Sipple Home on Pasquo in Franklin, TN. #luxurybath

What Haint Blue Paint Colors Are Best?

There are actually a good number of possibilities, but we will consider five of my favorites.

Benjamin Moore Beach Glass 1564

Benjamin Moore says a gray undertone brings versatility to this calming blue, and grey-blue colors make perfect sense used outdoors. The yellow sunlight will interact with it so it appears more blue-green.

Beautiful white house exterior with wraparound front pourch - on Stableford in Franklin, TN. #frontporches #houseexteriors

What a stunning home and beautiful porch at Stableford Rd. Franklin, TN. In this photo below, the color looks very grey-blue, yes? The time of day is of course going to influence the perception.

Beautiful haint blue ceiling on a porch on Stableford in Franklin, TN. #haintblue #frontporches

Sherwin-Williams Tidewater 6477

Is Tidewater calling your name?

The brand says “This light, ocean blue with its warm green undertone may induce memories of foam-flecked seascapes and the salty air. For adventurers only.”

Beautiful white farmhouse with front porch on Eliot Rd. in Franklin, TN.
This Franklin home on Eliot Rd. has an adorable front porch and such beautiful character.

Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue HC-144

I find this particular blue so elegant!

And wait til you hear the description Benjamin Moore writes about Palladian Blue: “All is calm with this soft, airy blue that conjures clear skies and flecks of mother of pearl.” YES, please!

Custom white closet in a stunning property on Eliot Rd. in Franklin, TN. #closetdesign
Loved this closet design within the Eliot Rd. property in Franklin.

Sherwin-Williams Rainwashed 6211

This is another one of those timeless, tranquil blues I have shared elsewhere.

It is definitely giving me more green than blue, and SW says this “light and airy bluish green brings a serene and natural feel to your interior spaces. Try this cool green in a bedroom or a bathroom.”

Remember how Rainwashed was used on the ceiling in the 2017 Southeastern Designer Showhouse in one of my favorite bedrooms of all time?

SW Rainwashed on ceiling in a luxurious and classic light blue and white bedroom in Southeastern Designer Showhouse 2017. Sherwin Williams Alabaster paint color on walls. Atlanta Homes.
SW Rainwashed on ceiling in 2017 Southeastern Designer Showhouse; Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles

I bet it would be perfect in this bath:

Classic white bathroom with charming tile floor in a property on Eliot Rd in Franklin, TN. #bathroomtile
Lovely bathroom in a Franklin home for sale on Eliot Rd.

Benjamin Moore Woodlawn Blue HC-147

Here’s our last contender for a haint blue paint color you may want to sample whether you have a front porch ceiling or not!

“A delicate wash of blue that brings to mind a fine crystal” is how BM describes HC-147, and I love the thought of a wash of blue.

Michele on a Southern porch swing in Franklin, TN - Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio – haint blue porch ceiling at a Franklin home where we vacationed.

Love a Southern home? Here’s one of my favorite designers giving us a tour of an exceptional one:

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

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Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

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2 Comments

  1. Cheryl
    June 7, 2023 / 7:47 pm

    We moved into our home in Dallas a couple years ago. We had a problem with wasps on the back porch. Even after we had them removed and sprayed and etc., they returned. I painted the ceiling Palladian Blue….haven’t seen a wasp since!

    • Michele
      Author
      June 9, 2023 / 11:10 am

      Wow! Now I’m seriously thinking about going ahead and painting our porch ceiling even though it is so tall. I’d love the porch to attract less flying pests. Thanks for letting us know!

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Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing