Why are Porch Ceilings Painted Blue? Everything You Need to Know

Choosing a paint color for your home’s exterior may seem like a mundane task, but when it comes to the color of porch ceilings, there’s more than meets the eye. Uncover the captivating history behind this often-overlooked area of your home before you make your final decision.

Prepare to be astonished, for you may have never noticed this peculiar detail before: many porch ceilings are elegantly adorned in a vibrant shade of blue. This peculiar observation begs the question: Why are porch ceilings painted blue? The answer lies in a captivating tale that will leave you intrigued.

Surprisingly, there are multiple reasons why porch ceilings are adorned with this alluring hue, each with its own unique charm. Journey with us as we delve deeper into this enigmatic phenomenon, exploring the fascinating stories and motivations that led to this tradition.

Why are Porch Ceilings Painted Blue? 

Porch ceiling colors, particularly in the southern states, are rooted in tradition. So, why do people paint porch ceilings blue? Part of the answer lies in the haint blue porch ceiling history. It’s detailed below along with some other reasons why many homes you encounter have sky-blue porch ceilings. 

Keep Insects Away

Long ago, painting your porch ceiling blue kept insects away. This led homeowners to mistakenly attribute this to the paint’s color. Many thought the insects and birds mistook the light blue porch ceiling for the sky and wouldn’t build their nests there.

It was probably an easy assumption to make. However, paint back then wasn’t the same as the paint we know today. They used milk paint on ceilings that contained lye. Lye, although not scientifically proven, seems to naturally repel insects. There’s no doubt that it probably did the same back then as well.

Extending Daylight

Blue skies usually signal great weather and a day filled with sunlight. When compared to the alternative, it’s not hard to understand why anyone would want these conditions to last forever. Of course, this isn’t possible, but homeowners did what they could to extend the daylight by painting the porch ceiling blue. This meant that even as the sun started to dip in the sky, they could still enjoy the illusion of daylight as they relaxed on their porches. 

Blue ceilings also helped to create the feeling that their home was one with nature. 

Curbside Appeal

Most articles that discuss the best exterior paint colors for greater curb appeal include the color blue. Although many often recommend at least two different shades of blue, the list almost always includes light blue.

It’s no wonder that blue, with its serene and calming qualities, has become the preferred choice for porch ceilings. Its tranquil allure creates an ambiance that is universally cherished in every home. After all, what better way for homeowners of the past to reflect their southern hospitality? 

Tradition

If you’re still wondering, “Why paint your porch ceiling blue?” consider it as one way of honoring ancient traditions. The blue paint used was often referred to as “haint blue,” but this wasn’t the description of the shade of blue. Haint is a southern word used to describe a type of evil spirit or ghost well-known on the Carolina coast. Its use dates back to African slaves from South Carolina and Georgia who believed the blue paint would fool these spirits into believing the ceiling was water. This deterred them from entering the home as they could not cross water.

Their beliefs often went beyond simply a blue porch ceiling, meaning that they also painted shutters, doors, and window frames using the same color to be on the safe side.

How to Choose the Right Shade for Your Blue Porch Ceiling 

If you’re a stickler for tradition, you might want to continue painting your porch sky blue. If not, you don’t have to forego the blue. There are many other shades you can choose from to beautify your home. They include:

• Sky Blue
• Midnight Blue
• Turquoise
• Pale or powder blue
• Aquamarine
• Seafoam
• Grey blue
• Periwinkle

Here’s how you can decide which shade is best for your home.

Your Home’s Color and Style

Consider the color of your home’s exterior and the shade of blue that would complement it, if at all. The style of your home will also determine if a lighter or darker shade of blue is more appropriate.

Ranch and colonial-style homes are more suited to medium to darker blues. White accents enhance these colors.

It’s easier to experiment with bolder, brighter shades of blue for American Craftsman and Victorian-style homes. Daring colors such as turquoise and royal blue complement these particular styles.

However, if you live in a historic home, you’ll need to consider a shade of blue that preserves the home’s heritage.

Your Home’s Location

When it comes to ceiling paint, certain states seem more inclined to particular colors. This more than likely is also steeped in tradition. These colors have worked well for years, so why mess with an established practice? 

The porch ceilings in southern homes range in color from a pale powdery blue to richer dark hues of blue-greens.

By embracing a bolder approach, Northern homeowners often opt for vibrant and lively shades of blue.

You’ll also need to be mindful if your neighborhood has a homeowner’s association. They may have specific rules and guidelines about the color you use for your porch ceiling.

Other Homes

Don’t be afraid to get inspiration from other homes, whether they’re in your neighborhood, in a magazine, or across town. Often, people have done the legwork and figured out what works well. So why reinvent the wheel? Consider if the home style is similar to yours, along with the other exterior colors. 

Knowing the Why Behind Blue Porch Ceilings

Now that you know why porch ceilings are often painted blue, you might want to consider doing the same for different reasons. Blue can be a fantastic option for your porch ceiling, but many shades exist.

How do you know which is best and where to start? Consult the experts. Fresh Coat Painters can help you choose the shade of blue best for your porch ceiling. We’ll also provide high-quality service as we give your porch a new look. 

Trust the exterior house painters at Fresh Coat Painters to bring your vision to life with meticulous attention to detail, professional craftsmanship, and commitment to delivering stunning results. Contact us for a FREE quote so you can get started enjoying your porch again.