Why do you paint ceiling blue?

Across the South, the tradition of painting ceilings blue is passed down from generation to generation. There are many stories and legends as to why, and it's not just about keeping bugs at bay. In the Deep South, a darker blue sometimes called “haint blue” is believed by some to keep away evil spirits.

Why do people paint their ceilings light blue?

Extending Daylight Hours. While blue paint on a porch ceiling can't literally extend the amount of daylight you get, it can provide that feeling. The light blue color reflects light, so your space will seem brighter even during the twilight hours.

Why blue ceilings are such a popular tradition?

There are two big reasons for this: A blue ceiling recalls the sky, and consequently doesn't feel quite as "out there" as, say, a red ceiling might. The second reason is that it's rooted in luxury: Historically, blue paint was quite rare, so having enough to slather on the ceiling indicated true wealth.

Should I paint my ceiling blue?

If your walls are white and the ceiling has a flat, smooth surface, consider painting your ceiling a softer color such as a lighter peach, a sky blue, a very light gray, or a pale yellow to give your space a breezy feel.

Why do blue ceilings keep bugs away?

When blue paints were first used on ceilings, they were usually milk paints, and those paints often had lye mixed into the composition. Lye is a known insect repellent, which would explain why insects would avoid nesting on a painted porch ceiling or ledge.”

The Story of Haint Blue | What About This?

Why do Southerners paint ceilings blue?

Gullah folklore explains that ghosts, also referred to as “haints,” were not able to cross water. In order to repel evil spirits from plantations, porch ceilings were painted a soft blue. The color was meant to mimic water in an effort to keep any haints or spirits at bay.

Why are porch ceilings painted blue in Key West?

As time went by another legend came to be as home owners continued to paint their Key West ceilings blue. The idea was (and for some still is) that blue porch ceilings act as a natural bug repellent because the porch looks like the sky and fools the bugs who obviously won't build their nests in the sky.

What does a blue ceiling mean?

Across the South, the tradition of painting ceilings blue is passed down from generation to generation. There are many stories and legends as to why, and it's not just about keeping bugs at bay. In the Deep South, a darker blue sometimes called “haint blue” is believed by some to keep away evil spirits.

What is the most popular ceiling color?

White ceiling paint is the most popular choice for homes, but no color is off-limits. Colored ceilings are a great way to change the shape and mood of a room. White ceiling paint: Ceilings are most often painted white to reflect light and brighten up a room.

What color makes ceiling look higher?

The lightest and whitest colors work best at making a low ceiling appear taller. A bright white or a slightly gray white color are the optimal ceiling colors. Avoid using a color in a different hue on the ceiling if possible, as it will appear darker on the ceiling and not reflect as much light.

Why is it called haint blue?

The folklore piece refers to the concept of "haint," a Southern variation on the word "haunt" that refers to a ghost or spirit. "Blue represented water, and apparently spirits can't traverse water," said O'Neill. "People would paint the ceilings, the window trim and sometimes the doors (to keep spirits away)."

What color is haint blue paint?

While you're looking at all the gorgeous old homes in Charleston or Savannah, you'll see the beautiful blue/green ceiling colors. There's not one specific haint blue color but it's always a pretty shade of light blue.

Does blue paint deter spiders?

The color that spiders tend to hate is light blue. People don't just paint their porches light blue for the aesthetic. Painting your porch ceiling in this shade is a pretty effective way of keeping spiders away. The color is also known to repel wasps.

What is the meaning of haint blue paint?

The shade and the term “haint blue” have become mythic and ubiquitous. The Gullah Geechee legend says that evil spirits do not like water and painting spaces to look like water will keep them away. The color is said to have been originally based on the indigo grown in the region in the eighteenth century.

What does paint the ceiling mean?

Definitions include: to kill or murder someone, usually meaning the blood that is spilled upon the walls as a result. paint job.

Is it OK to paint the ceiling the same color as the walls?

Paint your ceiling the same color as your walls. This will draw the eye up, which creates the illusion of a larger room and higher ceilings. Bonus if you're able to install some trim and crown molding, as I've found this can also make the ceilings look higher.

Are white ceilings out of style?

White is a popular ceiling paint color, and it's not just out of an adherence to tradition. Homeowners and designers favor white as a ceiling color because: White Reflects Light: The ceiling reflects light as much, or more than the other four walls.

What colors make a room look bigger and brighter?

So, what colors make a room look bigger? For an optimum effect, go with soft tones like off-white, blues, and greens, and always remember that brighter rooms feel bigger and more inviting. And here's another hack: Try painting your wall trim and moldings in a lighter color than your walls.

What color is haint blue in Sherwin Williams?

Sherwin-Williams Waterscape (SW 6470) is a dynamic, perfectly soft-but-bright blue infused with hints of green. Haint blue in general can be tricky because it will depend on several factors, like the natural light on your porch, the other colors present, and the amount of greenery surrounding your house.

What does haint blue mean in the South?

The Gullah people (also known as the Geechee or Gullah Geechee) in Georgia, a subsection of enslaved people who lived on island and costal plantations, were the first to use this color blue as a protection against evil spirits, calling it “haint blue”.

Should I paint ceiling black?

A bold coat of black paint on your ceiling can help you design around tall, soaring ceilings to make the space feel warm and cozy. A black ceiling can also make existing architectural elements pop or unsightly basement fixtures blend into the background.

What does blue awning mean?

Once upon a time in the deep South, many people painted their porch ceilings a specific shade of Haint Blue, a soft blue-green, to ward off evil spirits called “haints.” It's especially common in the historic homes around Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina.

Does painting porch ceiling blue keep birds away?

Summer days seem to last longer when afternoons are spent on the porch, and a pale blue ceiling overhead helps extend the daylight into dusk. Blue ceilings are also said to deter birds from nesting there and insects from buzzing around. But don't toss your bug spray just yet.

What color is Palladian blue?

Palladian Blue is a serene blue-green paint that offers soft, relaxing tones. Its light and airy coastal hue makes it a perfect choice for adding a touch of spa-like color to almost any room, from bathroom to bedroom, and even the laundry room!