8 Haint Blue Porch Ceilings That Will Make You Want to Repaint Today
Take a walk through the historic districts of Charleston or the quiet streets of Savannah, and you’ll notice a distinct Southern charm—wide porches, weathered rocking chairs, and, if you look up, ceilings painted a delicate shade of blue. It’s a tradition that’s been around for generations, and once you learn the story behind it, you might find yourself eyeing your own porch ceiling with a fresh perspective.
Haint blue isn’t just a design trend; it has deep roots in the Gullah Geechee culture of the coastal South. Descendants of West and Central African enslaved people, the Gullah Geechee believed that restless spirits, known as “haints,” couldn’t cross water. To keep them from entering their homes, they painted porch ceilings, window frames, and shutters in watery shades of blue. Some say haints were tricked into thinking the blue was the sky and simply passed on. Others believed the spirits saw it as water—an impassable barrier.
Whether or not you believe in haints, there’s no denying the appeal of a soft blue porch ceiling. It makes a space feel light, airy, and just a little more inviting. Some folks even swear it keeps wasps and spiders away (though, let’s be honest, I wouldn’t put all my faith in a paint color to handle that). If you’re thinking of giving your porch a fresh coat of paint, here are eight stunning shades of haint blue that might just make the decision easier.
1. Benjamin Moore’s Wythe Blue
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Soft and slightly moody, Wythe Blue (HC-143) by Benjamin Moore is a mix of blue, green, and gray that changes with the light. It’s sophisticated and a great choice for porches with natural wood accents or brick exteriors. Originally part of Benjamin Moore’s historical collection, this shade has a vintage elegance that pairs beautifully with white trim and muted earth tones.
2. Sherwin Williams’ Atmospheric
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For a true sky-blue ceiling, Sherwin Williams Atmospheric (SW 6505) is as airy as they come. This gentle, powdery blue feels like an extension of the sky which makes it a fantastic choice if you want to create the illusion of height on your porch.
Atmospheric is ideal for homes with warm-toned exteriors, such as soft yellows, beiges, or warm grays. It enhances natural light beautifully which makes shaded porches feel more open and inviting. Whether paired with a classic Southern wraparound porch or a cozy bungalow, this shade brings a fresh, breezy feel that works in any season.
3. Sherwin Williams’ Sea Salt
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I have a soft spot for Sea Salt (SW 6204) because it’s one of those colors that shifts depending on the lighting. Sometimes it looks like a misty blue-gray, and other times, it leans into its green undertones. It’s subtle, understated, and perfect for someone who loves blue but doesn’t want it to feel too obvious.
This shade works beautifully with natural elements—such as wicker furniture, light wood, and lots of potted plants. If you’re going for that easygoing, beachy feel without committing to a full-on coastal theme, Sea Salt might be the perfect in-between.
4. Sherwin Williams’ Window Pane
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Another fantastic choice for a classic haint blue ceiling is Sherwin Williams Window Pane (SW 6210). It’s a touch brighter than Sea Salt but still maintains a soft, easygoing feel. With a delicate balance of blue and green, this shade is reminiscent of a clear, shallow tide pool.
Window Pane works well with both modern and traditional exteriors. It complements white, beige, and light gray homes beautifully and adds a crisp contrast to darker trim colors. If your goal is to create a breezy, coastal-inspired porch, this shade might be the one for you.
5. Benjamin Moore’s Harbor Haze Haint Blue
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Harbor Haze (2136-60) feels like a color you’d find on an old, lovingly maintained Southern home. It has a slightly muted, vintage quality—soft blue with just a hint of gray to keep it from feeling too bright.
This shade is one of those that looks effortlessly sophisticated. It works well on classic porches with white columns and railings, but it’s also a great choice for more contemporary spaces. If you want a haint blue ceiling that doesn’t scream blue but still carries that timeless charm, Harbor Haze is a solid pick.
6. Sherwin Williams’ Tradewind
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Tradewind (SW 6218) is a little livelier than some of the other blues on this list, but it still holds onto that timeless charm. It has a noticeable blue tone with soft green undertones, making it a great option if you want something a bit more playful but still traditional.
I think of this as a “summer sky” kind of blue—bright but not overwhelming. It pairs beautifully with warm wood tones and crisp white trim. If you want a porch that feels both welcoming and refreshing, Tradewind is a shade that won’t let you down.
7. Benjamin Moore’s Woodlawn Blue
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Woodlawn Blue (HC-147) leans a little more green than some of the other options, which gives it a slightly more vintage feel. It’s soft, muted, and has a depth that makes it work beautifully with older homes, especially those with brick or dark shutters.
If your porch is filled with classic rocking chairs, vintage lanterns, and hanging ferns, this shade will fit right in. It’s a little more refined but still relaxed—perfect for a space that feels both welcoming and timeless.
8. Benjamin Moore’s Palladian Blue
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Rounding out the list is Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue (HC-144), a soothing blend of blue, green, and gray. It’s light and fresh but has just enough depth to keep it from feeling too pastel.
Palladian Blue is particularly striking on porches with warm, earthy tones—think deep browns, terracotta, or rich creams. It has a way of making outdoor spaces feel effortlessly serene as if you’ve transported your porch to a quiet lakeside retreat.
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