As with many homes throughout the southern USA, in New Orleans it’s customary to paint the porch ceilings a light blue~green shade called “Haint Blue”.
The shade of blue can vary from porch to porch.
There are a few different theories behind this tradition.
One is that that people chose this color for it’s natural appeal; it created the feeling that they were sitting beneath the clear blue sky even while enjoying the cooling shade of their porches; because it extended the look of daytime into the evening hours; and maybe even tricked wasps into nesting elsewhere.
Another theory is that the blue color warded off evil spirits, or “haints”.
Either way, they are beautiful and charming
and something I have now brought home to the PNW….
yes, that’s right, I had the portico in my courtyard painted a beautiful pale blue shade… Sherwin Williams Aviary Blue.
I love the way the blue hue reflects down on this passageway, it does make it look and feel a little more like you’re walking under the natural clear blue sky.
I also love experiencing a little special touch of New Orleans right here in Seattle.
I adore blue ceilings and painted the porch ceilings in Beaufort a very soft blue – love with any white wood house! Happy Tuesday!
Emily, I have heard of this before and adore the lovely blue ceilings!
Xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
We always painted ours to keep spiders away… but i like the idea f keeping bad spirits away too! Oh, i do miss the south and its traditions.
I think it does help with the bugs too. Thanks Rehne!!
Did you put a primer first? Also, the white or blue first?
Yes, Linda, we did do a primer first. Are you going to try it??
We painted the blue first, then the white on the beams.