Why Should You Have a Blue Ceiling on Your Porch

Having a blue ceiling on your porch is actually steeped in folklore tradition.   I love a good story behind anything, so I thought I would share this one.
blue porch, blue ceiling, outdoor spaces, white, interior design, slate, fences, deck, lighting, chandelier, table, chairs, outdoor furniture, orange

Does anyone else have the itch to do some updating in their outdoor living areas? I finally talked Barry into buying new furniture for our back porch. Now, I’m dying to paint the ceiling blue.

Painting your porch ceiling blue is actually steeped in folklore.   I love a good story behind anything, so I thought I would share this one.

Southern Roots

Painting your ceiling a green tinted blue dates back to the Gullah Geechee areas of coastal South Carolina and Georgia.  They believed it kept away the “haints” or spirits.  So, they would paint their windows, shutters, and porches blue.

blue porch, blue ceiling, outdoor spaces, white, interior design, slate, fences, deck, lighting, chandelier, table, chairs, outdoor furniture, orange
Photo Source: Country Living Courtesy Benjamin Moore
blue porch, blue ceiling, outdoor spaces, white, interior design, slate, fences, deck, lighting, chandelier, table, chairs, outdoor furniture, orange
Source: Summer Classics

Present Day Myth

Nowadays, it is widely believed it repels wasps and other insects, though it isn’t a proven fact. I personally use citronella plants around my patio, which seems to work beautifully. But I love love the look and story behind a blue ceiling on a porch.

blue porch, blue ceiling, outdoor spaces, white, interior design, slate, fences, deck, lighting, chandelier, table, chairs, outdoor furniture
Source: Home Bunch Designer: Mary McWilliams Photos by Emily Followill Photography
blue porch, blue ceiling, outdoor spaces, white, interior design, slate, fences, deck, lighting, chandelier, table, chairs, outdoor furniture, orange
Source: Southern Living Idea House 2016
Photo: Laurey W.Glenn

Here are some great blues to consider if you are wanting to paint your ceiling this spring.

blue porch, outdoor spaces, white, interior design, slate, fences, deck, lighting, chandelier, table, chairs, outdoor furniture, orange, benjamin moore, sherwin williams

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Sherry Millien, one of America’s premier interior designers and is known for the unique, one-of-a-kind interiors she creates for prominent clients throughout the metropolitan Houston area.

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