07/10/2026
“Haint blue” is often seen on porch ceilings in the southern United States. Originally, haint blue was thought to deter haints, or ghosts, by tricking them into thinking the ceiling was either sky or water, which ghosts could not cross. Today, the unique blue-green shade is thought to discourage stinging insects and birds from building nests on porches. The natural indigo in the original paint may have been a deterrent, also. Colors like “Atmosphere” and “Rain” from Sherwin Williams have become popular substitutes today. Would you paint your porch ceiling “haint blue”?
