Something classic, something blue!
Despite an iffy forecast, we had a fabulous time participating in Reading PorchFest back in June! We welcomed so many lovely Reading residents to 186 Summer Avenue to enjoy performances by The Meichen Show and Signs of Life.
At the event, we polled attendees, asking them if we should paint the porch ceiling blue, and the overwhelming opinion was YES. We're pleased to report that we took the feedback and will paint the porch ceiling an inviting shade of blue to complement natural wood flooring, adding to the home's abundant charm.
Why are so many porch ceilings blue?
There are a few prominent theories for why blue porch ceilings have been so popular in homes across the South, Northeast, and Northwest. Here are the three most common:
To Ward Off Evil Spirits
Some enslaved people and their descendants, known as the Gullah Geechee, believed that ghosts (or as they called them, "haints") could not cross water. They painted their homes and porch ceilings a shade of blue derived from dye produced on indigo plantations to keep the haints away. The color “haint blue” continues to be used across the southern United States and beyond, although not all Gullah Geechee identify with this tradition.
To Keep Birds and Bugs Away
There's another more practical theory for the blue porch ceilings: to keep bees and bugs at bay. People believed that insects, spiders, and birds would mistake the blue ceiling for the sky, and it would keep them from building homes there. In reality, it's more likely that the lye, which was once mixed into pigmented paints, served as a natural insecticide and made more of an impact than the color.
To Please the Eye
Blue is a calming, cool color that can reflect light and contribute to a serene porch atmosphere.
A blue ceiling can give the illusion of extending daylight as the sun begins to set, allowing for long, lingering conversations in the fresh air.
Are you longing for a blue porch ceiling of your own?
We don't blame you if this post has you pining for Sunday morning coffee or lazy evening chats under the blue ceiling of your wrap-around porch.
If you're looking to buy in the Reading area, we now anticipate 186 Summer Avenue to be on the market in January 2025, gorgeous blue ceiling and all. If you're not planning on a move, here are some tips to achieve a similar look at your home.
Although blue porch ceilings have been common for two hundred years in the South, Northeast, and Northwest, the shades of blue used vary based on the region.
In the South, pale blue-green shades, collectively referred to as “haint blue” as a nod to their origin in Gullah Geechee tradition, are the most popular. In the Northwest, you're likely to see vibrant tones. And in the Northeast, lighter, airier shades of blue are typical on many historic homes.
Beyond those regional norms, if you're considering a blue porch ceiling for your home, there are plenty of shades to choose from. This Better Homes and Gardens roundup is a great place to begin your exploration. Beyond that, consider the qualities of the porch you are working with:
Shady Porch? Go with a lighter or brighter blue.
Sunny Porch? Choose a darker blue with gray or green undertones.
Marred Ceiling? Select a flat paint to mask imperfections.
Smooth Ceiling? Try a paint with a glossy finish for the most impact.
Join us on Summer Avenue to see the porch progress for yourself!
We’re thrilled to invite the community back to the porch this month for trick-or-treating! Join us on October 31 from 5 to 7pm for a howling good time as our Wilson the Wolf hands out treats from the porch!
Here are a few things to look for when you visit:
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The freshly painted ceiling and natural wood flooring complement the home’s original wood door to achieve an inviting, classic look.
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Thanks to the fresh white siding, the National Register of Historic Places plaque stands out like never before.
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Based on the porch's height, we have been given approval to remove the balustrade to enhance the porch’s aesthetic appeal.
We can’t wait to see you later this month and share all of the progress that’s been made on this remarkable property!
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