Sheree Plumb Many Southerners suggest that blue porch ceilings originated out of the fear of haints. Southerners, especially in the area of South Carolina, have a name for the ceiling paint used on porches – the soft blue-green is referred to as 'Haint Blue.'

“Haints are restless spirits of the dead who, for whatever reason, have not moved on from their physical world,” says Sawaya.

Haint blue, which can also be found on door and window frames as well as porch ceilings, is intended to protect the homeowner from being “taken” or influenced by haints. It is said to protect the house and the occupants of the house from evil.
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Coggan + Crawford Architecture + Design It may be an urban myth, but we've also heard several different people say that the blue keeps away the mud daubers - they see the blue as the sky. I don't know enough about the optical physiology of wasps to confirm or deny this. Nice story about the spirits, though, and better than mud daubers.

Coggan + Crawford Architecture + Design sorry, it came with the house. We often use Olampia, Restoration Hardware, Urban Electric Company, Carolina lanterns. Good luck!

nickiandchad what colour paint did you use on walls, trim and ceiling.. thanks!

Coggan + Crawford Architecture + Design China white, a Benjamin Moore color, but everyone can make it up. It's our favorite white.