Haint Blue is a color you’ve probably seen before, but perhaps didn’t know its name—or its interesting history. The soft, powdery-blue hue is most often seen on Low Country porch ceilings, like those you might find in Charleston and Savannah. Achieving a beautiful finished Haint Blue porch is now easier than ever, available as a prefinished option for Royal® Beadboard trim.

Why Haint Blue Is a Southern Tradition and a Smart Choice

Haint blue originated with the Gullah Geechee communities of coastal South Carolina and Georgia, who “painted their doors, window frames, shutters and porch ceilings blue as a means of protection,” explains Southern Living. “They believed that the color would act as a repellent for ‘haints,’ or spirits of the dead, who might try to enter their homes.”

Several theories on the chosen color exist. One is that the blue is meant to emulate the sky, thus confusing haints to pass through the porch ceiling. Another proposes the color is meant to resemble water, which the haints are afraid of.

Regardless of its origins, Haint Blue is a serene, calming color that’s perfect for cozy outdoor spaces. It exudes a Southern, coastal vibe that’s suitable not just for those locales, but many others.

Low-Maintenance Porch Ceiling with Royal Beadboard in Haint Blue

Beadboard is one of the most sought-after looks for porch ceilings and soffits. Made with cellular PVC, Royal beadboard offers this classic aesthetic with moisture resistance to match—preventing the warping, rotting and insect damage found in traditional wood trim and moulding products. It’s a great combination of low maintenance, high durability and easy installation. Most Royal trim comes ready to install in white and can be painted if desired, but the Haint Blue hue acknowledges the popularity of the color, delivering a pre-finished option to speed up installation even more.

The Haint Blue product has a reversible design, so it functions as beadboard or V-Groove planking, offering versatility for traditional and modern outdoor spaces. It comes in 1/2” x 5-7/8” x 18’ dimensions. The beadboard includes hidden nailing for clean installation.

To get started crafting beautiful porches, download the brochure and Find a Distributor Near You.