Best 17 Haint Blue Shades by Benjamin Moore

Have you ever looked up at a soft blue porch ceiling and felt instantly relaxed? That calming shade might be haint blue, a color with history, beauty, and surprising benefits.

But with so many Benjamin Moore options, picking the right one can be tough.

This guide to haint blue Benjamin Moore shades explains where the tradition comes from, which colors to try, how light changes the look, and where else you can use it.

Want a porch that feels open, peaceful, and welcoming? Let’s find your perfect shade.

What is Haint Blue?

Haint blue is a type of light blue-green paint traditionally used on porch ceilings. The color ranges from soft sky blue to aqua tones. This special paint has roots in both protective customs and useful home features.

Today, many homeowners choose haint blue for its beauty and its rich background story.

Origins of Haint Blue

The practice of painting porch ceilings light blue began with the Gullah Geechee communities along the coastal areas of South Carolina and Georgia. These groups were made up of Central and West African people who were once kept as slaves.

“Haints” were what they called spirits of the dead. The blue paint was put on doors, window frames, shutters, and porch ceilings to keep these spirits away from homes.

Some believed the blue color would confuse spirits, making them think it was the sky, so that they would pass through. Others thought the water-like shade would scare away haints since they feared water.

Traditional Use in the South

If you visit places like Charleston or Savannah, you’ll notice many houses share this feature – a light blue ceiling on the porch.

While it started as a way to ward off unwanted spirits, the practice gained wider use across the South for other reasons, too. Many people believed the color stopped wasps from building nests on their porches.

The soft blue shade also helps reflect light, making outdoor spaces feel bigger and more open. The color creates a sense of calm and brings to mind clear skies, adding to the comfort of sitting outside.

Even those who don’t worry about spirits enjoy the pretty blue tones.

Haint Blue Paint Colors from Benjamin Moore

Soft & Classic Tones

These gentle blues stay true to the traditional haint blue look. They create a calm feeling overhead and work well with many exterior colors. These shades have been favorites for generations of porch ceilings.

1. Palladian Blue (HC-144)

Palladian Blue stands as one of the most asked-for haint blue colors among paint experts and homeowners alike. This shade offers a light blue with just enough green to make it interesting.

It creates a restful mood that pairs nicely with wood tones and warm browns. The soft, watery color gives porches a finished look without being too bold. Many designers point to this color as a go-to choice for a reason – it rarely disappoints.

2. Breath of Fresh Air (806)

Breath of Fresh Air color lives up to its name. Its light, airy quality makes porches feel open and breezy. The soft blue looks like a clear sky, bringing a touch of nature to your ceiling.

This shade works especially well on traditional porches with white columns or railings. The clean, simple blue adds just enough color without distracting from other porch features.

It’s a safe choice that still offers more interest than plain white.

3. Woodlawn Blue (HC-147)

Woodlawn Blue offers a perfect middle ground with its blue-gray tones that change slightly as the light shifts throughout the day. This balanced color works well with many exterior paint colors, making it highly flexible for different homes.

The gray notes help calm the blue, creating a grown-up feel that’s never too childish or bright. It pairs especially well with warm wood tones and browns, creating a nice contrast that draws the eye upward.

4. Tranquility (AF-490)

Tranquility dusty blue creates a peaceful feeling that matches its name. The soft, slightly grayed blue feels quiet and restful, perfect for creating a calm porch retreat.

Tranquility has enough color to be noticed but stays subtle enough not to demand attention. It works well on porches that get lots of natural light, as the color deepens nicely in shadows.

The shade pairs beautifully with cream, tan, and gray exterior colors.

5. Wythe Blue (HC-143)

Wythe Blue color leans more toward green than blue, making it stand out from other haint blue options. It comes from Benjamin Moore’s historical collection and connects to America’s colonial past.

The color has a touch of gray that tones down its brightness, creating a mature, subtle look. It works especially well with brown, cream, or brick-red houses, adding a touch of color that feels right at home on traditional porches.

Cool & Airy Vibes

These blues create light, fresh feelings on your porch. With hints of gray and clean undertones, they work well in bright spaces.

These colors make your outdoor areas feel open and breezy, perfect for catching summer winds or creating year-round comfort.

6. Iceberg (2122-50)

Iceberg clean, crisp shade lives up to its name with a cool presence that feels refreshing on hot summer days. The pale blue’s gray base keeps it from feeling too sweet or childlike.

Iceberg works perfectly for beach homes or cottages where you want that seaside feeling without going too bold. The color shifts subtly throughout the day, appearing almost white in bright sun and showing more blue notes in evening light.

7. Blue Hydrangea (2062-60)

Named after the beloved garden flower, the Blue Hydrangea color brings a cheerful yet still traditional feel to porch ceilings. The brighter blue tone creates more visual impact than some softer haint blues.

While still light enough to feel airy, it has enough color to make a statement. This shade works wonderfully on both ceilings and shutters for a matched look. It pairs nicely with white exteriors for a classic coastal style.

8. Whispering Spring (2136-70)

Whispering Spring’s extremely light blue feels like the first hint of color in a morning sky. So gentle it’s almost white, this shade adds just enough blue to create interest without making a bold statement.

Whispering Spring works well in very bright, sunny porch areas where stronger colors might feel too intense. The barely-there quality makes it perfect for homeowners who want the haint blue tradition with an extremely subtle touch.

9. Harbor Haze (2136-60)

Harbor Haze airy blue captures the look of distant water on a misty morning. The soft finish creates a gentle ceiling that feels open and expansive.

Harbor Haze works especially well in humid climates, where its water-like quality feels naturally at home. The color has enough presence to be noticed but stays light enough to make spaces feel bigger. It pairs beautifully with gray, white, or tan house colors.

10. Lookout Point (1646)

Lookout Point’s deeper gray-blue creates more drama than typical haint blue shades. The moody tone adds dimension and interest to covered porches, especially those that get less direct sunlight.

Lookout Point feels sophisticated and grown-up while still connecting to the haint blue tradition. The color works well for more modern homes that want to reference traditional styles without feeling old-fashioned.

It makes a striking partner to white trim and gray exteriors.

Deeper & More Dramatic Options

For those wanting something beyond traditional light blue, these options offer more color impact.

These deeper haint blue tones create stronger visual interest while still connecting to the tradition. They make a statement while maintaining the cooling effect that makes haint blue so popular.

11. Smoke (2122-40)

Smoke color takes the haint blue concept in a bolder direction with its strong gray undertones. The smoky quality creates a more modern take on the traditional ceiling color.

It pairs especially well with homes that have dark shutters or trim, creating a cohesive look. Smoke works beautifully for homeowners who want something different but still connected to tradition.

The deeper tone helps hide dirt and cobwebs better than lighter blues, making it practical for porches with less frequent cleaning.

12. Water’s Edge (1635)

Water’s Edge medium-toned blue brings more color strength than typical haint blue choices. The deeper shade works particularly well in larger porch areas where lighter colors might feel lost or washed out.

Water’s Edge creates a more defined ceiling plane that helps outdoor rooms feel properly finished. The color shifts beautifully throughout the day, showing different blue tones as the light changes.

It pairs nicely with stone exteriors or white clapboard for a classic but bold look.

13. Normandy (2129-40)

Normandy cooler, muted blue takes on a beautiful quality under bright sunlight, where many colors can look washed out. The balanced tone walks the line between traditional and modern, making it work for various home styles.

Normandy has enough gray to keep it from feeling too bright or childish. The color creates a sophisticated ceiling option that still connects to the haint blue custom.

It works especially well with cream, gray, or sage green exterior colors.

14. Blue Heather (1620)

Blue Heather is a unique shade that sits at the crossroads between blue and lavender, creating an unexpected twist on haint blue. The soft color still feels appropriate for traditional homes but offers something slightly different.

Blue Heather changes dramatically with the light, sometimes appearing more purple and other times more gray-blue. This shifting quality adds visual interest to your porch throughout the day.

It creates a gentle, unusual ceiling color that sparks conversation without being too bold.

Subtle & Muted Tints

These gentle colors offer the haint blue look with maximum subtlety. Their quiet presence works well for homes where tradition is desired without bold color statements.

These shades add interest while staying close to neutral, making them easy to work with.

15. Ocean Air (2123-50)

Ocean Air clean, quiet blue creates a peaceful ceiling that feels like a clear day at the beach. The gentle color has just enough blue to be noticed without demanding attention.

Ocean Air pairs beautifully with white trim, creating a crisp, fresh look that feels classic. The color brings a sense of openness to porches, making even small spaces feel larger and more inviting.

Many designers recommend this shade for its ability to work with almost any exterior color scheme.

16. Beacon Gray (2128-60)

Beacon Gray soft blue-gray offers a less common take on the haint blue tradition. The gray base gives it a more modern feel while still connecting to historical roots.

Beacon Gray creates a sophisticated ceiling option that works well for contemporary homes wanting to reference tradition. The muted quality makes it perfect for homeowners who find typical blues too bright or childish.

It pairs especially well with darker exterior colors, creating a subtle contrast that adds depth.

17. Icy Moon Drops (2056-70)

Icy Moon Drops light, crisp shade, with its clean blue tint, brings a fresh feeling to porch ceilings. The color manages to feel both modern and tied to tradition at the same time.

Icy Moon Drops has a bright quality that helps it stand out against white trim without being too bold. The color looks gorgeous on a bright white or soft gray home. This shade will light up your ceiling well after dusk, creating a gentle glow as evening sets in.

Why Haint Blue is Still Popular Today

Haint blue continues to attract homeowners because it works on many levels. The soft blue brings calm to outdoor spaces while also making them look better.

The color has remained strong through changing home styles because it can fit with almost any design.

Psychological Benefits

The right paint color can change how we feel in a space. Haint blue does this perfectly on porches by creating a link between our homes and the natural world around us.

• Creates a sense of peace in outdoor sitting areas
• Gentle blue-green shades remind people of water and sky
• Brings a coastal feel even to homes far from beaches
• Helps spaces look bigger and more open when used on ceilings
• Pulls the eye upward, similar to looking at the sky
• Gives a feeling of openness and light
• Makes porches feel more welcoming and less closed in

Functional Advantages

A good porch ceiling color needs to do more than look nice. Haint blue offers real benefits that have kept it popular through many generations of homeowners.

• Light colors reflect sunshine.
• Helps brighten porches that might otherwise feel dark or shaded
• Light-bouncing quality makes the space more useful throughout the day
• Many believe these shades keep wasps and spiders away
• May deter bugs who mistake it for open sky
• Early haint blue paint recipes used lime, which actually did help control insects.
• Works well in both sunny and shaded porch areas

Where Else Can You Use Haint Blue?

While haint blue is most famous for porch ceilings, this color works beautifully in many spots around your home. The soft blue-green tones can be added to both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Moving beyond just the porch ceiling opens up new ways to enjoy this historical color and its peaceful effects.

Porch Floors & Trim Accents

Taking haint blue beyond the ceiling can create a complete look for your outdoor spaces. The gentle blue tones add subtle charm when used on porch floors, creating a put-together feeling.

The color works as a perfect accent for trim, columns, and railings, where it stands out nicely against white or cream backgrounds.

When paired with white walls, blue trim creates a clean, classic look that feels both fresh and rooted in history. This color choice also hides dirt and scuff marks better than pure white.

Window Shutters & Doors

Haint blue shutters and doors connect directly to the color’s historical roots. In the original Gullah Geechee homes, these areas were often painted blue to keep away unwanted spirits.

Today, the color adds great curb appeal to home exteriors. The soft blue creates a welcoming entrance that stands out without being too bold.

For homes with neutral siding, haint blue doors and shutters add just the right amount of color interest. The shade is also popular for garden gates, creating a pretty transition point in outdoor spaces.

Bathroom & Bedroom Ceilings

In bathrooms, the water-inspired color feels naturally at home, especially on ceilings. The shade can make small bathrooms feel bigger and more open.

In bedrooms, a haint blue ceiling creates a restful sleeping space, almost like falling asleep under an open sky. The color works especially well in rooms that need a gentle touch of color without changing the walls.

Indoor ceilings painted in these soft blues can help rooms feel taller and more spacious.

Choosing the Right Sheen & Finish

Many blogs skip this crucial step, but the sheen you choose can change how your color looks and lasts.

Getting these details right helps your haint blue look its best and stand up to the weather over time.

Best Sheen for Porch Ceilings

The finish you choose for your haint blue ceiling affects both its look and how well it holds up over time.

Flat or matte finishes create the most traditional appearance, giving your ceiling a soft, velvety look that resembles historical haint blue. This low-shine option helps hide small flaws in older ceilings and creates a more authentic look.

For porches that need more durability or get cleaned often, a satin finish offers better dirt resistance while still keeping a fairly soft look.

Avoid glossy finishes for porch ceilings, as they can create too much shine and look out of place.

Primer Tips

A good foundation ensures your haint blue color shows its true beauty. The right primer saves time and creates a better result.

• Ask your paint store to tint your primer light blue or gray
• Tinted primer helps the final color look true with fewer coats
• Saves both time and money by reducing paint layers needed
• A good primer helps paint stick better to the ceiling
• For older porches, use primers that seal stains to prevent water marks from showing through

Interior vs. Exterior Formulas

For porch ceilings, always go with an exterior paint, even if the space is covered.

Exterior paints are made to handle outdoor conditions. They expand and contract with the weather so that they won’t peel or crack as easily.

Many also include mildew-fighting ingredients, which help in humid climates where moisture can build up on ceilings.

Interior paint is fine for indoor areas like bathrooms, but it’s best to choose one that’s also made to resist moisture and mold. That extra layer of protection helps your color stay fresh and clean.

Brand Comparisons & Swatch Tips

Finding your perfect haint blue might mean looking at several paint brands. Each company’s take on these traditional colors is subtle, with differences in undertones and intensity.

Knowing how to compare options and test them properly saves time and prevents costly mistakes.

Sherwin-Williams & Behr Matches

If you love Benjamin Moore colors but prefer to use another brand, here are some close matches across popular paint lines:

Benjamin Moore Color	Sherwin-Williams Match	Behr Match
Palladian Blue (HC-144)	Rainwashed (SW 6211)	Watery (HDC-CT-26A)
Woodlawn Blue (HC-147)	Tradewind (SW 6218)	Ocean Boulevard (550E-3)
Wythe Blue (HC-143)	Quietude (SW 6212)	Teal Facade (S450-3)
Ocean Air (2123-50)	Sea Salt (SW 6204)	Moonglass (S420-2)
Iceberg (2122-50)	Atmospheric (SW 6505)	Air Blue (S460-1)
Breath of Fresh Air (806)	Windy Blue (SW 6240)	Tender Blue (550C-3)
Icy Moon Drops (2056-70)	Tidewater (SW 6477)	Aqua Whisper (530A-2)

The closest match to Benjamin Moore’s popular Palladian Blue is Sherwin-Williams Rainwashed, though Rainwashed has slightly more green.

From Behr, try Watery for a similar soft blue-green with just a hint of gray, perfect for porch ceilings.

Where to Get Samples

Testing before painting is key, especially outdoors where lighting shifts throughout the day.

• Samplize: Peel-and-stick swatches; mess-free but pricier with fewer options.
• Benjamin Moore Stores: Offer exact color samples and expert advice. You’ll need to paint and wait for drying.
• Hardware Stores: Cheaper sample pots but may not match perfectly; usually only in flat finish.
• DIY Sample Boards: Most accurate and movable, but require time and supplies.

Paint at least a 2-ft-square area and check it in different lighting and weather to get a true feel for the color.

Summing Up

Choosing the right haint blue Benjamin Moore shade can turn a regular porch into your favorite place to relax.

You’ve now seen the top colors, how light affects them, and where else they shine beyond the ceiling. Take a moment to think about your porch, your light, and your style.

Use what you’ve learned to test a few samples and see what feels right. A soft blue ceiling isn’t just pretty, it’s part of a story.

Want more helpful tips for paint and design? Browse our latest posts for fresh ideas.