What is the Story Behind Charleston Green?
Our fair and Holy City of Charleston, South Carolina, is painted with dabs and dots of a single signature color, which is commonly referred to as Charleston Green. It's a color that could dress up the shabbiest Charleston single house, and aggrandize the smallest freedman's cottage.
A green so dark it appears black, it lends an air of subtle chameleon mystery to streets with light streaming through moss draped trees. The color changes as you move and elevates what might have been a simple flat black to a rich and dignified tone.
The History Behind Charleston Green
Charleston Green lends a formal sensibility, but the purported history is more rebellious. The origin of the color is contested, but the story goes that after the American Civil War, the Union sent buckets of plain black government-issued paint down to Charleston to gloss over what war had done to the city. But Charlestonians, less than impressed with boring black, added yellow and blue (or green, depending on the source) to make the deep forest green now named for the city where it originated.
How to Use Charleston Green on Your Home
If you're strolling Downtown Charleston on the brick, pavement, or cobblestone streets, you'll notice the hue applied to front doors, window shutters, Italianate trim and even balustrades. There's no right or wrong way to use Charleston Green, but do remember that direct sunlight will heat the dark color and could cause it to bubble, or even be hot to the touch—a danger those moss draped trees can alleviate, since the Charleston housing market is quite hot enough on its own.
This deepest-deep green hue can be used in a variety of different exterior color schemes. The most classic is off-white with Charleston Green shutters and doors. Green shutters can compliment a lighter green home, a yellow home, or even a pink one.
If you'd like to add a touch of black-tie class, but don't want to darken your overall palette, try painting just the front door, or brushing the window sashes with Charleston Green while the casing remains white. Some homes paint only their front steps in the color. Window boxes are a nice place to add a deep green to bring out the green leaves and flowers and provide a visual anchor to the shape of the windows. Think of them as the strong brows on the face of your home.
You can also pull the color inside by using it on an interior staircase or in a study. Give a high-style makeover to a small half bath with a stunning high gloss enamel finish or treat a mantle to a stroke of dark green.
While the color chip is readily available from Historic Charleston Foundation's collection at your nearest Sherwin-Williams, you could also mix your own using a local recipe:
DIY: Charleston Green Recipe
10 ounces black paint
4 ounces green paint
½ ounce yellow paint
Now that you know what to look for, the next time you're walking South of Broad , you'll more easily spot the difference between a true black hue and the trademark tint that we call Charleston Green.
Looking for something different? See below for current listings downtown Charleston!
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30 Society Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Ansonborough
Residential
MLS# 25016899 / Active Contingent
T.his classic historic structure is one block from The Union Pier development. There is an additional cottage in the rear. As you walk into the hou...
173 Coming Street UNIT B
Charleston, SC 29403
Residential
MLS# 25016851 / Active
Stunning Fully Renovated Downtown Charleston Home with Rooftop ViewsExperience luxury living in the heart of historic Charleston at this completely...
33 Lockwood Drive UNIT Lu105
Charleston, SC 29401
The Harborage At Ashley Marina
Residential
MLS# 25016839 / Active
If you've been searching for the ideal boat slip that makes getting out on the water fast and convenient, this 45x15 slip at Harborage at Ashley Ma...
10 Trapman Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
MLS# 25016800 / Active
Located just off historic Broad Street on the coveted Peninsula, this charming duplex unit A & B offers both exceptional location and strong rental...
4 Line Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Residential
MLS# 25016784 / Active
!!ASSUMABLE LOAN @ 2.25%!! Discover the perfect blend of modern design and Charleston charm in this fully updated home, ideally located in downtown...
330 Concord Street UNIT 12c
Charleston, SC 29401
Dockside
Residential
MLS# 25016734 / Active
2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1219 sq ft condo at Dockside. Buyer to do their own Due Diligence on Dockside's Building Assessment and Issues With the Stru...
4 Beaufain Street UNIT #207
Charleston, SC 29401
Downtown
Residential
MLS# 25016680 / Active
This stylish chic downtown Charleston condo is located in the heart of the King Street shopping district. This sought after location allows you to ...
1 King Street UNIT 209 & 210
Charleston, SC 29401
Fort Sumter House
Residential
MLS# 25016406 / Active
Welcome to luxury living at one of Charleston's most iconic addresses. This rare double residence in the historic Fort Sumter House boasts breathta...
295 King Street UNIT B-2
Charleston, SC 29401
Downtown
Residential
MLS# 25016252 / Active
Amazing location and opportunity! Welcome to this charming and centrally located condo in the heart of historic Charleston. This unit provides walk...
49 Ashley Avenue
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
MLS# 25016099 / Active
This stunning, fully renovated historic home with modern amenities boasts expansive views of Colonial Lake, which is located across the street, whi...
65 Vanderhorst Street UNIT C
Charleston, SC 29403
Radcliffeborough
Residential
MLS# 25016157 / Active
Welcome to your cozy urban retreat! This delightful ground level condo is nestled in the vibrant heart of the city, just a stone's throw away from ...
128 Queen Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
MLS# 25016034 / Active Contingent
Welcome to 128 Queen Street in Charlestowne Court, the largest residence in this coveted townhome community - perfectly situated in the heart of Ha...
55 E Bay Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
MLS# 25016001 / Active
This stunning c. 1785 four-story masonry home has been carefully preserved, exhibiting significant historical integrity. It has undergone a meticul...
29 Hanover Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Eastside
Residential
MLS# 25015990 / Active
Modern Design Meets Charleston Charm in the Heart of the EastsideLocated in Charleston's vibrant and up-and-coming Eastside neighborhood, this 2017...
11 America Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Residential
MLS# 25016057 / Active
Welcome to 11 America Street--a standout investment opportunity in the heart of Downtown Charleston's Eastside neighborhood. This 4-bedroom, 2-bath...
330 Concord Street UNIT 8e
Charleston, SC 29401
Dockside
Residential
MLS# 25015829 / Active Contingent
2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1237 sq ft condo at Dockside. Buyer to do their own Due Diligence on Dockside's Building Assessment and Issues With the Stru...
259 E Bay Street UNIT 7c
Charleston, SC 29401
Ansonborough
Residential
MLS# 25015684 / Active
Welcome to easy, low-maintenance living in the heart of historic Charleston. Located in the secure and desirable Lord Anson Arms, this top-floor on...
22 Ogier Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Radcliffeborough
Residential
MLS# 25015626 / Active
Incredible Opportunity in the Heart of Downtown Charleston!Just steps from MUSC, 22 Ogier Street offers an unbeatable combination of location, comf...
8 & 8 1/2 Elliott Street UNIT 8 & 8 1/2
Charleston, SC 29401
City Of Charleston
Residential
MLS# 25015577 / Active Contingent
Number Eight Elliott Street is a splendid, mindfully renovated, late 18th Century masonry building located within the boundaries of the Old Walled ...
338 King Street UNIT C
Charleston, SC 29401
Downtown
Residential
MLS# 25015386 / Pending
Prime Downtown Charleston Living at 338 King StreetExperience the charm and convenience of downtown Charleston from this unbeatable location in the...
8 Pitt Street UNIT A
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
MLS# 25015336 / Active Contingent
Ideally situated in the heart of downtown Charleston, just steps from the College of Charleston and within easy walking distance to MUSC, Colonial ...
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