What is the Story Behind Charleston Green?

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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Displaying results 1-21 of 5745
7 Photos 30 Society Street Charleston, SC 29401

30 Society Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Ansonborough
Residential

MLS# 25016899 / Active Contingent
4 br, 3 ba, 1687 Sqft

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... 

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$1,549,900
Provided courtesy of RE/MAX Southern Shores
63 Photos 173 Coming Street UNIT B Charleston, SC 29403

173 Coming Street UNIT B
Charleston, SC 29403
Residential

MLS# 25016851 / Active
3 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 1449 Sqft

Stunning Fully Renovated Downtown Charleston Home with Rooftop ViewsExperience luxury living in the heart of historic Charleston at this completely... 

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$1,295,000
Provided courtesy of Hion Life Real Estate
3 Photos 33 Lockwood Drive UNIT Lu105 Charleston, SC 29401

33 Lockwood Drive UNIT Lu105
Charleston, SC 29401
The Harborage At Ashley Marina
Residential

MLS# 25016839 / Active
n/a br, n/a ba, n/a Sqft

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... 

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$120,000
Provided courtesy of Matt O'Neill Real Estate
44 Photos 10 Trapman Street Charleston, SC 29401

10 Trapman Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential

MLS# 25016800 / Active
4 br, 3 ba, 1544 Sqft

Located just off historic Broad Street on the coveted Peninsula, this charming duplex unit A & B offers both exceptional location and strong rental... 

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$975,000
Provided courtesy of SERHANT
40 Photos 4 Line Street Charleston, SC 29403

4 Line Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Residential

MLS# 25016784 / Active
3 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 1682 Sqft

!!ASSUMABLE LOAN @ 2.25%!! Discover the perfect blend of modern design and Charleston charm in this fully updated home, ideally located in downtown... 

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$950,000
Provided courtesy of Carolina Elite Real Estate
3 Photos 330 Concord Street UNIT 12c Charleston, SC 29401

330 Concord Street UNIT 12c
Charleston, SC 29401
Dockside
Residential

MLS# 25016734 / Active
2 br, 2 ba, 1219 Sqft

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... 

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$200,000
Provided courtesy of Carolina One Real Estate
64 Photos 4 Beaufain Street UNIT #207 Charleston, SC 29401

4 Beaufain Street UNIT #207
Charleston, SC 29401
Downtown
Residential

MLS# 25016680 / Active
2 br, 2 ba, 1236 Sqft

This stylish chic downtown Charleston condo is located in the heart of the King Street shopping district. This sought after location allows you to ... 

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$869,000
Provided courtesy of Coastal Connections Real Estate
75 Photos 1 King Street UNIT 209 & 210 Charleston, SC 29401

1 King Street UNIT 209 & 210
Charleston, SC 29401
Fort Sumter House
Residential

MLS# 25016406 / Active
3 br, 3 ba, 1869 Sqft

Welcome to luxury living at one of Charleston's most iconic addresses. This rare double residence in the historic Fort Sumter House boasts breathta... 

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$1,875,000
Provided courtesy of Coastal Kate Real Estate LLC
1 Photos 295 King Street UNIT B-2 Charleston, SC 29401

295 King Street UNIT B-2
Charleston, SC 29401
Downtown
Residential

MLS# 25016252 / Active
2 br, 1 ba, 1 Half Bath, 904 Sqft

Amazing location and opportunity! Welcome to this charming and centrally located condo in the heart of historic Charleston. This unit provides walk... 

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$530,000
Provided courtesy of Carolina One Real Estate
70 Photos 49 Ashley Avenue Charleston, SC 29401

49 Ashley Avenue
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential

MLS# 25016099 / Active
3 br, 3 ba, 1 Half Bath, 2620 Sqft

This stunning, fully renovated historic home with modern amenities boasts expansive views of Colonial Lake, which is located across the street, whi... 

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$3,299,000
Provided courtesy of The Boulevard Company
11 Photos 65 Vanderhorst Street UNIT C Charleston, SC 29403

65 Vanderhorst Street UNIT C
Charleston, SC 29403
Radcliffeborough
Residential

MLS# 25016157 / Active
1 br, 1 ba, 530 Sqft

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 ... 

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$359,000
Provided courtesy of EXP Realty LLC
3 Photos 128 Queen Street Charleston, SC 29401

128 Queen Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential

MLS# 25016034 / Active Contingent
4 br, 3 ba, 1 Half Bath, 2815 Sqft

Welcome to 128 Queen Street in Charlestowne Court, the largest residence in this coveted townhome community - perfectly situated in the heart of Ha... 

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$1,850,000
Provided courtesy of William Means Real Estate, LLC
75 Photos 55 E Bay Street Charleston, SC 29401

55 E Bay Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential

MLS# 25016001 / Active
5 br, 5 ba, 1 Half Bath, 7343 Sqft

This stunning c. 1785 four-story masonry home has been carefully preserved, exhibiting significant historical integrity. It has undergone a meticul... 

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$9,600,000
Provided courtesy of The Boulevard Company
38 Photos 29 Hanover Street Charleston, SC 29403

29 Hanover Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Eastside
Residential

MLS# 25015990 / Active
4 br, 4 ba, 1700 Sqft

Modern Design Meets Charleston Charm in the Heart of the EastsideLocated in Charleston's vibrant and up-and-coming Eastside neighborhood, this 2017... 

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$995,000
Provided courtesy of Lifestyle Real Estate
27 Photos 11 America Street Charleston, SC 29403

11 America Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Residential

MLS# 25016057 / Active
4 br, 2 ba, 1428 Sqft

Welcome to 11 America Street--a standout investment opportunity in the heart of Downtown Charleston's Eastside neighborhood. This 4-bedroom, 2-bath... 

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$614,000
Provided courtesy of Dunes Properties of Chas Inc
21 Photos 330 Concord Street UNIT 8e Charleston, SC 29401

330 Concord Street UNIT 8e
Charleston, SC 29401
Dockside
Residential

MLS# 25015829 / Active Contingent
2 br, 2 ba, 1237 Sqft

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... 

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$145,000
Provided courtesy of Carolina One Real Estate
53 Photos 259 E Bay Street UNIT 7c Charleston, SC 29401

259 E Bay Street UNIT 7c
Charleston, SC 29401
Ansonborough
Residential

MLS# 25015684 / Active
1 br, 1 ba, 620 Sqft

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... 

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$425,000
Provided courtesy of Keller Williams Key
31 Photos 22 Ogier Street Charleston, SC 29403

22 Ogier Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Radcliffeborough
Residential

MLS# 25015626 / Active
2 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 950 Sqft

Incredible Opportunity in the Heart of Downtown Charleston!Just steps from MUSC, 22 Ogier Street offers an unbeatable combination of location, comf... 

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$539,000
Provided courtesy of Keller Williams Realty Charleston
50 Photos 8 & 8 1/2 Elliott Street UNIT 8 & 8 1/2 Charleston, SC 29401

8 & 8 1/2 Elliott Street UNIT 8 & 8 1/2
Charleston, SC 29401
City Of Charleston
Residential

MLS# 25015577 / Active Contingent
3 br, 3 ba, 1 Half Bath, 3187 Sqft

Number Eight Elliott Street is a splendid, mindfully renovated, late 18th Century masonry building located within the boundaries of the Old Walled ... 

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$2,500,000
Provided courtesy of Carolina One Real Estate
30 Photos 338 King Street UNIT C Charleston, SC 29401

338 King Street UNIT C
Charleston, SC 29401
Downtown
Residential

MLS# 25015386 / Pending
1 br, 1 ba, 370 Sqft

Prime Downtown Charleston Living at 338 King StreetExperience the charm and convenience of downtown Charleston from this unbeatable location in the... 

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$380,000
Provided courtesy of Carolina One Real Estate
37 Photos 8 Pitt Street UNIT A Charleston, SC 29401

8 Pitt Street UNIT A
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential

MLS# 25015336 / Active Contingent
2 br, 2 ba, 1184 Sqft

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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$975,000
Provided courtesy of The Exchange Company, LLC
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Broker Reciprocity The data relating to real estate for sale on this web site comes in part from the Broker ReciprocitySM Program of the Charleston Trident Multiple Listing Service. Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Marshall Walker Real Estate are marked with the Broker ReciprocitySM logo or the Broker ReciprocitySM thumbnail logo (a little black house) and detailed information about them includes the name of the listing brokers. Last updated on 06-18-2025 4:32 PM EST . The broker providing these data believes them to be correct, but advises interested parties to confirm them before relying on them in a purchase decision. Copyright 2025 Charleston Trident Multiple Listing Service, Inc. All rights reserved.
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