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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150 Bee Street UNIT #614
Charleston, SC 29401
Bee Street Lofts
Residential
MLS# 24023708 / Active
Experience elegance and convenience in downtown Charleston with this 6th-floor, 1-bedroom condo at the 150 Bee Street Lofts. Located in the vibrant...
22 Tradd Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
MLS# 24023533 / Active
Charming circa 1911 townhome near the South of Broad corner of desirable Tradd Street and Bedons Alley. Historic, high ground elevation, this townh...
22 Chalmers Street
Charleston, SC 29401
French Quarter
Residential
MLS# 24023383 / Active
Wonderful French Quarter location just around the corner from the Dock Street Theatre. The brick driveway leads to a charming tree shaded courtyard...
14 Atlantic Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
MLS# 24023301 / Active
Nestled on a picturesque corner lot in the South of Broad neighborhood, this three bed, two and half bath residence offers the quintessential Lowco...
115 Wentworth Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
MLS# 24023251 / Active
Construction opportunity in the heart of Harleston Village in downtown Charleston. 115 Wentworth Street is located just off of Coming Street. Previ...
54 Gibbes Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
MLS# 24023363 / Active
Nestled South of Broad on the corner of Gibbes Street and Rutledge Boulevard, this 1910's home offers modern convenience with historic charm and ch...
55 Elizabeth Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Wraggborough
Residential
MLS# 24023220 / Active
Experience the allure of history and the promise of potential in this charming 3-bedroom, 1.5 bathroom home at 55 Elizabeth Street, nestled in the ...
35 Society Street UNIT A
Charleston, SC 29401
Ansonborough
Residential
MLS# 24023077 / Active
Step into this beautifully renovated circa 1850s ground-floor condominium, where historic charm meets modern updates. This two-bedroom, one-bath un...
62 Dereef Court
Charleston, SC 29403
Morris Square
Residential
MLS# 24023079 / Active
This immaculate and recently built home is in the center of the action on the downtown Charleston peninsula! 62 Dereef Court is located adjacent to...
5 Gadsdenboro Street UNIT #502
Charleston, SC 29401
Gadsdenboro
Residential
MLS# 24022975 / Active
Parkside luxury living at The Gadsden! Residence No. 502 was meticulously designed to maximize living space within while providing stunning views o...
14 Lockwood Drive UNIT 11a
Charleston, SC 29401
Ashley House
Residential
MLS# 24022938 / Active
Come home to the unmatched views of The Ashley House, Charleston's best condo value! Across the street from the City Marina, and walking distance t...
58 Dereef Court
Charleston, SC 29403
Morris Square
Residential
MLS# 24022926 / Active
Are you looking for a newer home on the historic Charleston peninsula? 58 Dereef Court is situated in the pocket neighborhood of Morris Square, a n...
55 Barre Street UNIT B
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
MLS# 24022811 / Active
OFFERED FULLY FURNISHED. Stunning and stylishly furnished condo (in two-unit building) with sleek, high-end design in beautiful Halsey Park -- near...
Reduced -$20,000
157 Tradd Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
MLS# 24022930 / Active
This is the one to put your signature on! A beautiful South of Broad Charleston Single that retains much of the original historic fabric including ...
149 S Battery Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
MLS# 24022322 / Active
Located in the highly desirable South of Broad neighborhood, this beautifully renovated 1938 home seamlessly blends historic charm with modern luxu...
26 Line Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Residential
MLS# 24022305 / Active Contingent
**Charming Double Unit Fixer Upper in America's Favorite City! 26 Line Street, Charleston, SCOpportunity Awaits in Conde Nast's Number One City!**U...
11 Bedons Alley
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
MLS# 24022278 / Active
Welcome to 11 Bedons Alley, an exquisite Charleston retreat nestled on a serene, quiet street in the heart of town. This charming residence offers ...
3 Chisolm Street UNIT #103
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
MLS# 24022217 / Active
Welcome to 3 Chisolm, a prestigious and captivating gem nestled in the heart of Charleston's sought-after South of Broad neighborhood. Steeped in h...
Reduced -$250,000
330 Concord Street UNIT 18d
Charleston, SC 29401
Dockside
Residential
MLS# 24022789 / Active
In this exquisite residence, you are living in, and at a corner post of Charleston with extraordinary views, truly exceptional! Enjoy true luxury l...
23 Elliott Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
MLS# 24022130 / Active
Sitting along a quiet side street in the sought-after South of Broad neighborhood, 23 Elliott Street offers the charm of an 18th-century-style exte...
85 Cumberland Street UNIT P1
Charleston, SC 29401
French Quarter
Residential
MLS# 24022127 / Active
This dual-level penthouse in historic Charleston perfectly blends charm and modern comfort. With its high ceilings, walls of windows, and exposed b...
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