What is the Story Behind Charleston Green? - Page 164
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!
Modify Search Criteria
33 Lockwood Drive UNIT H-25
Charleston, SC 29401
The Harborage At Ashley Marina
Residential
Slip H-25 55ft X 18ft Located on the T-Head of D-Dock Very accessibly within the marina with easy boat handling. Ashley Marina is located near the ...
33 Lockwood Drive UNIT G-4
Charleston, SC 29401
The Harborage At Ashley Marina
Residential
Slip G-4 50ft X 18ft Very accessibly within the marina with easy boat handling. Ashley Marina is located near the Historic District in downtown Cha...
14 Limehouse Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
Come explore this classic Charleston Single house on one of the quaintest streets South of Broad. Immediately entering the first floor piazza you w...
85 Cumberland Street UNIT #14
Charleston, SC 29401
French Quarter
Residential
Modern meets historic at 85 Cumberland Street, Unit 14, in Charleston's French Quarter. This one-bedroom pied-a-terre in the historic Market's Gate...
1 Motley Lane
Charleston, SC 29401
Ansonborough
Residential
Historic Gem!! 1850's brick carriage house, tucked away on quiet lane in the beautiful Ansborough neighborhood. The house is nestled behind a priv...
83 Smith Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
Great renovated property 2 blocks from MUSC/Roper. Recently completed renovation. Extremely open and very livable floor plan compared to houses of ...
109 East Bay Street UNIT 1d
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
Printers Row historic residence south of Broad combining sophisticated features w. Charleston grace. Unit 1D, 1645sf duplex, offers open floor plan...
12 George Street UNIT 6-A
Charleston, SC 29401
Ansonborough
Residential
Unbeatable downtown location on 12 George St, this maintenance free Town Home is just what you are looking for if downtown Charleston is your cup ...
56 Ashe Street UNIT Na
Charleston, SC 29403
Elliottborough
Residential
Excellent location downtown inside crosstown 100 feet from convenience store/Line Street. Need extensive repairs/roof, etc. Seller has allowed rel...
90 East Bay Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
BEST LOCATION AND ONE OF THE LOWEST SOUTH OF BROAD PRICES, $451/SQFT Historically known as The Ancrum Wharf Building, this home has been listed as ...
41 Chapel Street UNIT A
Charleston, SC 29403
Wraggborough
Residential
Historic Charleston charm of the 1840's and efficient & modern renovations of the 2000's! This classic Charleston Single is perfectly located withi...
26 Society Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Ansonborough
Residential
Rare hidden gem in Ansonborough within walking distance to King Street shopping, restaurants, grocery store and the magnificent Gaillard Performan...
13 Short Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
Best deal in town!! Great house in a great location!! This gorgeous home has so much charm and appeal. Walk in the foyer and to the left is the sta...
11 Ascot Alley
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Green
Residential
Welcome to this meticulously renovated townhome in Harleston Green, conveniently located within walking distance to MUSC, Roper Hospital, and The C...
166 Smith Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Radcliffeborough
Residential
Big price reduction. Best buy if you want low maintenance & lots of square footage. Occupy or rent for $4200 - tenants want to renew.Regime fee i...
53 Drake Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Eastside
Residential
100% occupied quadraplex (4 units). 8Br/4Ba total, each apt is 2Br/1Ba. Located downtown Charleston just short walk to The Cigar Factory!! Hard...
18 Limehouse Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
In a prime location, South of Broad, the Hughes House, has recently been restored to perfection. All new plumbing, wiring, HVAC, appliances & much...
97 King Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
The ""Lewis Timothy House"" located South of Broad in the heart of the Historic District. Surrounded by 18th Century charm and within walking dista...
18 Broad Street UNIT #501
Charleston, SC 29401
French Quarter
Residential
One of the most coveted condos in the city, situated on the fifth floor of the People's Building, Charleston's iconic ""high rise"". Phenomenal fin...
8 Jasper Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Radcliffeborough
Residential
Beautiful, renovated Charleston Single in Radcliffeborough area of Charleston with loads of historic style and design including original fireplaces...
23 Corinne Street UNIT #4
Charleston, SC 29403
Radcliffeborough
Residential
Welcome to 23 Corinne Street, located in popular Radcliffeborough in the heart of downtown Charleston! This location offers convenience and walking...