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Written by Edan Ray and Alexa LoSchiavo. Graphic by Linnea Sheneman.
Savannah, Georgia might as well be a breathing postcard with its infamous cobblestone and brick streets, Victorian-themed neighborhoods, Spanish moss and large oak trees. But this southern gem has one thing, other than its haunted history, that people talk about all the time: its colorful doors. From bright red to seafoam green, every door attached to these homes isn’t just for show, they also have cultural and historical significance. As we guide you on a tour of Savannah, pausing at various doors along the way, we can only speculate about their possible meanings. However, we’ll share everything we know about these intriguing doors—their stories, symbolism and the hidden meanings they might reveal—inviting you to stop, look closer and discover the charm they add to this enchanting city. Grab your walking shoes (and maybe your camera), because we’re opening the door to Savannah’s colorful past, one shade at a time.
The first, and arguably most striking, colorful doors are the red doors you’ll see sprinkled in among the brick brownstones that pepper the streets. There are many historical, cultural and spiritual meanings for painting a door red. Historically, red doors marked safehouses for underground railroads. Beyond history, the color red holds deep significance in feng shui, symbolizing good fortune, protection, warmth and hospitality.
In modernism and practicality, red doors show that a house has been paid off and is fully owned by the owner. One potential example of this is the home with the red door at 333 Whitaker Street. This door was painted a normal green color but is now fully owned by a couple. It was painted red potentially to celebrate that. As you walk to your local coffee shop or just down the street, take note of the houses painted in red and the symbolic celebration it brings that these houses were paid off and owned.
The next door which stands out on the streets of Savannah are blue doors. Historically, Savannah is known as the most haunted city in America, and this fact alone may have something to do with the blue doors that are peppered around the streets. Blue doors have a tradition of warding off spirits because they symbolize water leaving the ghosts unable to cross the threshold into someone’s house. There are many blue doors that color the streets of Savannah, notably many near graveyards, suggesting that these doors have a cultural significance, painted to keep the home safe from any spirits lurking. Another reason the doors could be painted blue is because of the laws of feng shui, a blue door welcoming prosperity, abundance and divine protection.
While the last two doors don’t have much historical significance tied to them, the culture of Savannah digs deep with color. Seafoam green doors are said to have multiple meanings. One is “wealth and prosperity.” Another meaning is that they can symbolize someone having a fresh start, while also showcasing that they have a welcoming home. In Savannah, where charm and individuality are celebrated, door colors can also often reflect the personalities or aspirations of the homeowners. It evokes a sense of calm and serenity, tying in with the coastal influences of the region, while also representing hope and new beginnings. This thoughtful use of color makes walking through Savannah’s neighborhoods an artistic and symbolic experience.
And finally, purple doors, while usually representing royalty and wealth, can also mean creativity and imagination. In a city known for its artistic spirit and vibrant personality, a purple door feels like a natural fit. A door could also be painted purple to invite prosperity and good fortune to the people living inside, serving as both a bold design choice and a hopeful symbol. Standing out as a statement piece, purple doors convey individuality and openness, often signaling that all are welcome regardless of background. This welcoming gesture reflects the Southern tradition of hospitality, where homes are seen as places of warmth and connection. In Savannah, a purple door doesn’t just make an aesthetic statement—it contributes to the city’s reputation as a place where creativity, inclusivity and charm thrive.
The colorful doors of Savannah, Georgia, are iconic features of this charming town, and uncovering the stories and meanings behind their hues adds another layer to the rich history and culture that envelops it. There’s something truly special about the tradition of painting a home’s entryway—a small yet meaningful act of creativity and care that reflects the pride Savannah’s residents take in preserving their homes. As you stroll past these vibrant doors, may you find yourself thinking of the thoughtful reasons behind their colors and the simple yet profound joy of nurturing a home to call your own.