What Color is Teal and How Can You Use It

Teal, for all intents and purposes, is a deep blue-green color, similar to cyan but darker. Some use the terms “turquoise” and “teal” interchangeably, and while this can sometimes be true, it’s not always accurate.

From bold and bright to soft and subtle teal can be found in all styles of home décor. It’s certainly a popular hue but before we dive into all the variations and how to incorporate them into your home décor, it’s good to understand more about this color because it can help you decide how and when to use it in your interiors.

Teal at its brightest, with plenty of yellow mixed in, is indeed turquoise, but there are other tones and shades of teal that make it quite a separate color.

In this article, we’ll take a look at several different shades of teal, the color’s overall personality, and how it can be used effectively in gorgeous home design, regardless of style.

What is The Teal Color?

Essentially, teal is a deep blue-green color, also called a cyan green. Some people use the terms “turquoise” and “teal” interchangeably, but that’s not always an accurate description. Think of how all squares are rectangles, but not all rectangles are squares – this is a similar concept.

According to University Art, teal is a darker shade of cyan, which is one of the four colors of inks used in printing. It is also one of the original group of 16 web colors defined in HTML in 1987. Similar to aqua, teal mixes green and blue, but it has a lower saturation that makes it easier on the eyes. Even within teal there are different shades, and, actually, two different types of teal.

Teal blue is a medium tone that contains more blue and this color has been around since about 1927. Teal was a very popular and commonly used color in the 1950s and 1960s.
Teal green is a darker shade of teal that contains more green. Teal green can vary but usually it’s a dark bluish green that is green, darker, and stronger than pine tree green colors.

Are Teal and Turquoise the Same?

The bottom line on this question is…not really.

Turquoise is a shade of blue, and while it is indeed found on the color scale between blue and green, it is still considered a blue hue.
Teal is a blue-green color that can be anywhere from medium to deep. It is made combining blue and green pigments along with possible other colors, usually white

Where Did the Name Teal Come From?

The name “teal” originates from the name of a bird. A member of the duck family, the Eurasian teal bird has eyes that are ringed with this bright color, hence the origin of the name.

Does the Color Teal Have Special Meaning?

The softer version of the color are calm and have “a natural dignity that is not contrived or “in your face.”’
Brighter tones are considered to be unique and smart. The mood you get with teal is revitalizing is felt to also represent open communication and clarity of thought.
Tibetan monks consider the teal color to be a symbol of the infinity of the sea and sky. On the other hand, Egyptians thing it represents truth and faith.

What Personality is Associated With the Teal Color?

Color psychology tells us that teal is a somewhat unconventional color, and that people who like teal appreciate things that are a little different. Teal lovers like being unique and don’t look to fit in with the crowd. There are a number of other characteristics associated with people who like the color teal. The tend to be:

cautious, not impulsive and don’t take unnecessary risks.
open-minded and don’t judge too quickly.
likely to have creative or artistic traits.
reliable and independent individuals.
even-tempered and thoughtful.
possibly pretentious.
guilty of overthinking things.

Colors that Go Well With Teal

Teal is a soothing shade that the IDI says combines the two favorite colors of Americans. It evokes thoughts of tropical lagoons and dense jungles. The color can be found lots of places in nature, from oceans to peacock feathers. Of course you might have some questions about combining teal with other colors in your décor.

Beige paired with teal makes a comfortable combination. This neutral shade pairs well because it is a warm tone that offsets the coolness of teal very nicely.
Black is an ideal match when you want drama in decor. When done right, the look is also elegant, but keep in mind not to make the space too dark.
Brown might seem like an unlikely match but it’s quite warm and is an ideal partner for softer shades of teal, especially teal blue.
Cream goes with everything but pairing it with teal makes a very elegant color scheme. It’s a soft neutral that will let your favorite cyan hue take center stage.
Gold is a sophisticated color partner for teal. The combination is luxurious and ideal for mixing with other neutrals.
Gray paired with teal will make the color pop. It’s a cool neutral that pairs nicely and maintains the cool feeling, unless you opt for a warmer greige color.
Pink is a bold pairing for a really colorful space. Bright pinks create a big statement while softer pinks, especially those that trend toward a coral pink, are more traditional.
White is a natural pairing and puts the teal on show. It is ideal, especially for modern spaces and can be a good palette for a kitchen with some pop.
Yellow and teal can really make a space look bold. A range of yellow hues can work depending on the shade of teal, so try out anything from mustard to chartreuse.
Burnt orange is a great seasonal partner for teal, but also for any time. Mixing in some softer related shades like peach or earthier versions can expand the range of looks.

Teal Color Interior Design Accents

SHADES OF TEAL

Light Teal Blue

In its bold, vibrant state, teal absolutely pops when paired with bright white. (Think: whitecaps on the ocean waves.) Its complementary color, or color wheel match, is coral. Light teal blue leans toward the cooler end of the spectrum and works well to create a soft, relaxing space with plenty of positive chi and energy.

Steel Teal

Steel teal is a cooler version of teal with plenty of grey undertones. With its close proximity to the neutral of choice (grey), steel teal is used in many contemporary designs, in a variety of ways. It radiates more of the tranquility of blue but is supported by the growth that comes with the color green. Use it in décor and design in those settings where serenity is desired.

Simple Teal Color

Teal lives in the color scale range somewhere between green and blue. True teal actually has mostly peaceful blue with a small amount of yellow (which increases the final color’s uplifting energetic effects.) It’s reminiscent of natural waters, and this is particularly prevalent on teal-tinted glass objects. It’s almost like being on a coastal vacation, but in your living room! Almost.

Teal Blue

Teal blue trends even further toward the cooler end of the green-blue spectrum, but we’re still keeping clear of the deeper shades, so vibes of energy and youthfulness are apparent. Interestingly, teal blue is believed to aid in concentration and clear thinking because it calms the nervous system and helps to control speech and expression. Not a bad color choice for a home office or study area.

Dark Teal Green

Now we’re hitting in the deeper, moodier versions of teal. This dark teal green, for example, is studious and dramatic. When we’re stressed or tired, this color seems to shoulder the burden and buoy up our spirits. Its effect is instantaneously calming and gently invigorating, but be sure to use it in appropriate doses, such as in large amounts only with plenty of natural light.

Dark Teal Blue

Dark teal blue looks absolutely stunning when paired with or against golds, such as lighting fixtures or gold frames. Creativity and sensitivity simply ooze from such a sophisticated yet-approachable combination. It’s no surprise, really, with such aesthetic effects in its arsenal, that teal is a color of multi-tasking.

HOW TO USE TEAL IN HOME DECOR

Now that we’ve looked at a variety of teal shades and tones, let’s look at the color overall and how it’s used in home décor to make its mark. As with all colors, this blue-green mix can combine with white to become tinted or mixed with grey to become toned. In its deepest shades, teal is muted and looks almost like green slate.

Remember how teal is sometimes interchangeable with turquoise? This is certainly the case when teal is at its brightest. In this instance, it has a vibrant yellow tone and absolutely pops. A vivid color like this looks well with classic black and white, among others.

Deep shades of teal are associated with the controlling and healing of emotions, perhaps because there’s stability in such a somber color tone. However, its vibrant parentage provides balance to the sobriety, making teal, even in its deepest forms, a comforting color.

Let’s look at the inherent qualities of the colors that make up teal for a minute. Blue, as we’ve discussed, is soothing. Yellow is energetic. Green is growing. Those three color effects might seem to be somewhat at odds with each other, but their combination actually creates the most radiant and down-to-earth color. Teal speaks to the heart and the eye. It’s able to be friendly and happy and enjoyable…without being too silly.

With all its outward reflections, teal can also demand the spotlight in a most self-centered manner. This is what makes it a fantastic color choice in a room with a staid, classic, and/or “mature” color palette. It infuses the space with a bit of fun and is a visual highlight.

Grey tones of teal, such as steel teal, work well in speckled, mosaic combinations with plenty of white and light neutrals. It, too, can benefit from a bit of energetic citrus infusion, as seen by this small yet important lime stripe.

Teal is actually quite a versatile color, depending on the form you choose to use in your home décor. It works particularly well with other neutrals, such as cream/ivory, navy, and gold/grown tones. Put them all together, and you’ve got a chic aesthetic with plenty of personality.

Teal is considered an excellent color choice to include in your everyday surroundings because it can help with the development of organizational and management skills. Therefore, I’m thinking of painting the inside of my junk drawer in teal and leaving it for a week to see what happens. I have high hopes.

Teal, like turquoise, can be empathetic and caring. It has been called the “color of the evolved soul”. Even so, those of us who have still-evolving souls can enjoy the serenity and structure of the color on a comfortable piece of furniture. Isn’t this corner nook, with the stuffed teal armchair, brass reading lamp, and charcoal papered walls, absolutely irresistible?

One of the most attractive characteristics of teal is its versatility – it is a classic color that works well with nearly any style. You can have a memorable eclectic space with teal or a traditional or modern one. This versatility probably stems from the fact that teal can be either aesthetically loud or a visually muted, depending on how it’s used.

As is the case with most colors, too much of one color can drive you a bit crazy. Teal is no exception. Too much teal in your space or life can overstimulate your brain and senses, creating mental, emotional, and physical imbalance. Be sure to pair it with other appropriate colors to maximize its healthy, beautiful potential.

While too much teal can be overbearing or overstimulating, let’s look at what the opposite effect could be. Too little teal around you could result in a feeling of apathy or non-emotion. This is no way to live. I recommend the antidote of a flying-fish-over-teal-ocean-waves sofa.

Teal is a great color to use to break up a decorating rut or design stand-still. It’s a color that generally appears cool, calm, and collected, creating structure and intention in a stylish space.

FAQ

What Color is Teal?

Essentially, teal is a deep blue-green color, also called a cyan green. There are two types of teal. Teal blue is a medium tone that contains more blue. Teal green is a darker shade of teal that contains more green.

Are Teal and Turquoise the Same?

Not really. Turquoise is a shade of blue whereas teal is a blue-green color that can be anywhere from medium to deep. It is made combining blue and green pigments along with possibly other colors, usually white.

How Did Teal Get Its Name?

Teal gets its name from a bird in the duck family, whose eyes are ringed with this color.

Who Likes Teal?

Does the Color Teal Have Special Meaning?

The Interior Designers Institute (IDI) says that the psychology of teal is unique because it mixes the tranquil stability associated with blue colors into the optimism and healing properties of green hues. Softer versions are calm and have “a natural dignity that is not contrived or ‘in your face.”’ Brighter tones are considered to be unique and smart.

What Colors Go Well With Teal?

Teal pairs well with many colors, some you might not expect. Prime partners include beige, black, brown , cream, gold, gray, pink, white, yellow and burnt orange.

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