Known for its calming yet uplifting qualities, teal has become a popular accent color for modern interior design. This rich blue-green hue combines the soothing properties of blue with the renewal of green. Teal can bring feelings of clarity, harmony and tranquility to any space when used thoughtfully.
But what colors actually look good with teal? With its versatility, teal can work with a wide range of colors from warm neutrals to bold brights. The key is finding shades that complement teal’s complex undertones. By understanding basic color theory principles and complementary colors, you can choose palettes that make teal shine. Read on for expert tips on pairing colors with teal for a pulled-together look.
Try Vibrant Orange for Striking Contrast
On the color wheel, orange is directly opposite teal making it an ideal complementary pairing. By selecting rich orange hues, you can create an energetic vibe that’s perfect for social spaces. The bold contrast of orange and teal makes both colors pop.
For rooms with teal accents, add pops of terra cotta, peach or coral on pillows and decorative objects. In kitchens, display vibrant oranges in flower arrangements, serveware or fruit bowls. For dining rooms, use paprika or melon-colored linens to liven up teal dishes or upholstery. The pairing is fresh, lively and modern.
Soft Pink Offsets Teal’s Cool Tones
While vibrant orange offers the most contrast, softer pinks can provide balance by toning down teal’s cooler undertones. Shades like blush, salmon and rose create a soothing yet uplifting palette. The feminine colors also lend themselves well to bedrooms and bathrooms.
Try pairing teal walls with rosy bedding and decor accents. In bathrooms, add touches of pink towels, wall art and flowers against teal tilework. The colors complement each other beautifully while keeping the mood relaxed and peaceful.
Shift to Coral for a Beachy Look
Move pink slightly towards orange and you have coral – another versatile pairing for teal. Dusty coral adds energy while melon coral offers a beachy pop of color. Use teal and coral together to create a laidback coastal or tropical vibe.
Paint a powder room in teal tones, then accessorize with coral shells, starfish and accent tiles. For bedrooms, pair teal headboards with coral sheets and decorative pillows. Or echo teal dining chairs and coral placemats on a wood table. The possibilities are endless with this fun summery pairing.
Try Classic Blue for Anchoring Contrast
If pink feels too soft, shift to the other side of the color wheel for bold blue. Navy, cobalt and royal blue all make striking partners for teal while creating a soothing look. These classic blues act as grounding neutral backgrounds that allow teal accents to shine.
Use navy dining chairs around a teal table or paint a sitting room navy and then layer in teal details. The colors are cohesive enough to use together but contrasting enough to avoid feeling matchy. For bedrooms, try teal headboards against deeper blue walls or bedding.
Play Up Teal’s Green Tones with Aqua
Move blue towards green and you’ll find aqua – a perfect partner for teal. Lighter aqua blues complement teal’s green undertones, allowing you to create a seamless look. The analogous colors are subtle yet refreshing.
Use teal and aqua together through accent walls, tilework, curtains or upholstery. In bathrooms, pair aqua sinks and mirrors with teal walls or cabinetry. Or paint kitchen cabinets teal and display turquoise glassware and serving ware. The colors blend beautifully for an invigorating look.
Shift to Celadon Green for Variation
Certain shades of green can also complement teal nicely. Focus on sea greens like celadon that have blue undertones. Avoid greens with yellow tones like emerald that will compete with teal.
Celadon offers natural variation while still keeping things fresh and light. Use it on larger pieces like sofas and loveseats, then layer in teal pillows and throws. Or paint rooms in teal tones and add celadon vases, plants and artwork. The colors keep the mood tranquil without matching exactly.
Ground Teal with Classic Black and White
No color palette would be complete without classic black and white – two neutrals that complement almost anything. Paired with teal, black and white add stylish contrast while allowing the teal to take center stage.
Try bold black dining chairs around a glossy teal table or accent teal sofa pillows atop a white sofa. In bedrooms, keep walls white and bedding black to allow teal artwork or accents to pop. Use this trio to create a clean and sophisticated look.
Add Refinement with Chic Gray Tones
For a slightly softer but still elegant take, trade stark black and white for refined gray. Mixing teal with gray creates a mood that’s both soothing and chic. Gray beautifully allows teal accents to shine.
In living rooms, pair dove gray sectionals with teal pillows and ceramic garden stools. In bedrooms, hang teal artwork on smokey gray walls or display teal bedding atop a gray linen headboard. And in bathrooms, accent teal tiles with gray grout and fixtures.
Warm Things Up with Creamy Off-Whites
Trade bright white for warmer off-whites like cream, eggshell or linen when you want to soften teal’s cool tones. These shades add subtle warmth while still allowing teal to pop.
Use cream bedding to balance teal accent walls in bedrooms or upholster dining chairs in cream and pair with glossy teal tables. Off-whites like oatmeal also make beautiful backdrops for teal art, pillows or rugs. The colors complement each other perfectly.
Add Sophistication with Metallic Accents
Few things add interest faster than metallics. Polished metals like silver, gold and copper beautifully complement teal while upping the glam factor. Try combining teal with metallic touches for rooms with flair.
In living spaces, accent teal sofas with gold, silver or copper throw pillows. Paint a powder room bold teal, then add metal faucets, sconces and mirrors. Or pair a teal dining table with glimmering copper chairs. Metallics make simple teal backdrops shine.
Warm Things Up with Rose Gold and Bronze
For a warmer metallic pairing, opt for shades like rose gold, bronze and brass. These metals pick up on teal’s golden undertones for a more cohesive effect than stark silver or gold.
In bedrooms, consider rose gold frames on teal walls or bronze lamps beside teal nightstands. In living rooms, try bronze coffee tables and side tables with teal sofa pillows. Or for dining rooms, pair brass candlesticks and flatware with teal place settings.
Consider Lighting and Texture When Designing
When using teal in interior rooms, also consider factors like lighting and texture. Teal can shift in tone based on the light source. In darker spaces, it may take on a deeper jewel-tone effect while brighter rooms lend a greenish sea glass look.
Texture also affects how teal is perceived. Pair shiny lacquered teal furniture with nubby textiles to add visual interest. Or mix smooth teal ceramic pieces with woven accents. Contrasting textures add depth and dimension.
Add Warmth with Wood Tones
Natural wood finishes can help balance teal’s cool tones in a space. Maple, oak, walnut and mahogany all bring warmth while complementing teal’s greenish undertones.
Try wood end tables next to a teal sofa or a wood headboard in a bedroom with teal walls. Use wood dining tables paired with teal upholstered chairs or teal ceramic tableware. Distressed wood brings a touch of earthiness.
Use Large Scale Neutrals as Backdrops
When using a bold color like teal as an accent, keep backgrounds neutral. Large-scale elements like sofas, sectionals, beds and durable rugs or wall-to-wall carpet should remain in creams, whites, grays or black.
This allows teal accents to really stand out without feeling overwhelming. Too much teal can feel energizing but also chaotic. Use it thoughtfully in key accent pieces instead of going overboard.
teal can lend a relaxing look to any space. Here are some final tips for decorating with this rich and versatile hue:
- Use teal as accent pieces like throw pillows, rugs and decorative objects rather than painting entire rooms.
- Pair with warm metallics like bronze and brass to pick up on teal’s golden undertones.
- Add pops of orange, yellow or pink for contrast in tableware and floral arrangements.
- Stick to soft greens like celadon rather than competing emerald tones.
- Incorporate natural textures like wood, linen and cotton to warm up the space.
- Keep backgrounds neutral to allow teal accents to stand out.
- Mix in glossy lacquered teal pieces alongside matte ceramics for visual interest.
teal can lend a relaxing look to any space. Don’t be afraid to mix and match shades to find what works best for your own personal style. Teal is a versatile accent hue that pairs beautifully with both warm and cool palettes.
