Teal and brown are both neutral earth tones that can work well together in the right context. However, they don’t automatically pair well simply because they are both neutrals. Careful consideration of undertones and contrast levels is needed to make teal and brown look cohesive.
As a general rule, more muted, dusty shades of teal work better with brown than brighter, jewel-toned teals do. Soft taupes and coffee browns tend to create a more harmonious color pairing than deep chocolates when mixed with teal. Ultimately, the hues chosen within the teal and brown color families, along with the textures and patterns they are paired in, determine how successfully these two colors can be combined in a cohesive palette.
The Undertones of Teal and Brown
To understand if teal and brown pair well, it helps to look at the undertones of each color.
Teal
– Teal is a blue-green color that sits between green and blue on the color wheel.
– It has a cool, blue undertone but also contains some warmth from its yellow-green tint.
– The amount of blue vs green in a teal shade impacts how warm or cool it appears.
Some types of teal undertones include:
– Blue-leaning teals with a stronger blue undertone. Their cooler hue makes them easier to pair with brown.
– Green-leaning teals with more yellow-green. Their warmth can sometimes clash with brown’s cool undertone.
– Muted, gray-based teals. Their neutrality allows flexibility in pairing with browns.
Brown
– Brown is a tertiary color made by combining red, yellow, and black.
– It can take on warm reddish undertones or cooler, grayer undertones.
– The warmth or coolness of a brown impacts its pairing with teal.
Some brown undertones include:
– Warm browns with a reddish, yellowish cast from their red and yellow pigments. They offer higher contrast against teal.
– Cool taupe browns with more gray, black, or blue mixing in. Their muted coolness can complement teal nicely.
– Neutral medium browns with a beige undertone. These are flexible pairings for most teals.
Pairing Teal and Brown Hues
With their varied undertones, not all shades of teal and brown work well together. But some hue combinations hit the sweet spot for creating a harmonious teal and brown color palette.
Some winning teal and brown hue combinations include:
– Muted teal and warm camel brown – The grayness of the teal softens the strong red undertones of the camel brown.
– Rich chocolate brown and green-leaning teal – The warmth in the teal counters the cooler cocoa undertone of the brown.
– Light tan brown and dusty blue teal – The brown’s beige coloring subdues the teal’s blue cast.
– Dark coffee brown and seafoam teal – The gentle contrast adds visual interest without clashing.
– Warm walnut brown and bright aqua teal – The lively teal energizes the brown without overwhelming it.
Some teal and brown combinations to potentially avoid include:
– Bright blue-green teal with cool taupe brown – Too much coolness, not enough contrast.
– Jewel-toned teal with reddish-brown – The strong colors compete instead of complement.
– Pale brown with muted gray teal – Insufficient contrast makes this pairing fade.
– Yellow-based teal with blackish-brown – Too severe of a contrast.
Using Textures and Patterns with Teal and Brown
Textures and patterns add visual interest to a color scheme and can help unite colors like teal and brown. Pairing teals and browns of similar glossiness or sheen helps them look continuous. Analogous textures ensure the palette feels cohesive.
Some texture/pattern ideas for teal and brown include:
– Matte teal walls with matte brown furniture
– Glossy teal tiles with glossy brown stoneware
– Organic teal cotton textiles with organic earthen brown linens
– Geometric teal patterns with abstract brown prints
– Coarse teal burlap with rough-hewn brown wood
– Sleek teal satin with polished brown leather
Decor Styles for Teal and Brown
Teal and brown work well in some decor styles more than others. Their earthiness suits casual, natural styles best. More formal designs may find the colors too heavy or informal.
Some decor styles that integrate teal and brown successfully include:
– Bohemian – Teal and brown have a relaxed, artistic vibe perfect for bohemian spaces.
– Traditional – Their neutrality suits traditional interiors when used in muted hues. Avoid bright teals.
– Eclectic – The colors pair well in eclectic rooms when balanced with other shades.
– Rustic – Natural teals and woods suit rustic cabins and farmhouses.
– Southwestern – Teal adds freshness against adobe browns in Santa Fe style.
Styles to possibly avoid include:
– Formal traditional – Jewel tones and bright accents may come across too casual.
– Minimalist – Teal and brown together can feel cluttered in sparse spaces.
– Industrial – Their coziness feels out of place amid concrete and steel.
– Mid-century – Vintage modern favors brighter primary colors over earth tones.
Rooms to Use Teal and Brown
The welcoming vibe of teal and brown makes them ideal for unwinding spaces like bedrooms and living rooms. Use them more sparingly in high-energy rooms or spaces needing a sleeker look.
Bedrooms – Teal walls with brown trim and natural textures make bedrooms feel cozy. Muted hues prevent overstimulation.
Living Rooms – Layer brown sofas and teal armchairs to create an inviting TV-watching space.
Bathrooms – Echo teal sinks, tiles, or towels with brown floor mats and accessories.
Dining Rooms – Use teal upholstered or wooden chairs around a brown dining table.
Kitchens – Add pops of teal in appliances, mugs, or utensils against brown cabinetry.
Offices – Chocolate brown desktops and teal file cabinets nicely define work zones.
Outdoor Space – Contrast teal patio furniture with timber or earthenware planters.
Using Teal and Brown in Clothing
Teal and brown can make for easy, flattering outfit combinations when paired thoughtfully. Stick to muting the brighter color and letting neutral browns anchor the look.
Some ways to wear teal and brown clothes include:
– Muted teal tops or blouses with neutral brown skirts, pants, or shorts
– Teal dresses or rompers paired with brown jackets, shoes, or handbags
– Brown trousers matched with a dusty teal sweater
– An earth toned brown shift dress accented with teal jewelry or scarf
– Brown coats or parkas with a teal sweater peeking out
Tips for wearing teal and brown:
– Make brown the foundational neutral shade and use teal in smaller accents
– Soften bright jewel-toned teal with plenty of brown
– Add patterns and prints in harmonizing earth tones like cream
– Incorporate natural textures like linen and wool to link the colors
– Anchor the pairing with metallics like gold, copper, or silver
Conclusion
Teal and brown can create a stylish, relaxing color scheme when their undertones are compatible and their hues sit in the right contrast. Combining them thoughtfully throughout a space, outfit, or design ensures they complement instead of compete with each other. Muted, earthy shades tend to pair more easily than bright jewel tones or stark neutrals. Movement, textures, and metallics help unite the colors into a cohesive palette with real design potential. With the right balance, teal and brown can offer the best of both worlds – a palette that’s simultaneously soothing and intriguing for the eyes.
