Teal and plum are both popular shades that look great on their own, but can they be combined successfully? As an interior decorator, this is a common question I receive from clients. While not an obvious color pairing, teal and plum can actually complement each other quite nicely if done correctly. In this article, I’ll discuss the best ways to combine these colors and provide tips for decorating with this unexpected duo.
The Characteristics of Teal and Plum
First, let’s look at the defining qualities of these two shades. Teal is a blue-green color that falls between blue and green on the color wheel. It has a cool, calming effect and is often associated with water or nature. Plum is a reddish-purple that is quite elegant and refined. It’s considered a royal color that evokes luxury.
At first glance, these colors seem quite different. However, they are actually complementary colors that sit opposite each other on the color wheel. This means they inherently go well together despite appearing mismatched. Complementary colors have a high contrast that makes them stand out when combined. The eye perceives contrasting colors as vibrant and lively when placed alongside one another.
The Best Ways to Combine Teal and Plum
When using any bold color combination in design, it’s important not to go overboard. You generally want one color to take precedence, while the other acts as an accent. Here are some recommended ways to successfully pair teal and plum:
- Use plum walls with teal decor accents. The deeper plum delivers a punch on the walls, while teal makes for a crisp accent color in furniture, pillows, rugs, and other decor elements.
- Go for a plum sofa or chairs with teal accents. The rich plum provides a foundation while teal pillows, blankets, and other accents pop against the plum.
- Choose plum dining chairs around a teal table. The plum chairs frame the table nicely without overwhelming the space.
- Incorporate teal and plum art pieces. Hang plum artwork on teal walls or combine both colors in your art and decor for a layered look.
- Add plum flower arrangements to a teal vase. The colors complement each other beautifully in floral displays.
When using teal as your accent color, aim for softer, lighter shades like teal blue or seafoam to prevent it from overpowering the deeper plum base. Charcoal or plum accents can also temper brighter teal hues if teal is your starting point.
Tips for Decorating with Teal and Plum
If you’re looking to use teal and plum in your home, keep these decorating tips in mind:
- Anchor the pairing with neutral tones. Off-whites, beiges, browns and other earth tones provide balance between the bold colors.
- Add metallics for modern flair. Rose gold, brass, and copper pair nicely with both hues.
- Incorporate natural elements. Wood furniture, rattan accents, stone surfaces, and greenery soften the colors.
- Use plum to define spaces. Plum walls or separation panels delineate spaces with style.
- Echo plum and teal throughout. Repeat both colors in different rooms for visual flow.
Layer in textures like wood, leather, velvet, linen, and jute to add depth and interest. Glass, lucite, and metal accessories also complement the colors well. Don’t be afraid to play around with plum and teal patterns and prints too!
Teal and Plum Color Palette Ideas
Here are some inspiring teal and plum color combinations to fuel your creativity:
| Color Palette | Description |
|---|---|
| Plum walls, teal and cream area rug, brass accents | Rich plum walls grounded by a SW teal and cream geometric area rug. Brass side tables and decor add shine. |
| Teal velvet sofa, plum and grey pillows | A teal velvet sofa looks elegant against grey walls. Plum and grey throw pillows tie the scheme together. |
| Seafoam kitchen island, plum bar stools | A light seafoam kitchen island pairs nicely with deep plum velvet bar stools for an inviting dining space. |
| Plum dining chairs, brass table base, teal place settings | Rich plum dining chairs surround a modern brass and glass table topped with vivid teal place settings. |
Don’t limit yourself to these examples. Have fun and get creative with unique plum and teal pairings!
Teal and Plum Room Ideas
Let’s explore some specific rooms where this color duo can really shine:
Living Room
In the living room, try a plum sofa against teal walls or vice versa. Accent with plum and teal pillows, a teal rug, and brass coffee tables. Add cream curtains and beige chairs for balance. Floating wood shelves, a stone fireplace, and potted palms complete the look.
Bedroom
Give your bedroom a royal makeover with plum walls and a teal upholstered headboard. Layer in teal and plum bedding with wood nightstands. A neutral jute rug adds texture while cream curtains soften the space. Finish with accent pillows and fresh flowers in matching hues.
Bathroom
Make a bold statement in the bathroom with plum walls and teal mosaic tile accents. Contrast with white cabinetry, brass fixtures, and natural woven blinds. Plum towels add another splash of color for a pulled-together look.
Home Office
Energize your home office with invigorating teal walls and plum desk accessories. Add a patterned teal and cream area rug, grey desk, and white built-in shelving. Top the desk with a orchid in a plum vase and include a plum desk chair for a pop of color.
Kitchen
The kitchen is another fun space to get creative with teal and plum. Try open white shelving backed by teal walls and topped with plum kitchenware. Add a plum rug, cream dining chairs, and brass light fixtures. Use teal dishes on top of the plum rug for a colorful contrast.
Entryway
Make a bold first impression with an entryway featuring a teal front door and plum wall opposite. Hang a large round mirror above a two-tone teal and cream console table. Include a couple of plum chairs, a wood coat rack, and brass umbrella stand to coordinate.
Do Teal and Plum Go Together? Conclusion
Though not an obvious pairing, the colors teal and plum can create gorgeous, sophisticated spaces when combined thoughtfully. As complementary colors on the wheel, they inherently match and their contrast adds appealing visual tension. By following the tips outlined, you can successfully decorate with this vibrant duo. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this bold color combo your own!
