Dark teal and burnt orange are both bold, rich colors that can make a dramatic statement in any room. But do these shades actually work well together? As an interior designer’s assistant, I’m often asked about color pairings, so I wanted to provide a thorough analysis of whether these two hues complement each other or clash.
In this article, I’ll explore the undertones and aesthetic qualities of dark teal and burnt orange. I’ll analyze how color theory and the color wheel show if these shades are harmonious. And I’ll provide room-by-room examples and tips for successfully combining dark teal and burnt orange in your home decor. My goal is to answer the question once and for all – does dark teal go with burnt orange?
The Undertones and Aesthetics of Dark Teal and Burnt Orange
Before determining if two colors work together, it’s important to understand each shade individually. Let’s break down the undertones and aesthetic feeling of dark teal and burnt orange.
Dark teal is a deep, jewel-toned blue-green. It often has cool undertones, bringing to mind rich blues and greens. The ‘teal’ family can range from blue-green to green-blue but typically retains more green than a true navy. Dark teal leans towards a mystical, moody look. It has an earthy elegance that conjures images of deep forests, peacock feathers, or the ocean at night.
In contrast, burnt orange is a warm, rustic shade with hot undertones. Ranging from a vivid orange-red to a deeper terra cotta, burnt orange exudes warmth and energy. It provides a fiery punch of excitement and vibrance. Burnt orange can create an autumnal, nostalgic feeling, reminiscent of falling leaves, campfires, and pumpkins.
Comparing their undertones and aesthetics, dark teal and burnt orange seem quite opposite. One is cool while the other is warm. Dark teal has an earthy gloominess whereas burnt orange radiates brightness. This contrast, however, can allow the two shades to balance each other out beautifully.
The Color Wheel’s Take
Another way to analyze potential color combinations is by looking at the color wheel. The wheel displays colors in relation to each other, making it easy to identify complementary shades. So what does the color wheel tell us about pairing dark teal and burnt orange?
Dark teal falls between blue and green on the color wheel. Burnt orange lands opposite, between red and yellow. Colors on opposite sides of the wheel are considered complementary. They enhance each other when used together in a design scheme.
| Color | Location on Color Wheel |
|---|---|
| Dark teal | Between blue and green |
| Burnt orange | Between red and yellow |
The contrast created by complementary colors allows them to stand out against each other. This catches the eye and creates visual interest. The color wheel, therefore, confirms that dark teal and burnt orange are harmonious pairings according to color theory. The vibrance of burnt orange makes the richness of dark teal pop. And the coolness of dark teal enhances the fiery warmth of burnt orange.
Rooms and Design Styles
Now that we’ve determined dark teal and burnt orange are complementary from a color theory perspective, let’s explore how to successfully incorporate them into home decor. I’ll provide room-by-room examples, along with overall design style tips.
Living Room
In the living room, use burnt orange as an accent color against a dark teal base. Paint or upholster your sofa in a deep teal hue. Then introduce burnt orange through rustic clay vases, terracotta patterned pillows, or a hand-woven blanket draped over a chair. These pops of burnt orange will add excitement and prevent the dark teal from feeling too somber.
Dining Room
The dining room is another area where dark teal can shine as the main color. Paint the walls a rich teal or use a teal rug under the table. Add in burnt orange pattered curtains or chair cushions. For a bold look, use black dining chairs and introduce burnt orange through artwork, textiles, and accessories. The warmth of the burnt orange will liven up the moody, elegant teal.
Bedroom
In intimate spaces like the bedroom, burnt orange can take the spotlight. Use burnt orange walls or bedding as your starting point. Then layer in dark teal through decor items like throw pillows, ceramic vases, or an area rug beside the bed. The energizing burnt orange prevents the bedroom from feeling sleepy, while the dark teal adds a touch of luxury.
Bathroom
The bathroom is a great spot to really highlight the complementary nature of burnt orange and dark teal. Paint the walls burnt orange to create an inviting, spa-like warmth. Contrast it with dark teal towels, soap dispensers, and ceramic accessories. You can also use a patterned shower curtain that combines both hues. The colors will play off each other beautifully in this vibrant, decorative space.
Kitchen
While very saturated shades can sometimes overwhelm a small kitchen, burnt orange and dark teal work nicely for kitchen accents. Consider a burnt orange backsplash tile behind a dark teal cabinetry or feature wall. Or use dark teal bar stools around a burnt orange kitchen island. You can also introduce both colors through dishware, appliances, and decorative items like a teal kitchenAid mixer or burnt orange utensil holder.
Home Office
Your home office is a great place to fully commit to this dramatic color pairing. Paint the walls burnt orange and use dark teal shelves, organizers, desk accessories, and upholstered desk chair. The mix of warm and cool tones will keep you energized and focused while working. And it will create a bold, inspiring palette perfect for creativity.
Kids’ Room
Don’t shy away from burnt orange and dark teal in kids’ spaces either! These two colors create a fun, youthful pairing. Use dark teal for built-ins, larger furniture, or an accent wall. Then introduce burnt orange through bedding, toys, storage bins, artwork, and window treatments. The mix of cool and warm tones is stimulating and lively – ideal for keeping kids engaged in their space.
Design Styles
In addition to considering specific rooms, think about how burnt orange and dark teal work with various interior design styles:
– Traditional – The classic combination of a dark teal sofa with burnt orange pillows.
– Rustic – A burnt orange wood dining table paired with dark teal dining chairs.
– Eclectic – Mismatched burnt orange and dark teal ceramic vases for a stylish cluttered look.
– Modern – Burnt orange bar stools and kitchen accessories against sleek, dark teal cabinets.
– Bohemian – A bedroom featuring intricate burnt orange textiles and richly layered dark teal decor.
– Industrial – Dark teal exposed brick or vent hoods matched with burnt orange metal stools and finishes.
Tips for Combining Dark Teal and Burnt Orange
When styling a space with dark teal and burnt orange, keep these tips in mind:
– Use one color dominantly and the other as accents. Don’t evenly split or the pairing may become overwhelming.
– Add metallic finishes like brass or copper to tie the two colors together.
– Incorporate natural textures and elements like wood, stone, clay, and plants.
– Add creams, whites, and light blues to provide balance against the bold colors.
– Use dark teal and burnt orange purposefully in adjoining spaces for cohesion. Don’t haphazardly place them.
– Pick soft, muted tones as you get closer to skin. Avoid neon brights near faces.
Conclusion
Does dark teal go with burnt orange? After analyzing the undertones, aesthetic qualities, color theory principles, and decor examples for these two bold hues, the answer is a resounding yes! Dark teal and burnt orange beautifully complement each other across a variety of rooms and design styles when thoughtfully incorporated.
The cool elegance of dark teal is enlivened by the fiery vibrance of burnt orange. And burnt orange’s warmth is deepened by rich, moody dark teal. These shades provide dramatic contrast while also balancing each other out. Just remember to stick to one dominant color and use the other as accents. With the right balance, this pairing will create stylish spaces full of energy, creativity, and sophistication.
