Teal and brown are both versatile neutral colors that can work well together if paired correctly. When deciding if teal and brown go together, there are a few key factors to consider:
The Undertones of the Colors
Teal is a blue-green color that has both cool blue undertones and earthy green undertones. Brown is a warm, earthy color. Pairing colors with opposing undertones (cool and warm) can create an appealing visual contrast. However, if the undertones clash too much, the combination may look unbalanced or visually jarring.
The shade of teal and brown make a difference. A teal with strong blue undertones may clash with a deep, warm brown. But a muted, grayish teal can complement a chocolate brown nicely. Light, warm browns like beige also pair better with teal than darker browns.
The Color Scheme
Teal and brown work best together as accent colors in a simple color scheme. For example, use teal and brown sparingly in a neutral beige and white room. The pop of color adds interest without overwhelming the space.
Using teal and brown equally in a room risks looking busy or disjointed. If you want teal and brown as dominant colors, aim for an analogous scheme with teal as the main color and brown as the accent. Add in shades of blue, green and neutral tones to bridge the gap between the two colors.
Texture and Material
Varying textures and materials helps marry teal and brown. For example, use sleek teal dining chairs around a rustic wood dining table. The opposing textures balance each other out. Or pair a chocolate brown leather sofa with teal linen pillow accents. The leather adds warmth while the linen adds a cool contrast.
Matching the textures, such as a glossy teal table and glossy brown chairs, can make the colors appear disconnected. Natural texture combinations to try include:
| Teal | Brown |
| Polished metal or glass | Matte fabric or wood |
| Shiny or glossy finish | Textured or distressed finish |
| Linen | Leather |
| Velvet | Suede |
Shade Variations
Adjusting the shade of the teal and brown also impacts how well they coordinate. A very light teal can look strange with a very dark brown. But adjust them closer together on the light-dark spectrum and they start to gel. Try a dark teal with a medium brown or pair a medium teal with a light camel brown.
Purpose and Balance
How you use teal and brown also determines if they work. As accent colors in small doses, they can liven up a neutral scheme. But for an overall balanced look, use them in similar proportions. For example, use teal upholstery and brown drapes in a living room. The full exposure allows the colors to balance each other.
Using teal only as an accent in a mostly brown room (or vice versa) can appear uneven or make the browns look dull and flat in comparison.
Personal Preference
Some color enthusiasts may insist teal and brown should never be combined. But like any color pairing, it comes down to personal taste. If you like how certain shades of teal and brown look together, then the combination works for you.
Decor trends also influence how harmonious teal and brown appear. During decades when warm neutrals dominate design schemes, teal and brown may seem like a mismatch. In eras when cooler blues and greens are popular, the two colors often blend beautifully.
Tips for Combining Teal and Brown
Here are some tips for pairing teal and brown successfully:
- Use teal as the dominant color and brown as the accent or vice versa. Avoid using equal amounts.
- Aim for an analogous color scheme. Include shades of green, blue, beige and gray.
- Make sure the undertones complement each other. Aim for a warm brown and cool teal.
- Add texture and natural materials. Try teal velvet with brown leather or teal linen with wood accents.
- Adjust the shades so they are closer on the light-dark scale.
- Use mostly in small doses as accent colors in a neutral room.
Examples of Teal and Brown
Here are some examples of how teal and brown can be styled together:
- A chocolate brown leather sofa with teal and cream patterned pillows
- A teal table lamp on a dark brown wood side table
- Metallic teal bar stools around a rustic wood kitchen island
- Teal and brown abstract wall art in a neutral room
- Glossy teal vases and candles on a brown marble coffee table
- A teal velvet headboard with brown bedding and wood nightstands
- A brown suede armchair with teal and brown throw pillows
Rooms to Use Teal and Brown
Here are some rooms where teal and brown can work nicely together:
- Living room – Use brown sofas and teal accent chairs or pillows. Add in wood, cream and slate accents.
- Dining room – Contrast a brown dining table with teal upholstered dining chairs. Hang a teal pendant light over the table.
- Kitchen – Use chocolate brown cabinets with a teal backsplash and pendant lights. Add wood or stainless steel appliances.
- Bedroom – Pair a teal upholstered headboard with brown nightstands and neutral bedding. Add a brown leather bench at the foot of the bed.
- Home office – Place a brown leather office chair at a teal desk. Use brown bookshelves and teal file cabinets.
- Bathroom – Contrast a brown vanity with teal walls or floor tiles. Bring in slate gray and white for a soothing oasis.
Conclusion
Teal and brown can pair beautifully if styled with care. Make sure the shades complement each other and vary the textures and materials. Use one color as the dominant hue and the other as an accent. Include bridge colors like neutral tans, blues and greens to tie the scheme together. Most importantly, go with your own preference and taste. If you like how the two colors look together, then they will work well in your home’s decor.
