Turquoise and yellow are two bold, vibrant colors that can pair beautifully together or clash horribly depending on how they are combined. Using these colors in the right way requires some thought and planning to create a cohesive and appealing look.
Considerations for Combining Turquoise and Yellow
There are a few key factors to think about when deciding whether turquoise and yellow work well together:
- Shade – The specific shades matter. Pairing a bright lemon yellow with a pale turquoise can look jarring. Combining muted, dusty shades usually works better.
- Proportions – Use one color as the dominant shade and the other as an accent. Too much of both colors can be overwhelming.
- Texture – Varied textures help the colors blend nicely. For example, a smooth turquoise table with a fuzzy yellow rug.
- Pattern – Solid blocks of color look bolder than patterns, which help soften the combination.
Ways Turquoise and Yellow Can Coordinate
There are several pleasing ways to incorporate these two colors together in home decor and fashion when done thoughtfully:
- Yellow walls with turquoise accents – Try a light sunny yellow on the walls with turquoise cushions, vases, and other decorative touches. The yellow makes a cheerful backdrop while the turquoise pops.
- Turquoise walls with yellow accents – For a more sophisticated mood, paint the walls a rich turquoise hue and add yellow throw pillows, artwork, and accessories for contrast.
- Colorblocking – Blocks of turquoise and yellow together can work if done with similar saturation. Keep the colors in the same family like a muted golden yellow with a pale turquoise.
- Floral patterns – Small-scale floral patterns are a foolproof way to mix turquoise and yellow. The colors end up well-blended.
Home Decor Combinations
Some examples of turquoise and yellow pairings for home decor include:
- Turquoise sofa with yellow throw pillows
- Yellow chair or occasional table with a turquoise area rug underneath
- Turquoise kitchen appliances and yellow cafe curtains
- Yellow ceramic lamp base with a turquoise lampshade
- Turquoise tile backsplash in a kitchen with yellow walls
Keep accessories and accents in one color and use the other color minimally for balance. The goal is to prevent the colors from competing for attention.
Fashion and Clothing Combinations
Turquoise and yellow work well together in clothing and fashion when paired cleverly:
- A turquoise top with golden yellow trousers or skirt
- A yellow sundress with turquoise jewelry and handbag
- Yellow blouse with a turquoise jacket on top
- Turquoise pants or skirt with yellow heels
- A turquoise coat with a mustard yellow scarf
Aim for contrast between the colors. For example, brighter turquoise jeans with a muted yellow top. Don’t wear them in equal proportions or the outfit will be overwhelming.
Guidelines for Mixing and Matching Turquoise and Yellow
Follow these tips when combining turquoise and yellow:
- Make one color dominant and use the other sparingly for accents
- Pair bright shades with muted shades rather than two brights
- Add texture and pattern to help blend the colors
- Use a lighter yellow with a darker turquoise for contrast
- Allow plenty of neutral white, black or wood tones to give the eyes a rest
Rooms that Work Well with Turquoise and Yellow
Some rooms are especially suited to a turquoise and yellow color scheme:
- Kitchen – These cheerful colors lend a sunny, vibrant look. Use turquoise on upper cabinets and yellow on lower cabinets or walls.
- Bathroom – The colors remind people of beaches and oceans. Try turquoise tiles with yellow towels and accessories.
- Dining room – Turquoise walls with a yellow dining table create an energizing space for meals.
- Bedroom – Soft turquoise and buttery yellow evoke relaxation. Use turquoise bedding with yellow pillows.
- Home office – Stimulating colors keep you focused. Paint walls turquoise and add a yellow desk chair.
Rooms Where Turquoise and Yellow May Clash
In some rooms, turquoise and yellow could potentially fight each other. Use caution when combining them in:
- Living room – These colors may feel too energetic here. Stick to one color only.
- Small spaces – The bold colors could overwhelm a tiny powder room or hallway, for example.
- Bedrooms – Some find the combination overly stimulating for sleep.
- Windowless basement rooms – Without natural light, these colors might feel artificial and overwhelming.
Examples of Turquoise and Yellow Done Right
Here are some examples of turquoise and yellow combined beautifully in interiors:
- A pale yellow kitchen with a turquoise tile backsplash and turquoise bar stools
- A bedroom with turquoise walls, yellow bedding, white furniture, and neutral wood flooring
- A living area with a golden yellow couch, turquoise circle rug, and neutral walls/accessories
- A bathroom with yellow walls, turquoise shower curtain, white tub, and wood vanity
In these spaces, one color takes the lead, the other is used minimally, and plenty of neutral tones are incorporated.
Examples of Poor Use of Turquoise and Yellow
Here are some examples of unappealing combinations of turquoise and yellow:
- A bright lemon yellow sofa with bright turquoise cushions
- A turquoise and yellow striped area rug in an otherwise neutral room
- A bathroom where the walls, towels, shower curtain and accessories are all turquoise and yellow
- A turquoise dining table with yellow chairs and yellow drapes on turquoise walls
The issues with these examples are the matching intensities of the colors and the lack of neutrals to give the eyes a break. The combinations end up clashing and visually jarring.
Conclusion
Turquoise and yellow can create energetic, cheerful rooms when combined thoughtfully. The keys are to use muted or lighter shades, make one color dominant, and incorporate plenty of neutral tones. With some care taken in the color balancing act, these two vivid hues can live in harmony and create stylish, lively spaces.
