Teal is a gorgeous blue-green shade that can add a touch of vibrancy and elegance to any space. While some may find decorating with teal to be intimidating, it doesn’t have to be! With some simple design tips, you can easily incorporate this beautiful color into your home in a stylish, cohesive way.
Complementary Colors for Teal
When decorating with any color, it’s important to consider which hues pair well with it. For teal, some of the most complementary colors include:
- Orange – The vibrant pop of orange makes an energizing contrast against teal’s cool tones.
- Yellow – Cheery yellow accents give teal a sunny, beachy look.
- Purple – From pale lilac to deep eggplant, purple makes a sophisticated companion for teal.
- Pink – Blush pink with teal evokes a soft, feminine aesthetic.
- Red – For a bold, striking combo, match rich teal with bright cherry red.
- Green – Shades like sage and olive green create an earthy, tranquil vibe with teal.
When pairing teal with complementary hues, stick to using it as the dominant color in the space, and use accents of the complementary shades through artwork, pillows, flowers or other accessories.
Teal Paint Colors
One of the most impactful ways to use teal is on the walls. But with so many shades to choose from, how do you select the right teal paint color? Here are some beautiful options to consider:
| Teal Paint Color | Undertones |
|---|---|
| Classic Teal | Blue-green, bright, vivid |
| Sea Glass | Blue-green, muted, grayish |
| Peacock Teal | Blue-green, jewel-toned |
| Turquoise | Blue-green, slightly brighter |
| Teal Tide | Blue-green, deep, intense |
| Harbor Mist | Blue-green, soft, hazy |
Some tips when selecting a teal paint color:
– Consider the room’s lighting. Brighter teals suit well-lit spaces, while soft teals work better in dim rooms.
– Sample paint swatches on the wall before fully committing. Teal can look very different on a wall versus on a tiny swatch.
– For a soothing vibe, use teal on accent walls or trim rather than entirely coating the room.
– Pair teal walls with neutral furnishings and white trim for a clean, modern look.
Teal Decor Ideas
Here are some stylish ways to deck out your living space with teal accents:
Living Room
Paint one accent wall in a dramatic peacock teal. Layer rugs in ivory and pale blue. Add teal and orange throw pillows to a neutral sofa. Use teal vases and bowls to display fresh flowers.
Bedroom
Choose a teal duvet cover and shams. Hang sheer teal curtains. Select an area rug with teal and purple accents. Place a storage ottoman in vivid teal.
Kitchen
Display teal crockery, utensils and appliances. Use a teal and white patterned shower curtain in the kitchen window. Paint the base cabinets a matte teal. Add a bowl of lemons to the countertop for a pop of yellow.
Bathroom
Paint the walls a sea glass teal. Contrast with white pedestal sinks and tub. Showcase fluffy teal towels. Add a small teal rug in front of the tub.
Home Office
Paint bookcases or file cabinets in classic teal. Choose a patterned teal rug. Upholster desk chair in teal fabric. Display teal vases filled with pens and office supplies.
How Much Teal to Use
When decorating with a strong color like teal, it’s important not to overdo it. Here are some tips for using teal in moderation:
– Stick to one or two accent walls in teal, rather than painting the entire room.
– Start with smaller teal accents like throw pillows and vases before committing to larger pieces.
– Anchor teal with plenty of neutral colors and textures like white, beige, gray, light wood and natural fiber rugs.
– Avoid teal overload by limiting it to either your soft furnishings like pillows and rugs or your hard decor such as furniture and wall paint, but not both in one space.
In general, use teal as about 10-15% of the colors in a room. It will give your space a bold pop without becoming overwhelming.
Teal and Wood Tones
The natural warmth of wood paired with cool teal creates a relaxed, inviting aesthetic. Some ways to combine teal and wood:
– Paint walls teal and use light oak or birch furniture.
– Choose teal upholstery for a wooden armchair or sofa.
– Display teal vases and candles on a wooden coffee table or sideboard.
– Use wood end tables as anchors for teal lamps or houseplants.
– Create contrast by placing teal decorative bowls on open oak shelving.
– Add warmth by layering a wooden tray with teal ceramic dishes on a dining table.
When combining teal and wood, go for unfinished light woods like maple, ash and birch rather than dark stains, which can appear too harsh and cool next to vibrant teal.
Teal and Metallic Accents
For a touch of glamour, teal looks gorgeous paired with metallic accents in colors like gold, silver, brass and copper. Try these ideas:
– Hang a large teal abstract painting in a gold frame as the focal point of a room.
– Choose teal bar stools with brass legs and base.
– Display white tulips in an ornate silver teal vase as a centerpiece.
– Layer teal and silver scatter pillows on a white sofa.
– Place teal candles in copper holders on an entryway table for a warm glow.
Metallics add depth and interest to teal decor. Stick to one or two metallic shades and make teal the star for optimal balance.
Teal in Small Spaces
Want to enjoy vibrant teal even in a small room? Use these foolproof tips:
– Paint built-in bookshelves or cabinetry a teal hue to maximize impact.
– Use a bold teal pattern on cushions, drapes or area rugs.
– Add a teal focal point like an oversized piece of wall art.
– Incorporate teal into textiles like toss pillows and blankets.
– Display a collection of teal pottery on corner shelves or windowsills.
– Add pops of teal with accessories like vases, trays and tissue box covers.
Stick to one or two teal accents in a small space for a cheery effect, rather than overwhelm the room with too much color.
Conclusion
With its refreshing, oceanic vibe, teal can give any room a stylish update. By complementing it with colors like yellow, purple and wood tones, using it judiciously on accent walls and decor, and pairing it with metallics and neutrals, you can fashionably decorate any space with this lively hue. With the right approach, embracing teal is the perfect way to add some color and personality into your home.
