Teal is a bluish-green color that is often associated with nature, relaxation, and spirituality. It falls between green and blue on the color wheel and has become an increasingly popular paint color for homes in recent years. But what exactly do people link with the color teal? Here we will explore some of the most common associations and meanings behind this tranquil tone.
Nature
One of the strongest associations people have with teal is nature. Specifically, teal is connected to bodies of water such as the ocean, lagoons, and tropical seas. This is likely because teal contains blue undertones reminiscent of water, yet also has a greenish tint like many natural landscapes. When people see the color teal, it often conjures up imagery of waves lapping against a pristine beach or sunlight filtering through shallow turquoise waters.
Beyond the water, teal also evokes associations with gemstones often found in nature like turquoise, aquamarine, and malachite. The vibrant blue-green shades found in these minerals are directly linked to the teal color palette. Overall, teal seems to trigger our senses and imaginations to recall the beauty and relaxation of the natural world. It transports our minds to a peaceful setting far from the stress of everyday life.
Relaxation
In line with its connection to nature, teal is also strongly associated with relaxation. Just being exposed to the color teal can induce feelings of calmness and tranquility in people. This is because teal has a very subtle energy compared to more intense shades like red or orange. Its cool greenish-blue tone helps slow down our body and mind, bringing on a state of relaxation. Researchers have found that simply looking at teal colors causes a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure.
Additionally, many spas and massage parlors intentionally use teal in their décor and design. This is because the color has a uniquely calming and destressing effect. Teal seems to melt away tension and anxiety from the body. For this reason, people strongly associate teal with sensations like peace, leisure, and relaxation. It is the perfect color for creating a soothing environment.
Healing & Spirituality
Going hand-in-hand with relaxation, teal is also connected to healing, meditation, and spirituality. In many cultures and spiritual traditions, teal is believed to have natural healing properties. Gemstones like turquoise and malachite, which contain teal tones, have been used for their metaphysical healing powers for centuries. And many believe teal itself can heal and restore balance to our bodies and minds.
Additionally, teal is sometimes used in meditation spaces, therapy offices, or other healing environments. This is because the tone evokes a sense of inner peace and spiritual connectedness. It seems to open up our intuition and imaginary to help restore wellbeing from within. Through its calming nature, teal allows us to get in touch with our spiritual sides during yoga, acupuncture, Reiki, or other practices. For many, the color represents a gateway to finding inner harmony and tranquility.
Creativity
While not as common as the associations mentioned above, some also link the color teal to creativity. There is a sense that the balance of green and blue in teal stimulates creative thinking and expression. Green is thought to represent growth and new ideas, while blue evokes openness and imagination. Together in teal, these two tones can spark innovative ideas and originality.
Some color psychologists have suggested that teal’s peaceful nature also allows us to access deeper levels of creative thought. Without the chaos and clutter of life, we can open our minds more fully to creative problem-solving. Teal seems to allow the free flow of ideas and inspiration. So for many, it has become a color of innovation, self-expression, and creative thinking. This is why it is a popular paint color for offices, creative spaces, and studios.
Sophistication
Despite its connections to nature, teal is also viewed as a rather sophisticated and elegant color. Unlike greens or blues on their own, teal seems to blend these two cool tones to form a very refined shade. Its uniqueness allows it to stand out from other colors as something special and upscale.
Additionally, teal has a very chic, modern vibe to it that adds to its sophisticated flair. From sleek teal jewelry to haute couture teal dresses, the color has secured its place in the fashion world as a trendy and posh accent shade. It offers just the right pop of color to create an air of sophistication around any outfit. Teal is also seen adorning luxury cars, yachts, hotels and other indulgences as it seems to represent wealth and prestige. Overall, teal toes the line between natural beauty and cosmopolitan elegance.
Femininity
In many cultures, the color teal has traditionally been associated with feminine energy. This may be because of its connections to nature, flowing water, and the moon – all longstanding symbols of the divine feminine. But teal has specifically become linked to grace, fertility and feminine mystique.
In Western cultures today, teal is still thought of as a graceful, delicate color often preferred by women. It manages to be both soothing and sophisticated in its feminine appeal. Because of this, teal is extremely common in fashion targeted at women. You’ll find it in women’s clothing, handbags, jewelry and more. It is also frequently chosen for events like baby showers or weddings. Though popular across genders, teal remains strongly linked with female tastes.
Youthfulness & Vitality
Teal also carries strong associations with youthfulness and vitality. Its vibrant blue-green color is stimulating and lively compared to darker or muddy shades. This gives it a feeling of energy and renewal, reminiscent of youth. marketers have capitalized on this by using teal to sell products aimed at young people.
Similarly, many mainstream brands like Starbucks, Instagram, and Samsung have adopted teal as part of their core branding. The implicit message is that teal represents fresh thinking and innovation. It helps these brands stand out as young, energized, and leading edge. People pick up on these cues that connect teal to all things vibrant and youthful.
Masculinity
On the flip side of its feminine associations, teal is also linked with masculinity and strength. One reason is its connections to resilience and rejuvenation through natural properties like turquoise. Likewise, teal is a common color in men’s sports teams and active lifestyle brands. The Seattle Seahawks, Miami Dolphins, and Brooklyn Nets all feature teal in their uniforms. And brands like Salomon and Eastern Mountain Sports use teal in their outdoor recreation gear marketed at men. So despite its calming effects, teal also projects ruggedness.
| Association | Details |
|---|---|
| Nature | Bodies of water, gemstones |
| Relaxation | Peace, leisure, tranquility |
| Healing & Spirituality | Restoration, meditation, inner peace |
| Creativity | Imagination, innovation, problem-solving |
| Sophistication | Elegance, refined, chic |
| Femininity | Grace, fertility, delicate |
| Youthfulness & Vitality | Lively, energized, refreshing |
| Masculinity | Strength, ruggedness, resilience |
Teal in Design & Branding
Now that we’ve explored the meanings behind teal, let’s look at how this translates into actual usage in design and branding. Brands across many industries leverage teal’s cultural associations to connect with consumers and project the right image. Here are some of the most common ways teal is utilized:
Natural & Eco-Friendly Branding
Because teal conjures images of the ocean and tropics, it is extremely common in natural and eco-friendly brand identities. By using a tranquil teal shade, brands in categories like sustainability, conservation, organic food, ecotourism, and more can visually communicate their connection to nature. Some examples are Whole Foods, the Sierra Club, and Animal Planet. The color helps reinforce their environmental commitments.
Salons & Spas
As discussed, teal has an inherent ability to promote relaxation and self-care. These associations make it the perfect color for salons, spas, and other wellness businesses. By decorating their spaces in teal tones, these companies can subliminally induce feelings of calmness while also looking polished. Examples include Massage Envy, Aveda, and OPI nail salon.
Healthcare & Medicine
Similarly, teal is associated with healing properties, making it ideal for healthcare providers. Using teal conveys their ability to offer physical or spiritual renewal. Healthcare networks like Banner Health as well as alternative medicine clinics commonly brand with teal to co-opt these soothing, therapeutic associations.
Feminine & Bridal Brands
Teal’s feminine energy translates into extensive use in women’s retail and bridal brands. Makeup companies like Tarte, lingerie company Teal Jones, and bridesmaid dress designer Jenny Yoo all incorporate teal into elegant, feminine visual identities. Bridesites like The Knot also utilize teal to evoke grace and sophistication.
Financial Institutions
An interesting application for teal is in the financial sector. While teal conveys natural qualities, it also reads as trustworthy and stable. These attributes are equally valuable for banks and insurance providers seeking to establish credibility. Companies like TD Ameritrade, Barclaycard, and Edward Jones opted for teal in their logos for this reason.
Technology & Electronics
Finally, teal has emerged as a go-to shade for modern, innovative technology companies. As mentioned, it provides a sense of youthful energy and forward-thinking. You’ll spot teal in tech brand logos like Twitter, Squarespace, Zillow, and many more. The cool teal hue gives these brands a cutting edge identity.
Conclusion
In the end, context shapes much of teal’s unique symbolism. Its greenish-blue essence allows it to span many associations – from the reliability of blue to the growth of green and more. But common threads like nature, relaxation, spirituality, and sophistication give teal a far-reaching appeal. The versatility of teal will likely contribute to its increasing popularity across industries. But it seems certain that this tranquil, elegant shade will remain evocative of the sea, the tropics, and serenity for years to come.