Dark teal green is a rich and dramatic color that can add elegance and sophistication to any space. However, because it is such a bold tone, it’s important to choose complementary colors carefully when decorating with dark teal green. The right color combinations will allow the teal to shine while creating a cohesive and pleasing aesthetic. In this article, we’ll explore the best color matches for dark teal green in home decor.
Neutrals
A simple and failsafe option is to pair dark teal green with neutral shades. Colors like white, black, gray, tan and brown make versatile partners for rich teal hues. Neutrals create a calming backdrop that prevents the teal from feeling too overwhelming or vibrant.
White is one of the most common neutrals used with dark teal. The high contrast between the crisp white and deep teal provides visual interest. All-white bedding mixed with teal accents is an easy way to incorporate this combination in a bedroom. In living rooms, white walls or furniture keep the look cohesive when teal is used on pillows, rugs or artwork.
Dark teal furniture or an accent wall pops against a neutral black, tan or gray background. For example, a teal sofa stands out against gray walls and a black coffee table ties it all together. Neutral base colors allow the teal to take center stage.
Metallics
Metallic accents like gold, silver, bronze and copper work well with rich teal shades. The sheen and shimmer of metallics create depth and dimension against the deeper teal. Metallics also bridge light and dark teal tones in a space.
In dining rooms, add gold-rimmed dishes, bronze candle holders or a silver serving set to a table with a deep teal tablecloth. For living areas, metallic throw pillows, vases or lamps provide eye-catching contrast against teal sofas or chairs. Distressed metal finishes like rubbed bronze or weathered copper also complement aged, antique-looking teal pieces.
Pastels
Soft, muted pastel shades bring out the jewel-tone quality of dark teal while toning down its vibrancy. Pretty pastels like lavender, blush pink, mint green and buttercream prevent strong teal hues from becoming overwhelming.
In bedrooms, paint walls a pale lavender and use teal bedding and throw pillows. Or upholster a chair in teal and place it in a room with pastel pink walls. Pastel artwork and decorative accents work nicely against dark teal furniture or backgrounds. The calming effect of pastels keeps spaces feeling tranquil and serene.
Earth Tones
Natural earth tones like sand, stone, moss green, terracotta and mustard blend well with rich teal shades. Earth tones have a subtle grounding effect on bold teal colors. Combining dark teal and earth tones results in an organic, nature-inspired look.
Use teal dining chairs around a reclaimed wood table. Paint walls a warm sand or toasted almond and decorate with teal vases and artwork. In bathrooms, pair a teal bathroom vanity with walls in a muted moss green. Use terracotta tiles or textiles to link the colors. With their muted, raw look, earth tones allow teal accents to pop.
Jewel Tones
Other saturated, jewel-tone shades create dramatic contrast and bold impact when combined with dark teal. Colors like emerald, sapphire, amethyst, ruby and citrine complement teal’s intensity. Pairing two jewel tones together makes for an eye-catching, vibrant color scheme.
In formal living rooms or dining spaces, use teal velvet chairs around a table decorated with place settings in rich emerald or sapphire blue. Or paint one accent wall an intense amethyst and hang teal artwork on it. Use jewel-toned pillows, throws and decorative objects like vases to repeat and link the colors throughout the space. The depth of jewel tones allows them to stand up to teal’s saturation.
Bold Contrasts
For dramatic contrast, pair dark teal with bold shades on opposite sides of the color wheel like red, orange, yellow or purple. Because these colors are strong complements to teal, they create striking designs and patterns when used together.
In kitchens or baths, combine teal painted or tiled walls with bright red accessories. Use a bold teal and orange color scheme in kids’ rooms or recreational spaces. Try teal chair rail molding against vivid yellow upper walls in dining areas. Bold contrasts require some restraint so the colors don’t clash. Use one color in smaller doses to avoid going overboard.
Monochromatic
Sticking to a monochromatic color scheme centered around various shades of teal is a sophisticated and elegant option. Mixing lighter and darker teal tones, from sea glass to emerald, makes for a cohesive, calming look. Add visual interest by including different teal textures like velvet, suede, linen and more.
In bedrooms, use light, medium and deep teal hues on bedding, window treatments, rugs and accessories. Paint walls a soft sage green and repeat it along with various teal tones in artwork and textiles. A graduated effect, like dark teal on bottom walls fading up to light teal, creates depth without using more colors. Teal is complex enough on its own to carry a monochromatic palette.
Eclectic Mix
For a funky, eclectic aesthetic, don’t be afraid to mix and match multiple complementary colors with dark teal. Combining several compatible hues creates lively, creative spaces with personality.
In living rooms, pair teal walls with multicolored patterned rugs and brightly painted accent furniture. Or fill bookshelves against a teal feature wall with books in a rainbow of shades. Use teal as a base color and decorate with accessories in neutrals, pastels, earth tones, metallics and jewel tones. The more colors the merrier for eclectic teal schemes.
Creams & Tans
Warm off-white and tan shades create a soothing contrast against rich teal hues. Cream, ecru, beige, camel and khaki bring out teal’s green undertones while downplaying its vibrancy. The natural tones lend a subtle beachy vibe when combined with aquatic teal.
Paint a bedroom or study walls in a creamy ivory or light tan and use teal bedding and desk accessories as accents. Upholster furniture in soft beige or camel and decorate with teal and cream patterned pillows. The clean and simple look works well in relaxed living spaces. Keep the beige and teal well balanced so the teal remains a focal point.
Blues
Since teal sits between green and blue on the color wheel, pairing it with light or navy blue produces an aquatic color story. Soft powder blue, sky blue and periwinkle complement teal’s green shades. Deep navy makes teal appear brighter and more vibrant by contrast.
In bathrooms, use a teal mosaic backsplash against sky blue walls. Add navy towels and accessories for a coordinating color scheme. In bedrooms, paint the walls a pretty periwinkle and use teal bedding for subtle contrast. The blue undertones in both colors tie the look together. A palette of teals and blues evokes serene, oceanfront style.
Greens
Pairing dark teal with other rich greens results in an earthy, nature-inspired palette. Deep emerald, hunter and sage complement teal’s intensity without clashing. Soft moss green, mint and pistachio create pleasant contrast with teal’s blue undertones. Olive green and teal have vintage appeal.
Paint a study or home office walls olive green and use teal shelving, desk accessories and chair upholstery. In dining rooms, mix teal seating with emerald green place settings and artwork. For bedrooms, use mint walls with teal bedding and moss green accents. Varied greens work seamlessly with teal for organic appeal.
Purples
Vivid purple shades bring out the jewel-tone richness of dark teal. From rich amethyst to pale lilac, the depth of purple makes an elegant contrast to teal’s brightness. Cool-toned purples like lavender and periwinkle complement teal’s blue undertones.
In formal living rooms, pair a teal sofa with eggplant purple accent chairs and silver accessories. Or paint a bedroom’s feature wall a bright fuchsia and use teal bedding for striking contrast. For a softer look, use pale mauve paint with teal decor and roman blinds. Sophisticated purple and teal combinations exude elegance.
Teal Color Combinations By Room
Now that we’ve covered the most complementary hues, here are some recommended teal color schemes for specific rooms:
Living Room
– Teal, cream and walnut brown
– Teal, sky blue and silver
– Teal, emerald and mustard yellow
Bedroom
– Teal, blush pink and white
– Teal, navy and camel
– Teal, mint and natural wood tones
Bathroom
– Teal, sand and terra cotta
– Teal, sage green and periwinkle
– Teal, sky blue and white
Dining Room
– Teal, gold and black
– Teal, hunter green and terracotta
– Teal, eggplant purple and cranberry red
Office or Study
– Teal, olive and mustard
– Teal, cream and chestnut brown
– Teal, slate gray and butter yellow
| Room | Color Combination 1 | Color Combination 2 | Color Combination 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Living Room | Teal, cream, walnut brown | Teal, sky blue, silver | Teal, emerald, mustard yellow |
| Bedroom | Teal, blush pink, white | Teal, navy, camel | Teal, mint, natural wood |
| Bathroom | Teal, sand, terra cotta | Teal, sage green, periwinkle | Teal, sky blue, white |
| Dining Room | Teal, gold, black | Teal, hunter green, terracotta | Teal, eggplant, cranberry |
| Office/Study | Teal, olive, mustard | Teal, cream, chestnut brown | Teal, slate gray, butter yellow |
Tips for Decorating with Dark Teal
When incorporating dark teal into home decor, keep these tips in mind:
– Use teal as an accent color against neutral backdrops to let it pop.
– Add metallics and glossy finishes for sheen and depth.
– Combine teal with 3-5 complementary colors for best results.
– Add natural textures like wood, rattan, linen and leather to soften teal’s intensity.
– Anchor teal with neutral furniture and use it sparingly on accents.
– Display teal accessories like vases, candles and trays grouped together for visual impact.
– Repeat teal in small doses throughout a space for a pulled-together look.
– Use lighter teal shades on walls; reserve darker hues for accents.
Conclusion
With its dramatic green-blue shade and bold presence, dark teal makes a lively interior design choice. It pairs beautifully with a range of colors from neutrals and pastels to metallics and jewel tones. Grounded earth tones and punchy brights also complement teal’s richness. Consider the mood and style you want to achieve and choose colors accordingly. Teal is vibrant enough to stand out, so be sure to give it space to shine. With the right color combinations, you can create stylish, sophisticated interiors with dark teal green.