Teal is a cool, blue-green hue that is quite vibrant and energetic. When searching for colors similar to teal, there are a few key options that come to mind. Here are some of the top colors that are comparable to teal.
Aqua
Aqua is often cited as the closest color match to teal. It sits right next to teal on the color wheel, blending together green and blue in a very similar ratio. Aqua evokes many of the same cool, refreshing qualities as teal, appearing bright and revitalizing. It works beautifully as an accent color and gives off a tropical ocean vibe. Aqua can be slightly more green or more blue depending on the specific shade, but overall it is extremely similar to teal in look and feel.
Cyan
Cyan is another excellent color choice if you’re looking for something comparable to teal. Sitting between green and blue on the color spectrum, cyan has the same coolness as teal but may be a touch brighter. It has a futuristic, electric look that mimics the vibrant nature of teal. Cyan can be bold and dynamic in saturated tones or soft and ethereal in lighter tints. It has the same versatile range from conservative to dramatic as teal. Cyan is slightly more green-leaning than aqua but remains a top pick for a teal-like color.
Turquoise
Turquoise is often used interchangeably with teal due to their similarities. However, turquoise typically has a little more green in it compared to teal. It appears slightly warmer and more retro, evoking images of vintage jewelry and bohemian style. The greenish-blue tone of turquoise has the same invigorating effect as teal, looking bright and cheerful. Turquoise may be slightly less versatile than teal when it comes to color pairing, but it can work beautifully with warm neutrals like tans and browns. Overall it makes an excellent stand-in for teal.
Blue-Green
Unsurprisingly, colors described simply as blue-green can make great alternatives to teal. Blue-green hues cover a wide range on the color spectrum but accurately capture the blending of blue and green that teal displays. Depending on the specific shade, blue-greens can be more blue or more green than a true teal. Usually they are slightly more subdued than the vivid pop of teal. However, blue-green is an easy go-to if you are looking for a comparable cool, tranquil blend of the two colors.
Sea Green
Sea green is similar to teal but shifts farther into the green territory on the wheel. With more dominance from green, sea greens are muted and calm. They are reminiscent of green ocean waters rather than the electric brightness of teal. Sea green evokes a natural, peaceful feeling, even more so than teal. It can work as a slightly softer, earthier alternative when you want to still capture the essence of teal. Light and minty sea greens in particular will resemble a less saturated teal.
Emerald Green
At first glance emerald green may not seem like an obvious teal twin, but certain shades can make a good stand-in. Emerald greens that lean closer toward blue create a very similar effect as teal. They retain that cool, invigorating vibe while also hinting at green. When selecting an emerald green, look for shades with a little more blue character rather than ones that appear too warm and grassy. With the right emerald green, you can closely mimic the look of teal.
Jade Green
Much like emerald green, certain shades of jade green can also substitute nicely for teal. Look for bluish-tinged jade greens to get the teal effect. Jade green takes on more grey compared to emerald green, making it inherently cooler in appearance. The combination of blue, green and grey in jade green means it can replicate teal’s soothing yet vibrant aesthetic. Soft jade greens tend to resemble lighter teals, while bolder jades mirror richer, darker teals.
Mint Green
Fresh, spring-like mint greens are another great stand-in for teal, especially when you prefer a more pastel look. Mint green takes the basics of green and blue and dilutes them down into a soft, inviting shade. Paler mint greens can appear nearly identical to a faded teal. They have the same cool, relaxing vibe you get from teal without being too overpowering. Mint green is perfect if you want to capture the essence of teal in a more subtle, ethereal way for a breezy, elegant style.
Malachite
Taking inspiration from nature is an excellent way to find teal lookalikes. Malachite is a mineral with distinct green and blue banding that results in a soft teal-like hue. The swirling patterns and fluid lines of malachite may be more varied than a flat teal, but overall the tone captures the same gentle blending of blue and green. Malachite has an inherent natural, earthy quality that makes it an intriguing stand-in for standard teal in cases where you want a more complex, variegated alternative.
Peacock Teal
Not surprisingly, the color found on peacocks’ feathers makes a fantastic teal substitute. Peacock teal has the same foundations of blue and green but incorporates more complexity with added dimensions of gold, bronze and navy blue. The resulting color mixes cool and warm for an eye-catching combination. Peacock teal appears more dynamic and multi-faceted versus a flat teal, so it can add intrigue while still nods to teal’s core character. Use it when you want something bolder and richer than basic teal.
Comparison of Teal vs. Similar Colors
Here is a comparison of teal against some of the top similar colors:
| Color | Hue Family | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Teal | Blue-green | Vibrant, cool, energetic |
| Aqua | Blue-green | Bright, tropical, refreshing |
| Cyan | Blue-green | Futuristic, electric, bold |
| Turquoise | Blue-green | Retro, warm, earthy |
| Sea Green | Green | Muted, calm, peaceful |
| Mint Green | Green | Soft, pale, breezy |
Using a Teal Color Palette
When using teal as part of your color palette, you’ll want to choose accompaniments that play to its strengths. As a vibrant secondary color, teal pops beautifully against neutrals. Beige, tan, off-white and soft grey are foolproof options. For more contrast, pair teal with blacks, browns or rich wood tones. White looks incredibly crisp and beachy next to teal. For an added punch, match teal with other brights like yellow, pink or purple.
Teal can be slightly trickier to pair with other cool hues, but not impossible. Try lighter tints of teal with navy or slate blues. Emerald greens also complement teal nicely for an oceanic effect. For a more eclectic look, mix teal with unexpected warm accents like burnt orange, terracotta and mustard yellow.
Home Decor
In home decor, teal makes a dramatic splash when used abundantly. Paint walls, cabinetry or front doors in teal for an instant style upgrade. Use teal accents in bathrooms, kitchens or bedrooms to liven neutral spaces. Teal makes an eye-catching backdrop for gallery walls, shelving and storage solutions. In smaller doses, teal adds flair to pillows, rugs, drapes and other accessories. Try teal with bronze finishes and rattan or wood textures for a globally-inspired vibe. Balance the boldness of teal by keeping other elements light and airy.
Fashion
Teal is a fast track to looking pulled together in fashion. It pops against natural skin and hair tones, allowing it to be worn year-round. Use teal in small accents with handbags, shoes, jewelry and other accessories. In apparel, make teal the focal point with dresses, jumpsuits, outerwear and separates. Menswear looks sharp in teal suits, knits and casual button-downs. Softer tints translate well to feminine blouses, skirts and lingerie. Ground teal’s drama with neutrals like tan, grey and white.
Branding
For branding, teal communicates a sense of creativity and imagination. It has an inherently playful, youthful character. The balance of blue’s stability and green’s growth implies trustworthiness and vitality. Use teal when targeting a younger demographic looking for something lively and innovative. Teal reads as feminine but not exclusively so. It works for brands in creative fields, technology, education, healthcare and hospitality. Pair teal with minimalist, modern aesthetics for a stylish look.
Painting
Teal is a jewel tone that adds instant richness to artwork. It creates depth and interest when combined with contrasts. Use teal in abstract backgrounds or as a dominant color for focal points. Try teal in water scenes, florals, landscapes and nature images. Layer teal with glazes over top of other hues to create dimension. Soft teal washes transition shadows into light beautifully. Contrast with orange and yellow complements. Let teal’s intensity shine by keeping surrounding details more muted and neutral.
Graphics
The eye-catching quality of teal translates well to digital graphic design. Use teal to draw focus to important text and visual elements on websites, apps and other interfaces. Try lighter tints in backgrounds or gradients. In illustrations and logos, teal adds stylistic flair. Complementary yellows make teal graphics really stand out. Restrict teal accents to avoid looking too bold and overwhelming. Teal backgrounds let white, grey or black graphics really pop while keeping things cohesive.
Conclusion
Teal is a vivid, stimulating shade that injects color and personality into any setting. From home decor to graphic design, teal creates impact as an energetic accent hue. When searching for colors similar to teal, look for aqua, cyan, turquoise, sea green and mint green hues. Embrace naturally-occurring teal mimics like malachite and peacock varieties as well. Use tints and shades of teal itself in different concentrations. However you utilize it, teal and its color cousins lend fresh style with a cool, oceanic attitude.
