Teal is a medium blue-green color that takes its name from the common teal bird. The color teal falls somewhere between green and blue on the color wheel and has a grayness that mutes the brightness. Teal is associated with nature, renewal, and restfulness. As an interior design color, teal brings the calming qualities of blue and the renewal of green into a space.
Like any color, teal has lighter and darker shades. Lighter teals have more green and brightness to them, while darker teals take on more blue and gray. Darker teals are sophisticated colors that add a moodiness while retaining the natural essence of teal.
In this article, we’ll explore what defines a darker teal and look at some examples of popular darker teal paint colors and how they are used in home décor. We’ll also provide some tips on decorating with darker teals to create a stylish and serene space.
What Defines a Darker Teal?
Teal sits between green and blue on the color spectrum. As it gets darker, teal takes on more blue tones and often has an increase of gray. This results in a sophisticated, moody color palette.
Here are some key characteristics of darker teals:
– More blue undertones than green
– Deeper, richer color saturation
– Often have a grayness mixed in, resulting in a more muted tone
– May read more blue or green depending on lighting
– Sophisticated and moody aesthetic
– Works well for accent colors rather than large surfaces
Darker teals are created by adding gray, black, or blue to a base teal paint color to deepen the shade and saturation. The more you add, the darker and moodier the teal becomes.
Popular Darker Teal Paint Colors
Here are some examples of popular darker teal paint colors from leading brands:
| Paint Color Name | Brand |
|---|---|
| Teal Topaz | Behr |
| Rain Teal | Benjamin Moore |
| Teal Motif | Sherwin-Williams |
| Deep Teal | Valspar |
As you can see, popular darker teal paint colors often have descriptive names that call out their sophisticated, saturated tones like “deep” and “rain.” The swatches show the blue/green balance with most leaning more blue in tone.
Using Darker Teals in Home Décor
The muted moodiness of darker teals makes them perfectly suited for certain home décor applications. Here are some ways to stylishly use darker teals:
– Accent walls – Use a rich, darker teal on an accent wall in a bedroom, living room, or office space. The color will create an elegant focal point.
– Living spaces – In living rooms or dens, use darker teals on accent walls or furnishings like couches or arm chairs. This provides a sophisticated pop of color.
– Bedrooms – In bedrooms, deeper teals create a restful ambiance. Use on accent walls, headboards, bedding, or upholstered furniture.
– Bathrooms – The teal family is a popular bathroom color. A darker teal can give a bathroom a relaxing spa-like feeling. Use on walls, tile, or vanities.
– Dining rooms – For drama in formal dining spaces, paint the walls or wainscoting in a darker sophisticated teal hue.
– Front doors – Make an inviting first impression by painting your front door a richer teal color.
– Furniture – Refinish or paint wooden furniture like cabinets, tables, and bookshelves in a dark teal for a stylish pop of color.
Decorating Tips for Darker Teals
When working with deeper teal shades in your home, keep these decorating tips in mind:
– Use as accent colors – Darker teals work best as accents rather than all over colors. Use them strategically on focal walls or furniture pieces.
– Add plenty of light – Darker colors can make a room feel smaller and dark if not illuminated properly. Flood the space with ample natural light, accent lighting, and lighter décor pieces.
– Layer textures and metallics – Play up the sophistication of darker teals by layering glossy and matte metallics and adding interest with natural texture-rich fabrics and accessories.
– Pair with neutrals and whites – Let the rich teal be the star by keeping surrounding surfaces light. Off-whites, beiges, light woods, and white trim balance out the moody teal shade.
– Repeat teal tones – Bring in lighter, brighter teals along with the deeper shade. Use teal accessories and artwork for a complete, coordinating look.
Conclusion
Darker teals offer a sophisticated moodiness while retaining the natural appeal inherent to the teal family. Defined by their deeper blue undertones and rich color saturation, darker teals work beautifully as accent colors in home interiors when thoughtfully incorporated. By adding plenty of light and layering with neutrals and metallics, you can stylishly embrace the drama of darker teal hues for a seriously stylish space.
