Teal is a medium blue-green color that is a mix of blue and green. It is one of the more popular shades from the blue-green color family. Teal gets its name from the common teal bird which has similar blue-green colored feathers. The early use of the word teal comes from around the 17th century and originated from the old French word “tele” meaning greenish-blue. Let’s take a closer look at this beautiful blue-green color.
The Origins of Teal
As mentioned, teal comes from the old French word for greenish-blue “tele.” The first recorded use of teal in English was in the early 17th century. It was mostly used to describe the color of a duck known as the common teal. The common teal is a small duck with blue-green iridescent feathers on the head and wings. This is how teal became associated with a blue-green color.
Teal began being used as a color name in English in the 1920s. Its early use in fashion led to its popularization as a color name. Teal was a trendy color in the Art Deco design era of the 1920s. It also became fashionable in women’s clothing and cosmetics. The growing use of teal as a color name was likely influenced by Lalique and other Art Deco designers’ use of blue-green hues.
Teal in Nature
In nature, teal gets its color from a mix of blue and green pigments. The specific wavelengths that make up teal are in the range of 475-495 nanometers. A number of animals in nature display teal or blue-green coloring including:
| Animal | Description |
|---|---|
| Peacock feathers | Display iridescent teal coloring |
| Tropical fish | Some species have teal color scales |
| Tree frog | Varieties can have blue-green skin |
| Butterfly wings | Some butterflies have blue/green patterns |
The teal color seen in animals comes from the structure of the feathers, scales, or skin rather than pigment. This structural color results in the scattering of select wavelengths to produce the blue-green color.
Teal Color Codes
There are a few main teal shades used in design. These include blue teal, green teal, light teal, and dark teal. The hex color codes for popular teal shades are:
| Teal Variation | Hex Color Code |
|---|---|
| Blue teal | #008080 |
| Green teal | #00A690 |
| Light teal | #90E4C1 |
| Dark teal | #00555A |
These hex codes allow teal to be displayed accurately on web pages and digital designs. The codes represent exact RGB values which create the teal colors.
Teal also has corresponding CMYK and Pantone values for print design:
| Teal Variation | CMYK Values | Pantone Matching System (PMS) |
|---|---|---|
| Blue teal | 76% cyan, 23% yellow | PMS 3282 |
| Green teal | 93% cyan, 19% yellow | PMS 320 |
| Light teal | 85% cyan, 9% yellow | PMS 3272 |
| Dark teal | 100% cyan, 67% black | PMS 315 |
These specifications allow teal to be mixed and accurately reproduced for any print project.
Teal in Design
Teal is a popular accent color in interior design, fashion, and graphic design. Its mix of soothing blue and lively green has wide appeal. Some ways teal is used creatively in design include:
- Painting one accent wall in a teal shade
- Incorporating teal in living room pillows and rugs
- Selecting teal furniture like couches or arm chairs
- Adding teal kitchen appliances and cookware
- Using teal in abstract graphic designs and patterns
- Choosing teal in logos to stand out
- Making teal the color of headlines or key text
- Incorporating teal frames on eyeglasses
- Creating teal jewelry like necklaces and bracelets
Teal helps add a pop of color while still being easy on the eyes. It works in modern, retro, beachy, and bohemian styles. Teal can be paired with neutrals like white and gray for balance. It also complements metallics like gold and silver.
Teal Meaning and Symbolism
In color psychology, teal is associated with balance, renewal, and flow. It carries meanings of:
- Balance between mental clarity and emotional calm
- Equilibrium between the spiritual and material
- Fluidity, graceful transition, and empathy
- Peacefulness, tranquility, and relaxation
- Open communication and deep insight
Teal inspires compassion and supports healing processes. It represents the flow and movement of water as well as the changing of the tides. Teal meanings make it an ideal color for relaxation spaces.
Some additional symbolic meanings of teal include:
| Culture/Context | Teal Meaning & Symbolism |
|---|---|
| New Age | Psychic abilities and paranormal wisdom |
| Native American | Age old knowledge and spiritual vision |
| Egyptian | Fertility and new life |
| Greek | Poseidon’s dominion over water |
| Christianity | Healing and devotion |
Overall, teal has rich symbolism tied to spiritual vision, emotional depth, renewal, and the soothing qualities of water.
Conclusion
Teal is a medium blue-green shade with ancient roots that became popularized in the 20th century. It is found across nature in animals that display structural colors. As an accent color, teal provides the perfect balance between feeling peaceful and staying refreshed. With meanings tied to equilibrium and vision, teal promotes tranquility, empathy, and flow. The soothing energy of teal continues to make it a beloved color option for design and decor.