The color that looks like a combination of green and blue is called teal. Teal is a medium blue-green color that got its name from the common teal bird which has similar colored feathers. Teal falls somewhere between green and blue on the color spectrum and has a slightly more greenish hue than a true blue-green color would have.
Teal first became known as a color name in the mid-16th century. Before that it was simply called “green-blue” or “blue-green.” The word “teal” comes from the Middle English word teilen meaning “to make tiles.” This refers to the Eurasian teal duck which has a streaked, tiled pattern on its wings. Over time, the word “teal” became associated with the specific bluish-green color of the duck’s feathers.
There are many shades of teal ranging from more blue-based to more green-based teals. On the blue side, teal can be close to a turquoise blue. On the green side, darker forest greens can take on a teal-like quality. Generally though, teal is considered a tone halfway between pure green and pure blue.
The Color Spectrum
To understand where teal fits on the color wheel, it helps to visualize the visible spectrum of light. The visible spectrum contains all the colors the human eye can detect, ranging from reds and oranges on one end to blues and violets on the other end. In between are yellows, greens, cyans, and all the intermediary blends.
The color spectrum can be visualized as a continuous circular wheel with transitioning hues blending into their neighboring shades. Teal sits between green and blue on this color wheel. It contains elements of both while still maintaining its own distinct look.
On a typical artist’s color wheel, the secondary colors green, purple, and orange lie halfway between the primary colors red, yellow and blue. Teal is not considered a secondary color but it falls into a tertiary position between the primary blue and secondary green.
| Color | Wavelength (nm) |
|---|---|
| Red | 700-635 |
| Orange | 635-590 |
| Yellow | 590-570 |
| Green | 570-495 |
| Teal | 495-485 |
| Blue | 485-450 |
| Violet | 450-380 |
This table shows the approximate wavelength ranges for colors in the visible spectrum. Teal falls right between green and blue in terms of wavelength.
Properties of Teal
Teal has a number of unique properties as a tertiary color combining elements of both green and blue. Here are some of the defining characteristics of teal:
– Hue – Teal’s hue is a medium blue-green, meaning it has strong elements of both blue and green. It sits closer to green than a true cyan but has more blue than a dark green.
– Brightness – Teal has a moderately high brightness and intensity. It is considerably brighter than a deep forest green but not quite as bright as a pure medium blue. Brighter teals take on more green while darker teals appear more blue.
– Tone – Teal’s tone strikes a balance between the warmer, more earthy tone of green and the cooler, more calming tone of blue. Teal has both an energizing and stabilizing effect.
– Mood – The mood of teal is both refreshing and sophisticated. Its coolness is relaxing while its brightness keeps it upbeat. It evokes feelings of renewal, clarity, trust and professionalism.
– Use – Teal works equally well as a highlight color for accenting or as a base color for larger spaces. Its versatility allows it to be professional, nautical, tropical or retro depending on the context.
These qualities give teal a aesthetic that is balanced, versatile and visually stimulating. Teal manages to blend the best of green and blue for a livable, energizing effect.
Shades of Teal
Teal is available in a wide spectrum ranging from green-teals to blue-teals. Here are some of the most popular shades:
– Aquamarine – A light, cool teal with a green-blue hue. Named after the gemstone aquamarine.
– Turquoise – A brighter, greener teal shade. Turquoise contains a little more green than aquamarine teal.
– Bold teal – A medium teal balanced evenly between green and blue. A popular general teal shade.
– Dark teal – A deeper, more blue-based teal accented with green. Sometimes called teal blue.
– Moss green teal – A muted teal with more green than blue. Has an earthier look than brighter teals.
– Jade teal – A pale, whitewashed teal inspired by jade stone. Has a light, cool green-blue hue.
– Teal green – A teal leaning toward green with yellow undertones. Brighter and greener than dark teal.
There are no strict boundaries between teal shades. One teal can fluidly become more blue or green without a defined transition between shades. This allows for many subtle variations within the teal color spectrum.
Using Teal
Teal is extremely versatile and can be used in many contexts. Here are some of the most popular and effective ways to utilize teal colors:
– Accent walls – Paint one wall teal to add a bold accent color that isn’t overpowering. The brightness draws the eye without being neon bright.
– Bathrooms – Teal is an ideal color for bathrooms because of its soothing, watery association. Use teal on walls, tiles and accessories.
– Bedrooms – Paint a bedroom in light aqua teal for a relaxing, zen look. Accent with brighter teals for an energizing effect.
– Kitchens – For a fresh, clean kitchenspace, paint cabinets in turquoise teal while walls remain light. Add teal appliances for whimsy.
– Offices – Teal projects a professional, focused attitude perfect for offices. For creativity, use jade teal. For productivity, use bolder teals.
– Beach houses – Capture the colors of the sea and sky with light, airy teals. Accent with teal wicker and rattan furniture.
– Resorts – Establish a tropical island vibe by painting hotel rooms in aquamarine and turquoise teals. Use teal textiles for decoration.
– Gardens – Complement greens with teal patio furniture and pottery. Or paint a garden shed a mossy teal for an earthy look.
Teal is endlessly versatile, always projecting a sense of sophistication and renewal. It adapts to any environment looking equally at home in professional, tropical, nautical, romantic and eclectic spaces. Teal colors infuse interiors and exteriors with their balanced energy.
Decorating with Teal
When decorating with teal, it’s best to stick with just a few coordinating teal shades in a room. Choose either warmer, greener teals or cooler, bluer teals rather than mixing opposing hues. Here are some teal color scheme combinations:
– Teal, cream and terra cotta – A southwest look with terra cotta floors and accessories against creamy white walls. Accent with turquoise teals.
– Teal, tan and navy – For a beach cottage, use weathered teak wood furniture with navy and teal accents on a tan neutral background.
– Teal, gray and black – Modern and dramatic by combining medium teal with charcoal gray and black trims for high contrast.
– Teal, yellow and white – Fresh and cheerful pairing light teal with daisy yellow and clean white. Perfect for a sunny kitchen.
– Teal, lavender and sage – Spa-like with soothing teal walls, soft lavender textiles and fresh green accents.
– Teal, coral and mint – Vintage and playful using a blue-tinged teal with peppy coral pink and light mint green.
Teal is one of those rare colors that coordinate well with any style from modern to traditional. It fits seamlessly into color schemes for every room.
Teal in Fashion
In fashion, teal provides a flattering pop of color for any skin tone when used in moderation. Its green undertones brings out warmth in skin while its blue base keeps it cool and refreshing. Here are some tips for wearing teal:
– Pair a teal top with neutral bottoms like khakis, jeans or gray trousers. A little teal goes a long way.
– Make teal jeans or pants the focal point of a simple outfit. Tone it down with neutrals on top.
– Work teal into prints and patterns like floral, geometric and paisley prints for visual interest.
– Bright teals look best in spring and summer. Save darker, more muted teals for fall and winter months.
– Avoid head-to-toe teal outfits. Use teal as a highlight color in accessories like belts, jewelry, handbags and shoes.
– Play with different shades like sea green teal, turquoise teal and teal blues for variety.
Teal is universally flattering on all skin tones. Use it strategically in moderation for the most wearable look. A touch of teal makes any outfit pop.
Teal in Branding
In business, teal is a creative and trustworthy brand color. Its balance of green and blue evokes renewal, clarity and professionalism. Teal works well for both corporate and creative brands:
– Healthcare – Teal conveys stability and caring, perfect for clinics, hospitals and medical brands.
– Technology – The mental clarity of teal helps technology brands appear innovative and focused.
– Finance – For banks and institutions, teal adds a sense of security and trustworthiness.
– Education – Energizing teal encourages learning and intelligence in schools and universities.
– Retail – Teal’s vibrancy appeals to retailers promoting fresh brands. Use with upbeat citrus colors.
– Hospitality – Aqua teals evoke refreshing tropical waters and island relaxation at resorts.
– Creative brands – Vibrant teals reflect creativity, vision and an artistic sensibility.
Teal logos and branding convey energy, trust and intelligence. It immediately connects brands to ideas of creativity, stability and growth.
Conclusion
Teal is color between dimensions that perfectly merges invigorating green and calming blue. The balance of warmth and coolness gives it a versatile aesthetic that energizes yet relaxes. With the ability to take on bluer or greener tones, teal is endlessly adaptable across all design genres from traditional to modern. Associated with renewal and clarity of thought, teal promotes growth and focus. In branding, teal conveys professionalism, trust and intelligence. As more designers recognize teal’s energizing balance, this “green-blue” continues growing in popularity across all industries. Teal’s time as the rising underdog color is just beginning.