Teal is a beautiful blue-green color that is often associated with nature, calmness, and relaxation. Many people love the tranquil vibe that teal exudes. But where exactly does this cool color come from? Teal is not a primary color on the color wheel. Rather, it is formed by mixing two other colors together. So what two colors make teal?
The Basics of Color Theory
Before getting into the specifics of how to make teal, it helps to understand some color theory basics. The primary colors are red, blue, and yellow. These cannot be created by mixing other colors. Secondary colors are formed by mixing two primary colors. For example:
- Red + Blue = Purple
- Blue + Yellow = Green
- Red + Yellow = Orange
Tertiary colors are made by mixing a primary color with a secondary color next to it on the color wheel. Some examples include:
- Red + Purple = Red-Violet
- Yellow + Green = Yellow-Green
- Blue + Green = Blue-Green (Teal!)
So in summary, primary colors are the foundations. Secondary colors are two primary colors mixed. Tertiary colors are a primary + a secondary. All other hues are variations of these basic color combinations.
How is Teal Made?
As a tertiary color, teal is made by mixing a primary color (blue) with a secondary color (green). Specifically, teal contains higher proportions of blue than green. The exact ratio varies based on the desired shade. Here are some common teal color mixes:
| Blue | Green |
|---|---|
| 60% | 40% |
| 70% | 30% |
| 80% | 20% |
As you increase the blue ratio, the teal becomes cooler, brighter, and more blue-based. Decreasing the blue ratio creates a warmer, duller, and more green-based teal. The ratios above are decent starting points for medium tones of teal.
Breaking Down the Basics
To understand exactly how teal is derived from blue and green, it helps to go back to the basics of how secondary colors are formed from primary colors of light. The primary additive colors are red, green, and blue (RGB). When you combine these colors of light, they make the secondary colors:
- Red + Green = Yellow
- Green + Blue = Cyan (a blue-green)
- Blue + Red = Magenta (a reddish purple)
Thus, at a fundamental level, mixing green and blue light creates the impression of teal. All computer and TV screens create colors by mixing RGB light. Printed media like paints use the subtractive CMYK primary colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, black). In CMYK, teal is created by overlapping cyan and green pigments on paper.
Ideal Teal Mixes
Now let’s look at some ideal mixes for beautiful teal shades using common blue and green pigments:
- Phthalo Blue + Viridian Green – A vivid teal good for dark tones
- Ultramarine Blue + Sap Green – A bright mid-tone teal
- Cerulean Blue + Olive Green – A muted, grayish teal
- Cobalt Blue + Yellow-Green – A bold, tropical teal
As a general rule, pairing a warmer blue with a cooler green (or vice versa) yields a nicely balanced teal. Choosing colors with similar intensity or chroma also helps them mix well.
Mixing Teal Paint Colors
When mixing teal paint colors, start with small amounts of blue and green. Gradually adjust the ratio until you achieve your desired teal shade. Here is a simple step-by-step process:
- Squeeze out a dime-sized amount of blue paint onto your palette.
- Add a smaller pea-sized amount of green paint.
- Use a painting knife to thoroughly mix the blue and green together.
- If the teal is too blue, add more green. If it’s too green, add more blue.
- Continue adjusting the paint ratios until you match your target teal color.
Mixing teal yourself allows you to have total control over the hue. You can create bright vibrant teals or soft muted teals depending on the color palette needs.
Creating Teal Digitally
When working on a computer, you can easily mix custom teal colors using RGB values. Most design programs like Photoshop or Illustrator have built-in color pickers that allow you to input specific RGB numbers. Here are some sample RGB values for teal shades:
| Teal Variety | Red Value | Green Value | Blue Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bright Teal | 0 | 128 | 128 |
| Seafoam Teal | 126 | 216 | 215 |
| Dark Teal | 0 | 50 | 50 |
With RGB sliders, you can control the exact green and blue values to craft any teal shade imaginable. This level of precision makes digital design ideal for mixing custom teal colors.
Finding Teal Around You
Teal is associated with numerous elements found in nature. Observing these can provide beautiful examples of teals formed organically by mixing blues and greens:
- Ocean Waters – The mix of blue water and green algae
- Tropical Seas – Blue ocean waters refracting green shallows
- Peacock Feathers – Iridescent blues and greens
- Malachite Gem – Blue and green stone banding
- Mallard Ducks – Bluish grey and green iridescence
There are teal inspirations all around us in nature. Study the colors and textures of peacock feathers, aquatic plants, minerals, and more to stimulate your own custom teal color mixes.
Achieving Different Teal Tones
By adjusting the proportion of blue vs green, you can mix a wide spectrum of lighter, brighter teals to darker, duller teals. Here are some examples:
- Aquamarine Teal – 75% cyan blue + 25% green
- Pale Teal – 60% sky blue + 40% mint green
- Blue-Green Teal – 80% cerulean blue + 20% lime green
- Dark Teal – 70% navy blue + 30% forest green
- Muted Teal – 55% grey-blue + 45% sage green
Don’t be afraid to experiment with both warm and cool variants of blues and greens. This will allow you to mix the widest possible teal palette.
Teal Color Harmony
Now that you know how to mix and match different teal tones, what colors go well with teal? Since teal is a tertiary color, it combines nicely with analogous hues on the color wheel. Some examples of teal color harmonies include:
- Teal, sea green, sky blue (analogous)
- Teal, salmon, white (complementary)
- Teal, navy, yellow (triadic)
- Teal, lime green, violet (split complementary)
Teal has a naturally tranquil vibe. Combining it with white space helps enhance the peaceful feeling. Salmon pink, lime green, and violet accent it beautifully. Be creative and find teal pairings that speak to you.
Uses of Teal
Thanks to its soothing, naturalistic quality, teal has many popular uses throughout design and decor. Here are some of the most common ways to utilize teal:
- Wall Paint – Provides relaxing ambiance in bedrooms, spas, etc.
- Accent Pieces – Pillows, rugs, tableware, etc. add pops of color.
- Packaging – Conveys eco-friendliness for health products.
- Logos – Reflects natural vibes for eco companies, spas, salons.
- Bathrooms – Suggests aquatic influences, complements tiles.
Teal gracefully straddles the line between trendy and timeless. It energizes spaces with color without overpowering. Next time you need to add some flair, consider utilizing teal!
Teal Color Schemes
Teal is endlessly versatile, pairing beautifully with a wide variety of colors. Here are some stunning teal color schemes to inspire your designs:
Teal and Orange
The high contrast between warm orange and cool teal creates vibrant energy. Use burnt orange accessories against a teal wall or try pumpkin orange with teal blue accents.
Teal and Navy
A night sky vibe emerges when matching rich navy with airy teal. Use navy blue furnishings with teal artwork. Or paint a navy accent wall with teal home decor.
Teal and Yellow
Cheerful sunflower yellow enlivens soothing teal in this tropical pairing. Try mustard yellow pillows on a teal sofa or lemon curtains in a teal kitchen.
Teal and Pink
Pretty in pastels! Soft blush pink sweetens cool teal wonderfully. Pair powder pink linens with teal furnishings or walls. Or use fuchsia to make it pop.
Psychology of Teal
Colors carry symbolic associations that influence us psychologically. So what does teal represent? Here are some of the deeper meanings behind this tranquil tone.
- Balance – Teal balances the stability of blue with the growth of green.
- Harmony – It unites sky, water, and earth in peaceful harmony.
- Compassion – Teal soothes and nurtures our caring nature.
- Healing – It was believed to have healing powers in many ancient cultures.
- Openness – The wisdom to see new perspectives.
Teal connects us to the natural world and our inner wisdom. Use it when you want to encourage perspective, harmony, and personal growth.
History of Teal
While teal has enjoyed great popularity in recent decades, its roots stretch back thousands of years. Here are some highlights in the history of this tranquil tint:
- First used in Chinese art and ceramics circa 1300 BC
- Featured in ancient Egyptian murals and textile dyes
- Used in vibrant Aztec paintings and pottery in 1300-1500 AD
- Symbolized spiritual guidance and healing in indigenous cultures
- Made into early synthetic dye in Germany around 1915 AD
- Surged in fashion/decor popularity in mid-late 20th century
Teal has decorated our world for millennia, from the walls of ancient temples to today’s stylish fashions. Its rich history reveals why it remains a beloved color.
Teal in Design
Teal is a versatile color that enhances many design fields. Here are some ways creative professionals utilize teal:
- Interior Design – Adds soothing accent colors in bedrooms, baths, spas
- Graphic Design – Conveys natural, eco-friendly branding
- Fashion – Provides a cool, taupel complement to warm skin tones
- Architecture – Great roof or exterior wall color; relaxing vibe
- Web Design – Used for finance, wellness, or nature related sites
Teal flows seamlessly between retro and avant garde styles. Use it to create looks ranging from earthy and eclectic to sleekly modern.
Teal Around the World
Teal appeals to diverse cultures globally. Here are some places where it holds special meaning:
- India – Associated with spiritual guidance and intuition
- Mexico – Used in traditional pottery and textiles
- Japan – Represents wealth, prosperity, and love of nature
- Greece – Symbol of protection stemming from ancient gods
- Africa – Maasai tribes value teal beads for their healing properties
Wherever it is found, teal evokes humankind’s connection to the natural world. Its soothing presence continues to transcend cultures.
Teal Fashion
Runways and retail are flooded with teal each season. Here are some tips for wearing this flattering hue:
- Looks great on most complexions – pairs nicely with warm or cool skin tones
- Ideal for accent pieces like handbags, shoes, jewelry
- Muted teal is an easy way to add subtle color
- Brighter teal pops against neutrals like black, white, grey
- Dark teal reads warmer against lighter skin; lighter teal reads cooler
Make a subtle statement by layering several teal accessories over neutrals. Or go bold with head-to-toe teal for high drama.
Teal Decor Ideas
Ready to add this soothing hue to your home? Here are some stylish ways to decorate with teal:
- Paint an accent wall in a bold teal tone
- Choose teal accents like pillows, rugs, curtains
- Select teal vases, trays, ceramics for pops of color
- Incorporate teal cabinets or furniture for retro flair
- Display art, fabrics, accessories in muted teal tones
Teal makes an excellent color for large statement pieces like sofas or dining sets. Use it also to liven up neutrals and natural wood tones.
Conclusion
With its soothing, natural vibe, teal remains a perennial favorite for fashion and decor. By understanding the origins of this tranquil tint, we gain insight into its enduring appeal across
