Teal can feel a bit intimidating, as the deep color usually feels niche and isn't seen abundantly in interiors. The tone, which is a blend of green and blue, feels a lot more moodier than deep green and a lot punchier than regular blue. But this doesn't mean that teal can't have a good interior companion to pair up with.
In much the same way that there are many colors that go with green, there are many colors that work well with teal — particularly, neutrals and colors with warm undertones as well as dark, deeper colors. You can also add depth and dimension to your color palette by modulating the lightness and saturation of teal. So, a lighter teal will work well as a wall color for a large room but the deeper, darker teal will work great as an accent when paired with other tones.
So, what color goes with teal? Here are some examples to pair with this green-blue shade...
How many colors go with teal?
For choosing colors that go with dark green, as well as teal, muted tones, including neutral colors like beige, gray, and white, can easily balance a room and anchor the visuals. For instance, a bright teal and a cream or dull white would create a modern and sleek room that feels relaxing, while a darker combination can conjure a richer but moody vibe.
Teal also looks great with dark colors such as gray, dark brown, wine, plum, burgundy, or even terracotta. It also works well with colors which have warm undertones like mustard, dark yellow, coral, or copper.
"As a very green-blue that’s deep and saturated, teal adds vibrancy to any room," says Amy Krane, architectural color consultant and founder of Amy Krane Color. "Because this blue-green shade is associated with calmness, sky, and sea, used alone or with neutrals, it’s almost impossible to create a discordant space."
1. Burgundy
Burgundy and green is an interesting combination, as these tones sit opposite each other on the color wheel and create an eye-catching contrast. A good way to work with this bold scheme is by accenting shades of teal and burgundy in smaller elements such as furnishings and decor pieces, and balancing the entire room with a neutral backdrop. Plus, many colors go with burgundy, giving you the opportunity to add in a third hue.
"This project is distinctive due to the interplay of geometric lines and contrasting colors," shares interior designer Arabella Rocca. "The specially curated design elements and the use of bold colors create a space that is contemporary yet welcoming."
'While teal can combine with the complement of either its blue or green component to great effect, teal and red, or orange will create a dynamic balance in the room,' says Amy Krane. ' The more saturated the compliment, the more sizzle.'
2. White
If you have furniture in deep teals, balance it with some of the best white paint for walls for a more relaxed, calming scheme. This is a great living room color palette for relaxed, country homes.
"This project features a natural color palette of deep green, soft mushroom taupe, and crisp off-white and is paired with custom millwork for a tactile and inviting living experience," says Laura Melling, founder of Melling Studio. "The home brings a unique charm to multi-family residential living, drawing inspiration from the surrounding natural elements — mountains, forests, sky, and the waters."
3. Pink
There are several colors that go with pink, but one that makes maximum impact is green. And that's because both tones sit opposite each other on the color wheel and so contrast the most.
"Teal is a color that straddles between green and blue – and can also be called peacock blue," says Kristina Phillips, founder of Kristina Phillips Interior Design. "When pairing teal with other colors, bubble gum pink will create a tropical, palm beach vibe, whereas mixing teal with mauve or dusty pink will evoke a more sophisticated, 70's mood."
4. Taupe
A great way to balance a room with a lot of natural tones is by layering in teal and creating a modern yet tranquil atmosphere. Teal looks especially nice with a brick or walnut tone, along with taupe and light browns. Also, adding in other colors that go with brown, like beige or gray, can further enhance the scheme.
Take this bedroom color scheme, for instance, designed by Jessica Nelson Design. The room drenched in dark teal is matched with taupe bedding. and the large windows ensure the room doesn't feel too closed in. Plus, the chrome fixtures add a bit of glitter to the scheme. Jessica Nelson explains further: "This is a mountain home so we wanted to bring the outside in and reflect the surrounding PNW forest. We also wanted this room to feel like an escape, so the darker green shade was cozy and restful. We brought in the warmth through the bedding tones."
6. Red
Teal might surprise you among the colors that go with red. The only downside to this pairing is that it could look a bit too festive and Christmassy, but if you choose the right tones, you will be able to create a modern look. Choose rich red clay tones or deep, grey-red as colors that go with teal. The coolness of the teal will help to soften the warm undertones in the red.
"While teal can combine with the complement of either its blue or green component to great effect, teal and red, or orange will create a dynamic balance in the room," says Amy. "The more saturated the compliment, the more sizzle."
"Everywhere the tones shimmer and create a playful and contradicting combination of tones, organic materials and geometric lines," say Thomas Prost & Jean René Jean, of Uchronia. 'The home has a rich combination of plush textiles and smooth colored glass, forming a chromatic jewel box.'
7. Beige
For colors that go with beige, teal is an easy pairing, as both colors can be quite cool in tone. However, adding a third color into the mix can change the look and feel of an entire room. For a sultry and moody look, add a grey to complement the room's color scheme without overwhelming it.
"Beige and teal can complement each other, as long as the teal is used sparingly," says Kristina. "Being such a vibrant hue, it is important to keep the majority of the space neutral, adding teal into the mix with details (pillows, art, books). Alternatively, you could color-drench a small room in teal and break up the space with muted accents."
8. Light blue
Just like green, blue too makes the best partnership with teal. Choose a deeper tone of blue to give depth to the interior, and watch how the two tones meld into each other while still holding their own. Or, you could use a lighter blue, to open up the space. Teal is a great color that goes with blue and gives the space a watery, outdoor effect.
"For the lounge area in this secondary bedroom, I paired Farrow and Ball Parma Grey with a buffalo check, teal chaise, and vintage rug with lots of shades of blues," says Mary Patton, founder of Mary Patton Design.
Price: $158/gallon
9. Green
One of the most obvious colors that go with teal is any shade of green. Since the colors share similar visuals and color values, teal is a color that goes with sage green, forest green, moss green, and more. Plus, the layering allows a third shade to share space in the same room.
"I love rich colors and no colors are richer to me than jewel tones," says Charles Cohen, founder of Charles Cohen Designs. "There is something luxurious, yet calming about the intense color depths of green and teals together."
10. Gold
Teal can take a whole new life in a variety of spaces. With darker tones, it can create the moodiest, restful, and pensive spaces. And with lighter colors, it can feel relaxing. So what color goes with teal for a more energized space? The answer is gold. There are many other colors that go with gold, too, as the color can move seamlessly from rich, traditional to vibrant and contemporary. This kitchen color scheme is a testament to how well the color can pair with strikingly opposing tones and create an elegant feel.
"We brought brass into this space to celebrate the threshold moments at the door and between the kitchen and eating space," says Jessica Weigley, principal at Siol Studios. "The supporting elements — the white-and-blue backsplash tiles and the maple table — help to tie the brass palette to the deep teal green cabinets."
11. Yellow
What color goes with teal for a dynamic interior? If you have an all-teal scheme, tones of ochre and mustard could uplift the mood. While teal can sometimes feel quite heavy and rich, it is a great color that goes with yellow, and can bring light and energy into the space.
"Teal pairs beautifully with chartreuse; a shade that combines yellow and green," says Kristina. "Having common undertones of green keeps the two colors congruent, but I would advise on keeping one color as the dominant – the other as an accent."
Price: $70/gallon
What color goes with teal and gray?
Amongst the colors that go with teal is charcoal gray, as the two colors can create a wonderful layering in an interior but also darken the setting. To add a little visual relief, consider accenting the space with muted pink, coral, or mustard. These will bring out the warmer undertone of teal for a tasteful take on the tropical trend.
"Accenting with lighter or darker shades of grey too is an effective way to add depth and interest to a room and ensure it doesn’t look monotonous," says Juliette Thomas, founder & director of Juliettes Interiors. "If you have a naturally light space, you can afford to go darker with your interiors. Different shades of grey tend to create a cool and calming space, but it’s important to remember texture, whether that’s through the walls or via home accessories. Layering various tones and textures is key and there is something really elevated about designing rooms with different shades of gray."
What colors go with light teal?
Amongst the colors that go with teal in its lighter incarnation are whites, mustards, bright reds, and navy. While the muted tones of white and beige can create a serene and refreshing interior, the combination of teal and black can help make a statement. For a fun and playful pairing, consider bright red and light teal or dark navy for a punchy contrast.
