The color teal is named after the the blue-ish green-ish stripe found near the eye of the Eurasian teal duck. Go figure! It merges the soothing properties of blue with the energizing qualities of green, and is embraced in the design world for its versatility and pleasing aura. One of teal's biggest draws is that it plays nice with a variety of colors, and looks at home in a range of interior styles from traditional to modern, which makes incorporating it into your home a breeze.
In the world of color theory, teal represents open communication and clarity of thought — and who wouldn't want to bring more of that into their daily lives? If you're looking for teal color ideas to incorporate the shade into your abode, read on.
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1. Choose colorful seating.
If you need to balance out a dark or heavy ceiling — like the exposed wood beauty in this midcentury dining room by Raili Clasen — upholstered chairs flaunting a rich teal color will do the trick. Poured concrete floors, a white rug, and a trio of woven, airy pendants lighten the mood and complete the look.
Get the look: DWR Saarinen Executive Chair in Aegean, $1,506
2. Opt for allover color.
Some people tiptoe around the color teal while others, like Amelia of Audenza, jump in with abandon. In her Victorian apartment she created a dramatic and cozy sitting room by enveloping it in the jewel-tone shade (including the ceiling) and then accenting with other vibrant hues like emerald green, ochre, and fuchsia. The result? A bold space full of life.
Get the look: Zoffany Paint Serpentine
3. Emphasize an architectural feature.
The color teal is the perfect way to highlight an alcove or other architectural feature. This bright, all-white bathroom by Mul-Mac gets a dose of contrast and Moroccan flair with an accent wall adorned in glossy fish scale tile. It adds texture and visual interest, while a Beni Ourain rug and Turkish towel enhance the eclectic undertone.
Get the look: Mercury Mosaics Large Moroccan Fish Scales, $54 per square foot
4. Complement soft colored cabinets.
Clara Plot added weight to a wall of pale pink upper kitchen cabinets with eye-catching teal color drawers, and then adorned their flat fronts with slim gold handles. A thin profile countertop is a refined choice, while a checkered floor adds pattern to the otherwise minimal space.
Get the look: Superfront Cabinet Fronts in Bottle Green
5. Invest in an ombre rug.
Take the edge off of a neutral living room with a teal color ombre rug, like this one from CB2. The gradient shades add dimension and hold their own in a room dominated by moody hues and masculine lines without distracting from the high design.
Get the look: CB2 Ombre Deep Teal Rug $149 - $799
6. Introduce playful stripes.
If you're looking to add a touch of whimsy to your family room, broad teal stripes in a playful watercolor-inspired application are a home run idea. Chango & Co. balances the wavy lines in this space with angular furniture like a substantial graphite sectional and ottoman, a pair of woven leather lounge chairs, and a sizable entertainment center.
Get the look: West Elm Misewell Sixagon Side Table, $239
7. Paint your front door.
In Joanna Gaines we trust, so we wouldn't hesitate to brighten our front door in any of her exterior paints, especially this inviting teal color 'Under the Stars'. Paired with white trim and sophisticated khaki walls, this threshold says come on in and stay for a while.
Get the look: Magnolia Under the Stars Exterior