Teal and mustard are two colors that have risen in popularity in recent years, especially in fashion and home decor. But do these trendy shades actually complement each other when paired together? There is some debate around whether teal and mustard is a stylish color combination or a major fashion faux pas. In this article, we will examine the characteristics of teal and mustard, look at examples of them styled together, and provide tips on how to successfully (or unsuccessfully) match these colorful hues.
Defining Teal and Mustard
Before analyzing how teal and mustard work together, let’s clarify exactly what shades we’re talking about.
Teal is a medium blue-green color that takes its name from the common teal bird. It sits between green and blue on the color wheel. True teal is slightly more green than blue. It has an elegant, soothing appearance.
Mustard is a golden yellow that takes its name from the condiment made from mustard seeds. It sits between yellow and orange on the color wheel. True mustard has a vibrant, spicy personality.
So in summary, teal is a cool tranquil blue/green while mustard is a warm energetic yellow/orange. This contrast is important when pairing them together.
Complementary Colors
On the traditional RYB (red, yellow, blue) color wheel, teal and mustard are considered complementary colors. This means they sit opposite each other, with teal falling in the blue family and mustard in the yellow.
Complementary color pairings create high contrast and vibrancy. However, it can be tricky to use them harmoniously. When complementary shades are placed side-by-side, they tend to “compete” with each other instead of complementing.
| Pros of Complementary Colors | Cons of Complementary Colors |
|---|---|
| Create visual interest | Can clash if not balanced properly |
| Make each color appear brighter | Risk looking jarring or overwhelming |
| Offer striking color combination | Challenge to blend seamlessly |
So while teal and mustard have the potential to be a gorgeous pairing, they require thoughtfulness to keep the look cohesive.
Teal and Mustard in Fashion
In the fashion world, teal and mustard is considered an adventurous color pairing. It’s a bold choice often seen on the runways.
When styled well, teal and mustard can create an electrifying look. The two colors make each other pop in an exciting way. Teal’s cool tone balances out mustard’s warmth.
However, the combo can go downhill fast if the proportions are off. Too much of one color compared to the other can look garish. The key is to aim for balance – integrating teal and mustard equally so neither shade overwhelms.
Subtle ways to mix teal and mustard:
- Teal top with mustard pants or skirt
- Mustard dress with teal jacket or shoes
- Teal handbag to accent a mustard outfit
- Mustard scarf with a teal coat
Bolder ways to combine teal and mustard:
- Teal pants with a mustard top
- Mustard blazer over a teal dress
- Half teal/half mustard colorblocking in a dress or top
- Teal shoes and mustard bag (or vice versa)
When pairing teal and mustard clothing, also consider textures. Mattes and shimmers help the colors connect. For example, a shiny teal skirt balances a matte mustard sweater.
Overall, teal and mustard make a vibrant fashion statement. Handle with care by styling them in equal proportions.
Teal and Mustard for Home Decor
The teal and mustard combo translates well from the world of fashion to home interiors. It enlivens any room with energizing color.
In home decor, teal takes on a more relaxed sea glass tone while mustard leans golden and earthy. The colors complement each other beautifully in bohemian, eclectic, or traditional spaces.
Some ideas for decorating with teal and mustard:
- Paint walls teal and use mustard in accents like pillows, rugs, and art
- Upholster mustard sofa or armchairs, pair with teal curtains and accessories
- Choose a teal sofa and layer on mustard throw blankets
- Use a mix of teal and mustard decorative pieces like vases, tableware, candles, etc.
When combining teal and mustard decor, vary up shades and textures. Teal ranges from pale to jewel tones while mustard spans bright yellow to deep orange-golds. Satin, nubby, matte, and high-gloss finishes all bring dimension.
Teal and mustard work for pretty much any room – bedroom, living room, kitchen, office, kids’ rooms, and more. Just maintain balance so one color doesn’t overwhelm the other. Use plenty of neutral solids like white walls or wood furniture to give your eyes a break between the vibrant shades.
Should You Pair Teal and Mustard?
So should you join the teal and mustard trend? Here are some final pros and cons to consider:
| Reasons to Pair Teal and Mustard | Reasons to Avoid Teal and Mustard |
|---|---|
| – On-trend color combination | – Risk clashing if poorly balanced |
| – Creates exciting visual contrast | – Can look dated if overdone |
| – Options for subtle or bold looks | – Not everyone’s taste – some find it garish |
| – Works for fashion, decor, and more | – Difficult to match with other colors |
| – Livens up neutral backgrounds | – The combo may fall out of style quickly |
So in summary – proceed with caution if trying teal and mustard together. Not all wardrobes or decor schemes can pull them off seamlessly. But if done tastefully, this color pair makes a vibrant statement.
Use brights sparingly, vary shades and textures, and balance the proportions. When coordinating teal and mustard thoughtfully, you can avoid a clashing outfit or overpowering interior.
Conclusion
Teal and mustard are bold complementary colors that require careful styling. This trendy combo walks a fine line between chic and garish. With the right balance, teal and mustard create an electrifying look with visual interest. But allowing one shade to dominate produces a jarring, overwhelming effect.
Aim to use teal and mustard in similar proportions. In fashion, try pairing a teal top with mustard bottoms or vice versa. For decor, paint teal walls with mustard accents or vice versa. Vary hues and textures to connect the colors smoothly. Keep accessories, shoes, art, and decor items in one shade or the other to tie the look together. And use plenty of neutral basics so your eyes can rest.
So while teal and mustard do go together, they require thoughtfulness. Stick to the guidelines above to successfully rock this daring color combination in a stylish, tasteful way – instead of looking like a hot mess!