Turquoise is a bold and vibrant color that can make a statement in any room. Here are some quick answers about using turquoise in a living room:
Quick Answers
– Turquoise works well as an accent color in small doses like throw pillows or an accent wall. It helps add visual interest.
– Using turquoise on all walls in a living room is best avoided as it can feel overwhelming. Opt for neutral main wall colors.
– Turquoise pairs nicely with white, beige, gray and wood tones. It creates a nice contrast.
– The level of natural light in a room impacts how intense turquoise appears. Rooms with ample light can handle bolder turquoise.
– Consider the size of the living room. Turquoise makes a small space feel more vibrant but can overwhelm a large room.
The Psychology of Turquoise
Turquoise is a dynamic color that has symbolized wisdom, tranquility, protection, strength, and healing throughout history. Here is a deeper look at the psychology behind this shade:
| Positive Associations | Calming, refreshing, friendly, confident |
| Negative Associations | Cheap, artificial, overwhelming |
The cool, slightly greenish blue tone is strongly associated with relaxation. It evokes tropical oceans and clear skies. Turquoise is known to have a calming effect that can lower heart rate and blood pressure.
At the same time, turquoise has an invigorating quality. The boldness of the color creates an uplifting, stimulating environment. It represents ambition and clarity of thought.
Turquoise encourages open communication and connection. It stimulates the throat chakra, the energy center associated with self-expression. This makes it a great accent color for conversational spaces like living rooms.
Too much turquoise, however, can feel chaotic and artificial. It’s best used in balance with more neutral tones. The right turquoise accents can energize a room while still maintaining a comfortable ambiance.
Choosing the Right Shade
Turquoise is available in a wide spectrum, ranging from bright, jewel tones to soft, muted variations. Consider the mood you want to create when selecting a shade:
– Jewel tones like Persian turquoise have an exotic, adventurous vibe. They pop against neutral backdrops.
– Softer shades like celeste feel more relaxing. They provide an airier, subtler dose of color.
– Green turquoise tones are bold yet earthy. They bring the revitalizing feel of the tropics indoors.
The light in the room also impacts how turquoise is perceived. North-facing rooms may be able to handle stronger shades without appearing overwhelming. Soft turquoise works best in very bright spaces.
Where to Use Turquoise in a Living Room
Here are some of the best ways to incorporate turquoise into a living room’s design:
Accent Wall
Paint one wall in a bold turquoise tone to create a dramatic focal point. Use contrasting neutrals like warm white or tan on remaining walls. Add turquoise accents throughout the rest of the room.
Furniture
Upholster an accent chair or small sofa in an eye-catching turquoise fabric. Or use turquoise on furniture frames, legs and other design details.
Rugs
A medium-sized area rug with a vibrant turquoise pattern or border anchors the space with a burst of color.
Pillows and Throws
Punchy turquoise pillows and throws add affordable pops of color to sofas and chairs. Mix and match patterns and textures.
Curtains
Sheer turquoise curtains filter light beautifully. Or make a statement with bold turquoise drapes. Add complementary curtain tie-backs.
Accessories
Vibrant turquoise vases, trays, mirrors, lamps and art prints provide versatile accent pieces around the room.
Avoid overdoing it. Start with a statement wall or a couple of large furniture pieces/accessories. Then add supporting turquoise accents sparingly.
Design Styles for Turquoise
Turquoise pairs well with these popular interior design styles:
Bohemian
The free-spirited boho look embraces turquoise’s adventurous vibe. Use turquoise accents throughout an eclectic space with patterned rugs, woven wall hangings and antique woods.
Modern
Turquoise makes a bold style statement in sleek, contemporary spaces. Pair it with gray, white and natural wood tones. Use turquoise artwork for a sculptural look.
Tropical/Coastal
Turquoise and other ocean blues capture the essence of island style. Combine it with rattan, woven fibers, greenery and weathered wood finishes.
Traditional
For a preppy east coast aesthetic, use softer turquoise accents like throw pillows and table lamps. Mix it with classic furniture and floral prints.
Southwestern
The Southwest embraces turquoise more than any other region. Pair it with terracotta, leather, timber beams and Navajo patterns.
What Colors Go Well with Turquoise?
Turquoise is extremely versatile. It pairs beautifully with a wide range of colors that complement or contrast it. Popular color combinations include:
| White | Creates a clean, bright coastal look |
| Beige | Warm, welcoming southwestern vibe |
| Gray | Sleek, modern contrast |
| Black | Bold, dramatic opposition |
| Yellow | Cheerful, sunny accent |
| Tan | Earthy desert warmth |
| Terracotta | Vintage Southwest aesthetic |
| Navy | Nautical maritime feel |
Aim for colors several shades lighter or darker than turquoise. Hues too similar in intensity can clash. Neutrals help turquoise stand out as the star.
Fabrics for Turquoise Decor
The texture of surrounding fabrics impacts how turquoise looks and feels in a room. Here are some pleasing fabric options:
Cotton – Natural cotton in neutral solids or subtle patterns provides an ideal canvas for turquoise accents. The matte texture prevents overwhelm.
Linen – Like cotton, linen has an organic feel that grounds turquoise’s vibrancy. Use linen slipcovers or curtains.
Wool – Sturdy, cozy wool rugs and throws in neutral palettes help turquoise shine. Wool adds comfortable softness underfoot.
Jute – Natural jute rugs bring earthy texture. The woven look pairs well with bohemian turquoise designs.
Silk – Shimmering silk pillows or lampshades add a glam counterpoint to turquoise’s casual vibe. Use sparingly to avoid appearing overly flashy.
Velvet – Crushed or embroidered velvet cushions in deep jewel tones complement turquoise’s richness. The slight sheen provides depth.
Furniture for Turquoise Decor
Turquoise pops against natural wood tones. Here are some furniture styles that complement it well:
Scandinavian – The light woods and simple profiles of Scandinavian or mid century modern furniture provide an ideal neutral backdrop for bright turquoise.
Rattan – Natural fibers like rattan introduce organic texture that enhances turquoise’s tropical flair.
Whitewash – Whitewashed wood furniture has a beachy, sun-bleached look that feels effortlessly coastal with turquoise accents.
Wicker – Similar to rattan, woven wicker furniture adds breezy texture. Use all-weather wicker outdoors.
Oak – Natural oak finishes provide a traditional anchor. Turquoise modernizes the look.
Pine – Rustic, unstained pine offers an affordable complement. Turquoise enlivens the simple design.
Metal – Sleek chrome, silver or gold furniture legs and frames contrast with turquoise’s natural vibe.
Aim for neutral wood stains to let turquoise shine. Distressed, weathered finishes also pair well.
Wall Colors that Go with Turquoise
Turquoise stands out best against a neutral wall palette. Here are some flattering options:
White – Crisp white walls spotlight turquoise accents in a bright, cheerful way. Use warmer antique whites to prevent a clinical look.
Beige – For a soothing backdrop, sand, fawn and tan wall colors complement turquoise’s laidback vibe.
Gray – Cool, sophisticated grays accentuate turquoise in a modern way. Go for soft dove or warm greige tones.
Brown – Earthy chocolate or cafe brown walls and wood paneling bring out turquoise’s nature-inspired qualities.
Yellow – Spiced pumpkin or mustard walls make turquoise pop. Mustard yellow boosts vibrant jewel tones.
Green – Light sage green walls reinforce turquoise’s verdant qualities in a subtle way. Avoid darker competing greens.
Stick to matte paint finishes. High-gloss can overpower turquoise accents. Use semi-gloss sparingly on trims and doors for subtle sheen.
Flooring Options with Turquoise
Turquoise looks best against natural flooring materials. Here are some top options:
Hardwood – Natural oak or maple hardwood floors provide an ideal blank canvas for turquoise accents. Stick to light, neutral stains.
Bamboo – Sustainable bamboo flooring offers a contemporary spin on hardwood. The light finish lets turquoise shine.
Jute – Natural fiber jute carpeting introduces warm, casual texture. Use a low pile construction.
Sisal – Similar to jute, sisal’s nubby profile feels laidback and welcoming with turquoise furniture or rugs.
Tile – Neutral porcelain, ceramic and stone tiles help ground turquoise. Add turquoise accents with occasional mosaic tiles.
Concrete – Stained, polished concrete floors complement modern turquoise styles. A smooth finish prevents gritty feel.
For a unified look, avoid competing colorful flooring. Let turquoise take center stage against simple solid-toned floors.
Lighting for Turquoise Decor
Lighting makes a big impact on how turquoise is perceived. Tailor fixtures to your goals:
White Light – Cool LED or fluorescent lighting keeps turquoise looking crisp and true to color.
Yellow Light – Warm incandescent bulbs make turquoise feel richer and more vibrant.
Natural Light – North-facing rooms may handle bolder turquoise better than southern exposures.
Overhead – Flush mount LED fixtures and recessed lighting evenly illuminate turquoise walls.
Task – Desk and reading lamps provide direct illumination ideal for turquoise home offices.
Ambient – Floor and table lamps cast a diffuse glow that flatters turquoise’s chilled-out vibe.
Outdoors, string lights with white bulbs prevent turquoise from appearing too bold after dusk.
Area Rugs with Turquoise
An area rug with turquoise elements pulls the whole room together. Some top options include:
Persian – Intricate turquoise patterning on a red or navy Persian area rug injects exotic flair.
Modern – Graphic turquoise rugs with geometric elements feel invigorating. Keep pile low.
Shag – Soft turquoise shag pile rugs lend cozy retro appeal. Coordinate floor and furniture tones.
Treasure – One-of-a-kind antique Turkish area rugs feature standout turquoise details.
Border – Rugs with just a turquoise border provide a budget way to introduce the color.
Sisal – Natural fiber sisal rugs offer customizable size options. Add a bold turquoise border.
For open concepts, use a large area rug to define a turquoise living space. Smaller rugs under furniture help pull seating groups together.
Conclusion
Turquoise can be striking, soothing or lively depending on how it’s used. When applied to feature walls, accessories and furnishings in moderation, it creates an irresistible focal point. Turquoise piques the imagination and stimulates conversation. It feels free-flowing yet reassuring. With creative and balanced use, turquoise’s bold energy can transform a neutral living room into a warm, welcoming oasis.
