Turquoise is a striking blue-green color that can really make a statement in fashion, interior decorating, and graphic design. But like any bold color, it’s important to choose the right accent colors to complement turquoise in order to create a cohesive and pleasing color palette. When selecting complimentary colors, it’s helpful to understand the basics of color theory.
Understanding Color Wheels
The traditional color wheel places primary, secondary and tertiary colors around a circle to demonstrate color relationships. Colors that are opposite each other on the wheel are considered complementary colors. These color combinations create maximum contrast and reinforcement between one another.
Some examples of complementary color pairs:
| Red | Green |
| Yellow | Purple |
| Blue | Orange |
When you combine two complementary colors, they seem to intensify one another. This helps create color vibrancy in outfits, paintings, graphic designs, photographs and more.
Finding Turquoise’s Complimentary Colors
Since turquoise is a mix of blue and green, its direct complement is a reddish-orange. Look at a traditional color wheel and you’ll find these two colors directly across from each other.
However, color palettes don’t necessarily have to stick to direct complementary pairs. Other shades that have a strong visual contrast with turquoise can also produce bold and beautiful color combinations.
Best Color Matches for Turquoise
Here are some of the most striking color matches for turquoise:
Red-Orange
As the direct complement to turquoise on the color wheel, red-orange is a fail-proof choice. The brightness of a true red-orange provides the maximum contrast. Think vermilion, rust red, or scarlet.
True Red
For a slightly less intense combo than red-orange, a fire engine, cherry or crimson red also complements turquoise beautifully. This creates a very vibrant, youthful palette.
Yellow-Orange
Yellow-oranges like amber, gold, and pumpkin provide a sunny, cheerful accent to turquoise. This palette reminds us of tropical waters and sandy beaches.
Lime Green
For an even trendier take, lime green has an energetic pop that pairs well with turquoise. Together they create a bold retro-inspired color scheme.
Teal
While not technically a contrasting color, teal can be gorgeous alongside turquoise. Mixing different shades, tints and tones of turquoise with teal can yield a sophisticated watercolor palette.
Eggplant
Deep purple eggplant has a jewel-toned richness that contrasts nicely with light and bright turquoise. These regal colors work well in artsy, bohemian spaces.
Mustard
Spicy mustard yellow pops against turquoise. And it’s on trend in home decor and women’s fashion. Use this lively combo to create an invigorating scene.
Forest Green
For spaces with a moodier vibe, pair turquoise with the depth of forest or emerald green. This nature-inspired palette brings together land and sea.
Using Neutrals with Turquoise
Don’t be afraid to include neutrals like black, white or tan alongside turquoise. Anchoring your color scheme with neutrals allows the turquoise to really stand out.
Black is especially striking, creating a bold high-contrast look. For a softer pairing, try chocolate brown, which has the same earthy stability as black but less severity.
Crisp white helps brighten and lighten turquoise. It also represents cleanliness and purity against the vibrancy of turquoise.
Natural wood tones also complement turquoise, building an organic color story. Mix turquoise with oak, walnut or bamboo for a nature-inspired palette.
Monochromatic Turquoise Palettes
Don’t overlook using shades of turquoise together in the same palette. Monochromatic color schemes provide cohesion. And you can add visual interest by playing with different tones and textures of the same base color.
A turquoise color scheme may include:
– Turquoise
– Teal
– Aquamarine
– Robin’s egg blue
– Seafoam green
– Mint green
– Light or medium blue
Start with your boldest turquoise color on large pieces like furniture or an accent wall. Then layer in softer tones with pillows, art, accessories and other accents.
Best Colors for Turquoise Clothing & Accessories
Turquoise jewelry and clothing really pops against the right colors. Here are some combinations that look fantastic together:
| Turquoise with white | Creates a breezy resort or nautical look |
| Turquoise with black | Edgy and sophisticated |
| Turquoise with red | Bold, fun and energetic |
| Turquoise with mustard | On-trend and lively |
| Turquoise with chocolate brown | Earthy with rich depth |
| Turquoise with emerald green | Naturalistic and soothing |
The colors you pair with turquoise jewelry and clothing help shape the overall vibe and mood of your look.
Home Decor Color Schemes with Turquoise
Turquoise can transform any room in your home. Here are some inspiring ways to use it:
Turquoise Accent Wall
Painting one wall turquoise instantly energizes a space. Try it on the wall behind a bed headboard or sofa. Then decorate with neutral furniture and linens to let the turquoise wall pop.
Turquoise Furniture
Small turquoise occasional chairs, ottomans or side tables also make bold style statements. Complement them with soft whites and tans to complete the look.
Turquoise Kitchen Appliances
In vintage-style kitchens, painting appliances like refrigerators or stoves in glossy turquoise is retro fun. Pair with red accents for a 1950s diner feel.
Turquoise Bathroom
Turquoise makes bathrooms feel like relaxing spas. Try turquoise tiles or paint above neutral wainscoting. Then add fluffy white towels for contrast.
Boho Chic
For a laidback bohemian space, combine turquoise with eggplant purple, mustard yellow and natural wood tones. Layer in some macrame, botanical prints and rattan furniture.
Tropical Paradise
Capture a tropical vibe by matching turquoise with lime green, salmon pink and banana leaf prints. Rattan, bamboo and natural textures complete the look.
Eclectic Gallery Wall
Make turquoise the star of an eclectic gallery wall with art and prints. Mix in black and white photography, antique maps, pressed botanicals and painted wood for contrast.
Complementary Colors for Turquoise in Graphic Design & Marketing
Turquoise is an energetic, friendly color that’s widely used in business branding and advertising. It helps grab attention while conveying dependability.
Some great color combinations for turquoise branding and graphics include:
| Turquoise with black | A bold classic combo that conveys strength and authority |
| Turquoise with white | Crisp and straightforward |
| Turquoise with gray | Professional with a modern edge |
| Turquoise with red | Youthful energy |
| Turquoise with chocolate brown | Reliable and earthy |
| Turquoise with lime green | Fresh and fun |
Remember to keep turquoise branding cohesive by limiting accent colors. Don’t go overboard mixing too many competing colors.
Conclusion
Turquoise is a confident color that begs to be noticed. Choosing the right accent colors allows turquoise to shine while creating balanced, aesthetically pleasing color palettes. Contrasting hues like red-orange, red, and lime green make turquoise pop. While neutrals like white, black and brown provide an anchoring foundation. However you use it, turquoise delivers major design impact. With so many options, you’re sure to find the perfect color complements to make turquoise the star.
