Teal is a beautiful and versatile color for any living room. Finding the right complementary colors to go with teal can elevate the look and feel of the space. When decorating with teal, it’s important to consider the undertones of the specific teal hue you’re working with as well as the overall style you want to achieve. With some thoughtful color pairing, teal can make for a stylish, inviting, and cohesive living room design.
Undertones of Teal
Teal is a mix of blue and green. Depending on the ratio of those two base colors, the undertones of any given teal can vary from more blue to more green. This is an important consideration when choosing accompanying colors.
More blue-based teals will complement colors like beige, brown, taupe and other earth tones that have touches of orange or terra cotta. Greener teals look best with colors on the cooler end of the spectrum like gray, slate blue, light purple and seafoam green.
Look at swatches of your teal paint, fabric or other finishes to determine if it leans blue or green before making final color choices. The light in your living room can also impact how teal appears, so check it in both natural and artificial light.
Color Combinations for Teal Living Rooms
Here are some top color combinations that work beautifully with teal in living room designs:
Teal and Beige
A natural, earthy pairing. Beige has warm peach undertones that provide a subtle and soothing contrast to blue-toned teals. Use beige on larger surfaces like walls, carpeting, furniture and window treatments. Add teal through decorative pillows, throws, vases, artwork and other accents.
Teal and Brown
Richer and more rustic than beige with bolder orange undertones. Different shades of brown can be mixed and matched. Try a deep chocolate-brown sofa with reddish-brown rustic side tables and lighter tan leather arm chairs. Teal accents will pop against this backdrop.
Teal and Cream
Cream is lighter and brighter than beige, creating a more ethereal, dreamy vibe. It highlights teal’s aquatic nature for a spa-like environment. Incorporate creams through upholstery and textiles paired with teal walls or large furniture pieces like a cabinet or hutch.
Teal and Gray
From light pewter to charcoal, teal enlivens cool grays. Use gray as a neutral backdrop for furniture, walls and flooring while weaving in teal accents and artwork. The combo is modern yet warm.
Teal and White
Clean, airy and nautical, white makes teal pop. However, too stark white can overpower teal. Opt for an ivory white with subtle warmth or use plenty of natural textures like wood grains and woven fibers to soften the pairing. White walls allow teal furnishings to take the spotlight.
Teal and Yellow
Yellow brings out the cheerful brightness of teal. Soft pastel yellows work nicely for a relaxed vibe. Deeper golden yellows and ochres provide a striking, dramatic contrast. Use yellows sparingly to avoid overwhelming the teal.
Teal and Purple
The blend of a cool and a warm tone creates vibrant, youthful energy. From lavender to eggplant, lighter and softer purples complement teal best. Bolder jewel-toned purples can overpower. Use purple in small doses through floral accents, pillows and art.
Teal and Turquoise
Playing teal off against lighter, brighter turquoise can amplify the aquatic, tropical feel. The similar hues still provide enough contrast when mixed through textiles, ceramics and other accents. Too much turquoise risks looking redundant. Use it selectively for bold punches of color.
Teal and Terracotta
The orangey-red earthiness of terracotta enlivens a blue-leaning teal. This combo evokes Southwestern, Mexican and Spanish design. Terracotta floors, furniture, planters and artwork pop against a blue teal wall. Add warmth and texture for inviting, Old World charm.
Teal and Green
Teal paired with green may sound matchy, but the right green tones can complement a greener teal beautifully. Look for muted, grayish-greens like sage, olive and seafoam. Brighter greens can work in small doses. Just don’t overdo the green. Use it sparingly to allow the teal to shine.
Tips for Decorating with Teal and Complementary Colors
When working teal and accompanying colors into your living room, keep these tips in mind:
– Use 60-30-10 formula. Have one color dominate at 60%, a secondary color at 30% and accent colors totaling 10%. This creates balance.
– Layer multiple textures like woods, metallics, velvets, linens and more. Adds depth and interest.
– Mix patterns in similar colorways. Florals, geometrics and stripes can play nicely together.
– Add warmth with wood furniture, live plants and lighting. Prevents a cold, sterile look.
– Display collections of colored glassware like vases, decanters and bowls. Reflects and scatters teal tones.
– Use an area rug to define a space in a complementary colorway. Unifies seating vignette.
– Limit colors to 3-5 for harmony. More looks chaotic.
– Repeat color in varying values, intensities and patterns for cohesion.
– Paint ceilings, trim, walls and cabinetry all different hues. Provides nuance.
Example Teal and Complementary Color Scheme Living Rooms
To see some of these color combinations in action, here are a few inspiring examples of living rooms decorated with teal and coordinating accent colors:
Blue Teal and Beige
| Walls | Light beige |
| Sofa and chairs | Beige linen |
| Pillows and throws | Blue teal, navy, ivory and brown patterns |
| Cabinets and tables | Dark wood |
| Rug | Ivory and navy geometric |
| Decor accents | Blue teal vases, candles, bowls |
Green Teal and Gray
| Walls | Light warm gray |
| Sofa and chairs | Charcoal gray linen |
| Pillows and throws | Green teal, light green, white patterns |
| Cabinets and tables | White washed wood |
| Rug | Gray and white geometric |
| Decor accents | Green teal planters, sculptures, bowls |
Teal and Yellow
| Walls | Soft teal |
| Sofa and chairs | White linen |
| Pillows and throws | Mustard yellow, teal, white floral patterns |
| Cabinets and tables | Distressed wood |
| Rug | Abstract yellow, white and teal |
| Decor accents | Yellow vases, teal candles and bowls |
Conclusion
Teal is an endlessly versatile color for living rooms. Whether your teal leans blue or green, pairing it thoughtfully with complementary beige, brown, cream, gray, white, yellow, purple or terracotta tones creates a put-together, inviting space. Always consider the undertones of your teal and the overall mood you wish to achieve. Balance bold color pairings by layering in natural textures and warm accent pieces. With a harmonious, well-edited mix of teal and accompanying hues, this colorful shade can elevate any living room design.
