Teal is a medium blue-green color that has become quite popular in recent years for interior design, fashion, and branding. However, some people may prefer a darker, richer version of teal that has more blue undertones. So what exactly is this mysterious darker teal? Let’s explore some options.
Understanding Teal
First, it helps to understand what defines the color teal. Teal sits between green and blue on the color wheel, meaning it has elements of both colors. The hex code for standard teal is #008080, which is a balanced mix of blue and green.
Teal first became popular in the 1980s and 90s. Many credit the rise of teal to the Tiffany brand, which used a robin’s egg blue that sparked a craze for medium blues and greens. The paint company Sherwin Williams even dubbed a blue-green color from their palette as “Tiffany Teal.”
In the world of interior design and home décor, teal provides a refreshing pop of color that is bold yet still neutral enough to match various styles. It is often considered a “transitional color” that can work in both traditional and contemporary spaces. The cool, calming nature of teal makes it a widely appealing shade.
Dark Teal vs. Teal Blue
When most people think of a darker teal, they are likely envisioning a color that adds more blue. This results in a rich, moody teal that may also be described as a teal blue. The hex code for a deeper teal blue is around #005458.
Dark or teal blue has an elegant, sophisticated look. The increased blue tones give it a bolder presence without being overpowering. It works beautifully when paired with brass accents and natural woods. Dark teal makes a dramatic impact on walls or large furniture pieces. It can hold its own in spaces with black and white color schemes as well.
Compared to regular teal, the teal blue shade has more gray undertones rather than green. It may read as more of a greenish navy. However, the blue-green essence still comes through. Teal blue works well in traditional color combinations like navy and taupe.
Forest Green Teal
While teal blue deepens the blue undertones, forest green teal does the opposite by enhancing the green. This results in a very dark greenish teal closer to forest or jewel tones. The hex code for rich forest green teal is around #003D00.
With greater green intensity, forest green teal feels bold, moody and elegant. It is closer to emerald or dark jade. The color has an organic earthy vibe but still reads as a complex blue-green.
Forest green teal can feel mysteriously retro yet also modern. It pairs well with retro browns, oranges, yellows or vintage tile. It also has an Art Deco flair that matches sleek greys and blacks. Overall, it makes a dramatic, saturated statement.
Dark Cyan Teal
Cyan is a greenish-blue color located between blue and green on the color spectrum. Dark cyan teal essentially combines rich shades of cyan and teal for an elegant, slightly retro look. The hex code for dark cyan teal is around #00878F.
Compared to forest green teal, dark cyan teal has more subtle blue undertones. But it appears darker and deeper than standard teal. Dark cyan teal seems reminiscent of the 80s or 90s yet also feels unexpectedly modern as well.
Pairing dark cyan teal with orange creates a bold, electric color combination. It also pairs well with magenta pink for pop art flair. Or use dark cyan teal as the starting point for an eclectic bohemian space filled with jewel tones, patterns, and plants.
Best Uses for Dark Teal Colors
Now that we have explored some common options for dark teal shades, how should you use them in design? Here are some top uses for deep rich teals:
| Dark Teal Color | Best Uses |
| Teal Blue | Accent walls, furniture, pillows, rugs, tile, creating an elegant moody feel |
| Forest Green Teal | Cabinets, dramatic artwork, eclectic bohemian accents, Art Deco inspired spaces |
| Dark Cyan Teal | Front doors, kitchen appliances, office spaces, pairing with pinks, oranges or yellows |
In general, deeper teal colors have an upscale, sophisticated effect. They are ideal for making a bold statement in any room. Use them strategically instead of all over to let their richness shine.
Dark teals also work nicely in outdoor areas. Try a darker teal door to make your entry pop. Or use it on patio furniture cushions to tie in nature elements like lush greenery.
Conclusion
Teal remains a versatile and timeless color choice even in bolder darker shades. Whether you prefer the moodiness of teal blue, the retro vibe of dark cyan, or the drama of forest green teal, embracing a deeper teal is a sophisticated way to add character to any space. With so many shades to choose from, you can easily find the perfect rich teal for your design needs. Just go a shade darker to make teal feel fresh again.
