Teal vs. Turquoise

INSIDE : Learn the difference between these two beautiful blue green interior paint colors! See more about teal vs. turquoise and which color would look best in your home.

Teal versus Turquoise paints

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I have written a handful of posts about teal paint because it’s one of my favorite colors! When I bathe my home in shades of blues and greens, it creates a calm happy place.

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Teal and turquoise are often used interchangeably, but they are actually pretty distinct colors with different undertones and vibes.

Both are beautiful shades of blue-green, but understanding their specific nuances can help you make the perfect color choice for your home.

Bright teal and turquoise paint

Let’s talk a little more about each of the two colors below.

Teal – The Sophisticated Choice

Teal is a sophisticated color that exudes a sense of calm and elegance. Its undertones lean towards the blue side of the spectrum, often with a subtle hint of gray.

This combination creates a depth and richness that is both inviting and refined. Teal’s versatility allows it to seamlessly blend into a variety of interior design styles, from modern minimalism to classic traditional.

You can see where I used more teal paint colors in my home in our bedroom and my office.

Teal bedroom wall color
Teal bedroom paint color

One of the key characteristics of teal is its ability to create a serene and soothing atmosphere. It can create feelings of calm and relaxation, making it an ideal choice for spaces where you want to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life like a bedroom or office.

Additionally, teal’s cooler undertones can help to balance out warm tones in other elements of your decor. For example, it can complement wooden furniture, earthy accents, and even pops of vibrant color. This versatility makes teal a popular choice for those who enjoy mixing and matching different styles.

Turquoise – The Energizing Option

Turquoise is a lively color that sits a little closer to the green side of the blue-green spectrum.

It’s undertones are typically brighter and more vibrant than teal, often with a sunny, almost citrusy quality. This makes turquoise feel more energetic and uplifting – compared to the calming teal.

Turquoise bedroom wall
Turquoise bedroom paint color

Because of turquoise’s bright and cheerful nature, it is often associated with happiness, energy, and optimism. It can create a lively and inviting atmosphere in a room, making it a popular choice for children’s bedrooms and spaces where people gather and socialize.

It can also work well in spaces that receive plenty of natural light, as the color will appear even brighter and more vibrant.

How to Choose Between Teal and Turquoise

When you are choosing between Teal and Turquoise, there are a few factors you should consider.

Teal and Turquoise paint cans
  • Room’s natural light: Teal can appear darker in rooms with less natural light, while turquoise thrives in brighter spaces.
  • Desired mood: Teal evokes a sense of calm and sophistication, while turquoise creates a lively and energetic atmosphere.
  • Existing decor: Teal complements neutral tones and creates a balanced look. Turquoise pairs well with white and brown, adding a vibrant touch.
  • Personal preference: Ultimately, the best color is the one that resonates with you and your style. Experiment with different shades to find the perfect fit for your space.
Shades of blue and teal paint swatches
  • Color palette: Consider the overall color scheme of your room. Teal often pairs well with neutrals, grays, and browns, creating a sophisticated look. Turquoise can be paired with complementary colors like orange or purple for a bold statement or with neutrals for a softer approach.
  • Undertones: Pay attention to the undertones of the paint color. Teal can have blue, green, or gray undertones, while turquoise typically has green or blue undertones. Choose a color that complements the existing undertones in your room.
  • Personal style: Teal and turquoise can both be incorporated into a variety of design styles. Teal works well in traditional, modern, and eclectic spaces. Turquoise is often used in coastal, tropical and contemporary designs.
Teal versus Turquoise interior colors

Remember, both teal and turquoise are versatile colors that can be incorporated into various design styles. By carefully considering these factors, you can select the shade that best enhances your desired mood and aesthetic.

Teal versus Turquoise paints

6 Comments

  1. I adore the teal behind the bed. I just painted my front door a similar color – Sherwin Williams Riverway (SW 6222).

  2. Joan McCormick says:

    I’m with you, teal is my favorite color. I have teal accents walls in my hallways and dining room, and several decor pieces. It’s so rich looking. Love it! Thanks for sharing.

  3. What you call teal I call turquoise and vice versa. I always thought the deep moody color was turquoise.

    1. I definitely think there can be darker turquoise colors and shades. Teal, turquoise and aqua are all similar colors… but for the most part teal is more blue/green moody, turquoise is more blue and aqua is lighter. But they all have such variations, it can be hard to differentiate between them at times. I should maybe add in an aqua section to this post – that might be helpful!

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