Go for Bold: How to Decorate with Teal
Experts reveal how this versatile hue can be a calming backdrop with a flair for all-out drama...
Looking to make a statement but still want a luxury, restful feel? Turn to teal.
A vibrant teal shade gives depth and modernity to wall panelling while making an arresting focal point.
The true beauty of teal is its ability to effectively combine with a vast multitude of colours. Keep scrolling to find out how to use this elegant hue in your own home…
Panelling in South Bank matt emulsion, £42 for 2.5L, Fired Earth
HOW TO USE TEAL – THE BEST TEAL PAINT COLOURS
BEST TEAL PAINT FOR A SOOTHING FEEL IN A LIVING ROOM
Bobble Hat claypaint, £43 for 2.5L, Earthborn
‘For a sophisticated and luxurious feel, concentrate on mid- to-dark teal tones, which can beautifully envelop a room,’ says head of Zoffany studio Peter Gomez. ‘The deeper the colour, the greater the dramatic effect.’
BEST TEAL PAINT FOR ENLIVENING A SPACE WHILE RETAINING BALANCE
Vardo estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball
‘Teal’s vibrancy can bring new life to tired furnishings, so it’s the perfect shade for upcycling projects,’ advises Sue Kim, senior colour designer at Valspar. ‘Try refreshing kitchen cabinets by painting them in a rich hue and pair with marble-effect countertops for striking results.’
BEST TEAL PAINT FOR WORKING AS A FOIL FOR BRIGHTS
TG Blue perfect matt emulsion, £48 for 2.5L, Designers Guild
‘A strong colour in its own right, teal can be made even more eye-catching if combined with another bright, contrasting shade, such as a zingy yellow or red,’ suggests David Mottershead, MD at Little Greene. ‘Why not paint a stripe of a contrasting colour along the top of the skirting board or across the dado rail? Or use a shade such as pale pink for the woodwork.’
BEST TEAL PAINT FOR SOUTH-FACING ROOMS WHEN ACCENTED WITH OFF-WHITES
Canton absolute matt emulsion, £45 for 2.5L, Little Greene
‘Teal is on the cooler end of the spectrum, so walls in this hue respond brilliantly when bathed in bright natural sunlight,’ says Jody Hudson, stylist at Graham & Brown. ‘If you’re using the shade in a north-facing room that receives cooler light, be sure to counteract with warm tones like mustard or orange.’
Tricia Guild, founder and creative director of Designers Guild, advises: ‘Combine teal with soft shades such as jade, chalk white, violet and pearlescent grey. The neutral shades provide a gracefulness, while teal blue adds definition and refinement without a hint of severity.’
BEST TEAL PAINT FOR BRIGHTENING UP A SMALL ROOM
Phantom durable matt emulsion, £38 for 2.5L, Graham & Brown
Getting creative with teal not only results a unique look, but can also make a small room look larger. ‘Experiment with different finishes to create a unique decorative feature,’ recommends Charlotte Cosby, head of creative at Farrow & Ball. ‘Teal comes alive in full gloss. Use it on the ceiling to bounce light around the room, or on the bottom half of walls to create an interesting contrast from the estate emulsion above.’
BEST TEAL PAINT FOR CREATING A TAILORED, MASCULINE FEEL
Newby Green active emulsion, £45 for 2.5L, Sanderson
Teal is the ideal choice for a sleek study space or members’ club-style office. Fired Earth’s creative director Colin Roby-Welford says it’s also a chic way to welcome visitors to your home. He explains: ‘Front doors and hallways set the scene for a home, so an energising and uplifting colour such as teal is a perfect choice. Pair it with mid-century furniture for a retro feel, or try it as a backdrop to black and white photographs for a more contemporary look.’
Want to know about other strong colours?
Find out how to decorate with black
