Best teal paints: 8 favorite shades among designers
In recent months, we’ve been seeing teal crop up in many stylish homes. A classic ‘in-between’ color that falls somewhere between blue and green, teal can vary from airy and calming to rich and full of drama.
Whether it’s the former or the latter that inspires you most, decorating with teal can add the most impact through paint ideas, and so here, we’ve rounded up the best teal paints from leading brands.
If you’re looking for a way to add sophistication to your home while nodding to retro design, these expertly picked teal paints should be on your radar for the year ahead.
1. Sherwood Forest, Benjamin Moore
(Image credit: Krystal Reinhard of Old Soul Design Studio / Brian Wetzel)
‘One of my favorite deep teal paint colors is Sherwood Forest by Benjamin Moore,’ says designer Krystal Reinhard of Philadelphia-based Old Soul Design Studio. ‘This brilliant, moody jewel tone carries a sense of magic and enchantment. What I love most about it is how dynamic it is throughout the day. In lower light, it leans into a rich, almost green-black depth, while in bright daylight, it reveals a luminous teal undertone, reminiscent of the shifting hues of the Caribbean ocean.’
‘For the best application, I always recommend painting both the walls and trim in the same color – this keeps it feeling modern and intentional rather than choppy or dated. And if you’re ready to fully commit to saturation, extend it across the ceiling and built-ins as well. Just be mindful of sheen variation: use matte for the walls, satin for built-ins, and semi-gloss for trim to create subtle contrast while maintaining a cohesive look. This color truly transforms a space into a moody retreat, perfect for intimate dining rooms or jewel-box libraries,’ says Krystal.
2. Aquaverde, Sherwin-Williams
(Image credit: Emily Winters for Peabody’s Interiors, photography Margaret Rajic)
‘Teal is the perfect mix of blue and green. It’s energetic and fresh but sophisticated enough for grown-up spaces,’ explains designer Emily Winters Posselt for Peabody’s Interiors.
In this bathroom, Emily used Sherwin-Williams Aquaverde on the walls, a mid-toned teal paint that seamlessly blends blue and green. It feels especially calming due to its association with the natural world, making it a great alternative to neutral paints for bathroom color ideas.
3. Vardo, Farrow & Ball
(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)
‘One of my favorite teal paint colors is Farrow & Ball’s Vardo, a bold yet refined teal that exudes personality while maintaining an air of sophistication,’ shares designer Vyanca Soto of Market Studio Interiors.
‘It’s a vibrant hue with just the right amount of depth, making it feel luxurious rather than overpowering. I love using this shade in spaces where you want an element of surprise, whether it’s a powder room, a built-in bookshelf, or a room that is color-drenched. Paired with warm brass or deep walnut tones, it strikes a perfect balance between richness and playfulness, making it an unforgettable statement color,’ Vyanca adds.
4. Sea Glass, Benjamin Moore
(Image credit: Cohesively Curated Interiors, Carina Skrobecki Photo)
‘This kitchen is Benjamin Moore’s Sea Glass,’ says Emily Ruff of Cohesively Curated Interiors. ‘It is the perfect light blue-green color that brings impact to the space while not feeling overwhelming. The color really echoes the water view that this space has which is why we chose it.’
‘The light blue-green of the kitchen cabinets plays nicely with the teal blue tile wall and is a great balance to the warm wood tones of the island, floors, and exterior door,’ says Emily.
5. Oasis Blue, Benjamin Moore
(Image credit: Nadia Watts Interior Design, Nick Sargent Photography)
‘I’ve always been drawn to versatile hues, and Benjamin Moore’s Oasis Blue is one of those shades that just feels right every time I use it,’ says Denver-based interior designer Nadia Watts. ‘It’s a beautiful blend of blue and green – rich and vibrant like a gemstone, yet soft and grounded enough to feel timeless.’
‘What I love most about this color is its versatility. It makes a statement without being overwhelming, bringing just the right amount of depth and personality to a space. It transforms a room, while still feeling inviting. It’s a color that works in so many ways, and I always find myself coming back to it,’ says Nadia.
6. Aegean Teal, Benjamin Moore
(Image credit: Tineke Triggs, Christopher Stark Photo)
‘Aegean Teal by Benjamin Moore is one of those colors that just feels effortlessly stylish,’ says San Francisco designer Tineke Triggs. ‘It’s a soft, muted mix of blue, green, and gray – calm yet rich, making it an easy choice for adding depth without overwhelming a space. It works beautifully on walls, cabinetry, or even a statement ceiling, pairing well with warm neutrals, natural wood, and soft metallics.’
‘On a ceiling, it creates a cozy, enveloping effect, drawing the eye upward and making the space feel more intimate yet sophisticated. It’s especially stunning when paired with crisp white trim or gold accents, adding a touch of drama without feeling heavy.
‘In a bedroom or living room, it sets a relaxed, serene mood, while in a kitchen or office, it brings just the right amount of refinement. Plus, it shifts beautifully with the light throughout the day, giving a room that extra bit of dimension and character,’ says Tineke.
7. Hague Blue, Farrow & Ball
(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)
Farrow & Ball’s Hague Blue is a popular dark paint, that can read as a much darker and blue-toned teal paint with subtle green undertones. This is a favorite for designer Bambi A’Lynn Bratton of Austin design studio Bambi A’Lynn Interior Design, who explains:
‘Hague Blue is the perfect shade of teal – dark and deep enough that it isn’t too bright and it works with so many different color combinations.’
From creating a cozy bedroom to using it in a library room, there are plenty of stylish ways to decorate with Farrow & Ball’s Hague Blue.
8. Bermuda Turquoise, Benjamin Moore
(Image credit: James Thomas Interiors, photography Nick Johnson)
Lastly, Benjamin Moore’s Bermuda Turquoise is a rich shade of teal that was used in this library room, creating a striking and color-centric look.
‘We love the color we used to paint the library in our Gold Coast project,’ explains designer Tom Riker of Chicago-based design studio James Thomas. ‘Sometimes, teal can feel too tropical or too peacock-like, but we think this shade strikes the perfect balance of fresh and fun while still maintaining sophistication.’
Which of these teal paints is your favorite? Whether you’re looking for a soft, light-toned teal for a calming scheme or something much richer to add drama to your home, there’s plenty of inspiration from these top picks.
Alternatively, you may wish to incorporate this color through smaller accents. If so, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite teal decor pieces for you to shop below.
Washed Linen Duvet Cover
Bring teal into your bedroom color scheme with this linen duvet cover which feels apt for spring.
Create a sophisticated look with this velvet teal pillow – ideal for giving your living room sofa a refresh.
This muted patterned pillow cover offers an understated way to decorate with teal – perfect for traditional schemes.
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