Love it or hate it—teal is back. This bold blue-green hue is once again on designers’ radars and popping up in trend forecasts for 2025 and beyond. While neutrals are fading, deeper, moodier tones like oxblood, plum, and martini olive are stepping into the spotlight. And teal, despite being a tricky shade to work with, is winning hearts for its depth, versatility, and emotional impact.
Why Teal is Trending Again
Teal has a bit of a reputation. In the late 2000s and early 2010s, overly saturated teals were everywhere—throw pillows, statement walls, you name it. According to designer Brad Ramsey, those bright shades now feel dated, even evoking comparisons to Lisa Frank dolphins or ‘90s “Jazz” cups.
But teal doesn’t have to feel juvenile or overbearing. When used intentionally—especially in deeper, richer tones—it brings warmth and sophistication. Designer Radhika Vydianathan of Emora Design Studio notes that teal’s timeless elegance is rooted in cultural and architectural references, from Indian sarees to antique ceilings.
“Teal walks a fine line between bold and classic,” says Brad Ramsey. “Used right, it feels luxurious. Used wrong, it feels outdated.”
How Designers Are Using Teal in 2025
Teal is no longer just an accent color. It’s making full-room statements in velvet sofas, kitchen cabinetry, and moody wall-to-wall paint jobs. The vibe is more cocoon-like and immersive—think deep teal dining rooms, cozy powder rooms, and statement-making studies.
Case in point: A piano room by Studio Munroe uses a deep teal to create a polished, livable space. Another project by Lisa Tharp pairs jewel-toned teal walls with ruby bedding for a rich, luxurious bedroom look.
Teal works especially well in small spaces where designers aim for that “jewel box” effect. Tara McCauley recently transformed a small guest room with dark teal walls, balancing the cool tone with golden yellows and tans.
Want to go bold? Use dark teal in:
- Home bars
- Libraries
- Powder rooms
- Dining rooms
- Entryways
Pair it with brass, leather, velvet, or deep wood tones for a timeless, glam effect.
How to Use Light Teal Without Going Too Retro
On the flip side, light teal is also having a moment—especially in coastal homes, Palm Beach interiors, and gender-neutral spaces. While some designers shy away from vivid ‘90s teals, softer versions bring a breezy calm to modern homes.
In a recent project, Emora Design Studio used a soft teal on bedroom walls to create a serene space. Another by Kemble Interiors paired teal wallcovering with clean lines and modern accents for a layered, welcoming effect.
When working with light teal:
- Pair it with creamy whites, pale pinks, light woods, or slate gray
- Use it for upholstered furniture, backsplashes, or nursery walls
- Avoid overly bright pairings unless you’re going for a full-on retro vibe
“The trick is in the pairing,” says Ramsey. “With the right textures and tones, teal—light or dark—can feel incredibly timeless.”
Final Thoughts
As people move away from picture-perfect, neutral-heavy homes and toward individuality-driven design, teal offers the right mix of emotion, elegance, and energy. Whether you go bold or keep it soft, this once-controversial color is making a serious comeback—and this time, it’s here to stay.
Also Read : How to Decorate Bedroom Walls Without Painting
