Dark Teal 2053-20 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re looking for a paint color that effortlessly blends sophistication with a touch of drama, Benjamin Moore’s Dark Teal (2053-20) might just be your perfect match. This deep, moody hue sits at the intersection of blue and green, creating a rich, serene atmosphere that feels both timeless and contemporary. Whether you’re aiming for a bold statement or a subtle backdrop, Dark Teal has the versatility to adapt to your vision—but let’s dive into what makes this color so special and how you can make it work in your home.

First, let’s talk about its undertones. Dark Teal leans heavily into its blue base, giving it a cool, calming presence. That blue-green blend means it can feel refreshing and tranquil, making it ideal for spaces where you want to unwind, like a bedroom or a cozy reading nook. But don’t mistake “cool” for “cold”—this color has enough depth to feel inviting, especially when paired with warm accents like brass fixtures, wood tones, or creamy whites. The key is balance. If your room gets plenty of natural light, Dark Teal will shine with a vibrant, almost jewel-like quality. In dimmer spaces, it’ll deepen into a more intimate, cocooning shade—perfect for creating a moody, sophisticated vibe.

One of the biggest questions homeowners have about dark colors is whether they’ll work in smaller rooms. The short answer? Absolutely—but with some strategic planning. Dark Teal has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of just 10.12%, meaning it absorbs a lot of light rather than reflecting it. That can make a small space feel cozier, but if you’re worried about it feeling cramped, consider using it on a single accent wall. Pair it with lighter colors on the other walls or crisp white trim (Benjamin Moore’s White Dove is a classic choice) to keep the room feeling open. Mirrors and layered lighting—think sconces, table lamps, and overhead fixtures—will also help bounce light around and prevent the space from feeling too heavy.

Now, let’s talk finishes. Dark Teal looks stunning in both Eggshell and Satin, and the finish you choose should depend on the room’s function. Eggshell offers a soft, velvety look with minimal sheen, making it great for living rooms or bedrooms where you want a touch of elegance. Satin, with its slight gloss, is more durable and easier to clean, so it’s a smart pick for dining rooms or home offices where fingerprints or smudges might be a concern. Matte can work too, especially if you’re going for a ultra-luxurious, gallery-like feel, but keep in mind it may require more frequent touch-ups in high-traffic areas.

When it comes to decor styles, Dark Teal is surprisingly adaptable. In a bohemian space, it can anchor eclectic patterns and global textiles with its earthy depth. For a coastal vibe, pair it with rattan, driftwood, and crisp whites to evoke the ocean’s tranquility. In modern or industrial settings, it adds a sleek, moody contrast to clean lines and metallic finishes. And in rustic interiors, it complements natural wood and stone beautifully, adding a touch of refinement without feeling stuffy.

Worried about commitment? Dark Teal is surprisingly forgiving. It’s a low-VOC, eco-friendly paint with excellent coverage—you’ll likely only need one or two coats, even over darker colors. It’s also beginner-friendly, drying quickly and applying smoothly with a brush or roller. And because it’s scrubbable and wipeable, it holds up well to everyday wear and tear, making it a practical choice for busy households or rentals.

If you love the idea of Dark Teal but aren’t ready to paint an entire room, try it on furniture or cabinetry first. A teal bookshelf or kitchen island can add a punch of personality without overwhelming the space. And don’t forget about trim—painting baseboards or window frames in Dark Teal against lighter walls creates a striking, high-contrast look that feels designer-level.

Still on the fence? Grab a sample and test it in your space. Paint a large swatch on the wall and observe it at different times of day. Notice how it shifts with the light—bright and lively in the morning, deeper and more mysterious by evening. See how it plays with your existing furniture and decor. You might be surprised at how seamlessly it ties everything together.

At the end of the day, Dark Teal is more than just a color—it’s a mood. It’s the feeling of sinking into a plush armchair with a good book, or hosting a dinner party where the lighting is just right. It’s bold enough to make a statement but versatile enough to blend into your life. So if you’re craving a space that’s equal parts calming and captivating, this might be the shade you’ve been searching for.

Real Room Photo of Dark Teal 2053-20

Undertones of  Dark Teal ?

The undertones of Dark Teal are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards Blue. These subtle underlying hues are what give the color its depth and complexity. For example, a gray with a blue undertone will feel cooler and more modern, while one with a brown undertone will feel warmer and more traditional. It’s essential to test this paint in your home and observe it next to your existing furniture, flooring, and decor to see how these undertones interact and reveal themselves throughout the day.

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HEX value: #255A5E

RGB code: 37, 90, 94

Is  Dark Teal Cool or Warm?

This color leans more towards the cool spectrum, thanks to its blue-green base. It can create a refreshing and calm environment, perfect for spaces meant for relaxation or contemplation.

Understanding Color Properties and Interior Design Tips

Hue refers to a specific position on the color wheel, measured in degrees from 0 to 360. Each degree represents a different pure color:

• 0° represents red
• 120° represents green
• 240° represents blue

Saturation describes the intensity or purity of a color and is expressed as a percentage:

• At 0%, the color appears completely desaturated—essentially a shade of gray
• At 100%, the color is at its most vivid and vibrant

Lightness indicates how light or dark a color is, also expressed as a percentage:

• 0% lightness results in black
• 100% lightness results in white

Using Warm Colors in Interior Design

Warm hues—such as reds, oranges, yellows, warm beiges, and greiges—are excellent choices for creating inviting and energetic spaces. These colors are particularly well-suited for:

• Kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms, where warmth enhances comfort and sociability
• Large rooms, where warm tones can help reduce the sense of emptiness and make the space feel more intimate

For example:

• Warm beige shades provide a cozy, inviting atmosphere, ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways.
• Warm greige (a mix of beige and gray) offers the warmth of beige with the modern appeal of gray, making it a versatile backdrop for dining areas, bedrooms, and living spaces.

However, be mindful when using warm light tones in rooms with limited natural light. These shades may appear muted or even take on an unpleasant yellowish tint. To avoid a dull or flat appearance:

• Add depth by incorporating richer tones like deep greens, charcoal, or chocolate brown
• Use textured elements such as curtains, rugs, or cushions to bring dimension to the space

Pro Tip: Achieving Harmony with Warm and Cool Color Balance

To create a well-balanced and visually interesting interior, mix warm and cool tones strategically. This contrast adds depth and harmony to your design.

• If your walls feature warm hues, introduce cool-colored accents such as blue or green furniture, artwork, or accessories to create contrast.
• For a polished look, consider using a complementary color scheme, which pairs colors opposite each other on the color wheel (e.g., red with green, orange with blue).

This thoughtful mix not only enhances visual appeal but also creates a space that feels both dynamic and cohesive.

Light Temperature Affects on Dark Teal

Natural Light

Natural daylight changes in color temperature as the sun moves across the sky. At sunrise and sunset, the light tends to have a warm, golden tone with a color temperature around 2000 Kelvin (K). As the day progresses and the sun rises higher, the light becomes cooler and more neutral. Around midday, especially when the sky is clear, natural light typically reaches its peak brightness and shifts to a cooler tone, ranging from 5500 to 6500 Kelvin. This midday light is close to what we perceive as pure white or daylight-balanced light.

These shifts in natural light can significantly influence how colors appear in a space, which is why designers often consider both the time of day and the orientation of windows when planning interior color schemes.

Artificial Light

When choosing artificial lighting, pay close attention to the color temperature, measured in Kelvin (K). This determines how warm or cool the light will appear. Lower temperatures, around 2700K, give off a warm, yellow glow often used in living rooms or bedrooms. Higher temperatures, above 5000K, create a cool, bluish light similar to daylight, commonly used in kitchens, offices, or task areas.

Use the slider to see how lighting temperature can affect the appearance of a surface or color throughout a space.

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LRV of Dark Teal

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Dark Teal is 10.12%, which places it in the Medium Dark category. This means it reflects very little light. Understanding a paint’s LRV is crucial for predicting how it will look in your space. A higher LRV indicates a lighter color that reflects more light, making rooms feel larger and brighter. A lower LRV signifies a darker color that absorbs more light, creating a cozier, more intimate atmosphere. Always consider the natural and artificial lighting in your room when selecting a paint color based on its LRV.

Detailed Review of  Dark Teal

Dark Teal is a versatile color that can transform your space into a stylish retreat. Its rich, deep tone can evoke feelings of tranquility while simultaneously providing a bold statement. Whether you’re incorporating it into an accent wall or using it to envelop an entire room, Dark Teal works remarkably well with both natural light and artificial sources. It pairs beautifully with warm woods and light neutrals, allowing for a balanced aesthetic. In areas with lower light, this hue can add depth without making a space feel cramped. However, be mindful of your lighting; in dim settings, it may appear darker than intended. Overall, Dark Teal is a fantastic choice for those wanting to create an inviting yet impactful atmosphere.

Pros & Cons of  2053-20 Dark Teal

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Dark Teal

FAQ on 2053-20 Dark Teal

What type of finish is best for Dark Teal?

For Dark Teal, the best finishes are Eggshell or Satin. These finishes not only enhance the color’s richness but also provide a subtle sheen that adds depth and character. Eggshell is ideal for living rooms or bedrooms, giving a soft, sophisticated look. Satin, on the other hand, is more durable and easier to clean, making it suitable for high-traffic areas or kitchens. If you prefer a more matte appearance, that can also work, but be prepared for touch-ups as it may show scuffs more easily.

Can Dark Teal be used in small spaces?

Yes, Dark Teal can be used in small spaces, but it’s important to use it wisely. To avoid making a small room feel even smaller, consider using it on an accent wall rather than all four walls. Pair it with lighter colors or whites for trim to create a sense of openness. Mirrors and good lighting can also help balance the depth of the color, allowing it to add character without overwhelming the space.

Comparisons Dark Teal with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Dark Teal 2053-20