There are colors that you admire in other people’s homes, and then there are colors that feel like they belong to you.
For me, that color was Aegean Teal (2136-40) by Benjamin Moore. It wasn’t love at first sight; it was love at first feel.
Something about the way this color straddles blue, green, and gray tones makes it instantly grounding yet sophisticated.
It’s a color that doesn’t demand attention but always earns a second glance.
I discovered it while flipping through a design magazine at a cafe.
The photo showed a sunlit kitchen with Aegean Teal cabinets, creamy walls, and gold hardware – and I literally tore the page out and took it home.
That image sparked a complete kitchen makeover, and it was the best design decision I’ve made.
In this article, I’ll walk you through what makes Aegean Teal so captivating, how to use it in your home, and why it might be the calm, collected shade your space is missing.
What Is Aegean Teal by Benjamin Moore?
This is one of the most common questions about Aegean Teal, and the answer isn’t as cut and dry as you’d expect.
It’s a cool color, yes, but it leans ever so slightly warm depending on the lighting and surrounding tones.
In north-facing rooms, it reads more blue-gray and refined. In brighter, sun-drenched rooms, it takes on a lush greenish tone that feels natural and welcoming.
It’s this adaptability that makes it so well-loved by designers and homeowners alike.
It’s also surprisingly gender-neutral. No matter if you’re designing a moody masculine office or a peaceful nursery, this color adapts without effort.
What Is Aegean Teal’s LRV?
The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Aegean Teal is 23.96, meaning it’s a medium-dark shade.
It’s not a light, airy color that bounces light around the room, but that’s actually part of its charm.
In rooms with lots of natural light, it creates richness and depth. In dimmer spaces, it wraps the walls in a velvety cocoon.
If you’re looking for a cozy yet sophisticated vibe, this LRV works in your favor.
For small rooms like powder baths or reading nooks, Aegean Teal creates a jewel-box effect that makes the space feel intentional and intimate rather than closed in.
What Undertones Does Aegean Teal Have?
Aegean Teal is a masterclass in complexity.
It has:
- Blue is its primary identity.
- Green is a subtle layer that softens it.
- Gray that grounds the entire color.
What does this mean for real spaces? It means you’ll never be bored with it.
Aegean Teal shifts with the day’s light and plays beautifully with both natural textures and sleek finishes.
It’s particularly stunning in spaces where you incorporate natural materials like stone, wood, and woven textures.
The color acts like a lens, deepening and softening depending on the elements around it.
How to Use Aegean Teal by Benjamin Moore in Your Home
Looking for ways to bring Aegean Teal into your space? Here’s how it can shine across different rooms and styles.
1. Aegean Teal on Exteriors
If you’ve ever walked past a home with painted wood siding in Aegean Teal, you know what I mean when I say it stops you in your tracks.
It’s bold, but not loud. Stylish, but not trend-chasing.
Pair it with:
- Creamy white trim (like White Dove) for contrast
- Warm wood tones for a rustic vibe
- Brass house numbers or fixtures for an elevated touch
It also performs beautifully in shaded porches and entryways, offering a rich backdrop for planters, lanterns, and seasonal décor. Aegean Teal doesn’t fade into the background; it subtly commands attention.
2. Aegean Teal in the Kitchen
I cannot stress this enough: Aegean Teal on kitchen cabinets is magic. It’s moody, fresh, and feels intentional without being too dramatic.
Great Pairings:
- Backsplashes: White subway, handmade zellige, or soft gray ceramic
- Countertops: Marble, quartz, or butcher block
- Hardware: Brushed gold or matte black
- Walls: Soft whites like Chantilly Lace or warm neutrals like Edgecomb Gray
One of my favorite combinations was pairing Aegean Teal base cabinets with floating walnut shelves and a soft white wall – it was warm, clean, and deeply satisfying.
3. Aegean Teal in Bathrooms
Yes, and not just powder rooms. In full-size bathrooms, Aegean Teal on the walls or cabinetry can transform the space into a calming retreat.
Add:
- White tiles and accents for freshness
- Natural baskets or warm metallics for texture
- Plants to pull out the green tones
Even something as simple as painting a vanity or the back of a door can give your bathroom a custom, spa-like feel.
4. Aegean Teal in Bedrooms
Absolutely. In fact, it’s one of my top recommendations if you’re going for a cozy, cocoon-like bedroom feel.
It works beautifully as:
- A full-room wall color with light bedding and warm wood
- An accent wall behind the bed in an otherwise neutral room
- A statement headboard or built-in unit
Layer with linens in ivory, taupe, or muted blue for a deeply restful atmosphere.
It’s perfect for couples’ bedrooms, guest spaces, or even nurseries if you want something fresh yet soothing.
5. Aegean Teal with Wood Tones
Aegean Teal has a special synergy with wood, particularly:
- Warm oaks and walnuts
- Whitewashed pine for contrast
- Deep espresso for drama
Whether you’re doing built-ins, floating shelves, or a full wood-paneled wall, Aegean Teal creates a gorgeous visual tension with wood.
It adds richness and frames natural materials in a fresh, modern way. This makes it ideal for transitional or modern organic styles where you want softness without losing structure.
What Colors Go Well with Aegean Teal?
This color plays well with a lot of companies. Here are some of my favorites:
Coordinating Neutrals:
- Swiss Coffee – soft and inviting.
- Edgecomb Gray – warm and balanced.
- Simply White – clean and bright.
Accent Colors:
- Terracotta or Clay – for a Mediterranean or boho feel.
- Blush pinks or muted peach – for soft contrast.
- Mustard or ochre – for bold warmth.
- Matte black – for drama.
You can go coastal, earthy, or glam when styled thoughtfully. Aegean Teal works with almost any direction.
Similar Shades to Aegean Teal You Might Like
If you love Aegean Teal but want to explore the spectrum, consider:
| Paint Color | Brand | Undertone | Appearance | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean Floor | Benjamin Moore | Blue-gray | Deeper, moodier, rich | Cozy, dramatic, modern classic |
| Riverway | Sherwin-Williams | Blue-green | Slightly greener than Ocean Floor | Balanced, coastal, sophisticated |
| Knoxville Gray | Benjamin Moore | Gray with blue hint | More gray, less green than Riverway | Urban, elegant, subtle depth |
| Green Smoke | Farrow & Ball | Green with gray base | Earthier and historic feel | Timeless, vintage, heritage charm |
These all sit in the same color family but offer slightly different personalities depending on what your space needs.
Real-Life Tip: Sample It Before You Commit
Paint colors are shapeshifters – I say this to every client I work with. What looks stunning in your friend’s living room might fall flat in your hallway.
- Try a Peel-and-Stick Sample or Sample Pot: Get a peel-and-stick sample of a color like Aegean Teal or use a small sample pot to paint a large piece of poster board.
- Move It Around: Tape that sample to different walls. Test it near windows, in corners, and across from light sources. You’ll see how light changes everything.
- Check It Throughout the Day: Morning sunlight, midday brightness, and evening shadows all bring out different tones. Watch how the color shifts before making a decision.
- Trust Your Gut: After a day or two, you’ll know. You’ll feel it when a color works – it just feels right in your space.
Color isn’t static – it dances with the light. So, before you pick up a roller, give the shade room to show its true personality. A little patience up front can save you from repainting down the line.
Final Thoughts
Aegean Teal is more than just a popular color – it’s soft, rich, and full of personality.
With its mix of blue, green, and gray, it works well in both modern and classic homes. You can use it on a front door, kitchen cabinets, or even bedroom walls, and it will always feel calm but interesting.
But here’s something I always remind people: paint colors can look very different depending on the light and the space.
Try a sample on your wall and watch it change throughout the day. That’s the best way to know if it feels right.
If you like colors that are peaceful but still make a statement, Aegean Teal might be just what you’re looking for.
Don’t be afraid to give it a try – it could be the perfect finishing touch for your home.
Alex Guerrero, a graduate with a Fine Arts degree from the Rhode Island School of Design, has been a visionary in the world of color and design for over 15 years. His professional journey began in the heart of the fashion industry in Milan, where he developed an acute sense for color harmonies and trends. Alex joined our team in 2018, offering fresh and innovative perspectives on color utilization in various spaces. Renowned for his ability to blend contemporary trends with timeless elegance. Outside of work, Alex is an accomplished painter and a volunteer art therapist, his artistic talents further enriching his professional insights.
