What’s the Most Underrated Color, and Why Should We Appreciate It More?

neat rows of vibrant colored pencils

People often talk about favorite colors, but the discussion usually involves the same popular colors, like blue and green. There’s also a lot of consistency when choosing colors for particular objects. For example, cars are most commonly black, white, or silver, and clothes are commonly blue, black, or white. When we see color outside these norms, it’s more likely to catch our eye, and people have mixed feelings about less popular colors.

There are plenty of colors we don’t see often that deserve more attention. Unpopular colors can shine in their own unique ways, but they’re not always given a chance. So, what is the most underrated color, and why does it need more appreciation?

Underrated Colors

It’s difficult to determine the single most underrated color because everyone has very different feelings about colors. Below are a few colors that deserve more recognition, along with why they might be overlooked.

Teal

man wearing teal suit and orange tie

Teal (and similar colors like turquoise) are a mix of blue and green, which are two colors people adore. In fact, blue is the most popular color in the world. Teal is recognized as a symbol of calmness, individuality, and renewal, and it has a lot in common with green and blue. So, why isn’t teal as popular as the colors it’s mixed with?

Some people might steer away from teal because it can be a risky color to use in designs. Without blue and green beside it, it could stand out and contrast with the other colors too much. It may also be seen as too playful and not professional enough since it’s often used in designs meant for kids.

Yet none of those reasons should make anyone dislike teal. It’s a beautiful color that strikes the perfect balance between peacefulness and excitement. Plus, it’s a great option for anyone who loves blue and green but wants to be a little different in their color choices.

Orange

outdoor patio with orange accessories and flowers

Even though orange is one of the colors of the rainbow, it’s seldom used and isn’t frequently chosen as a favorite. It’s a color that’s full of optimism and enthusiasm, so it seems like it would make most people happy. Yet, even if people like the color orange, they might shy away from using it.

Orange is often avoided because it’s very bold and impossible to miss. So, people who are reserved and like to keep to themselves may hesitate to use orange in their clothing, decorations, or vehicles. After all, it’s impossible to go unnoticed if you’re surrounded by a color as vibrant as orange. Since it’s so bold, it can sometimes be tricky to pair with other colors, too.

Yet, being a bold color doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Orange is underrated because it’s such a fun color, but many people don’t feel brave enough to use it. While that’s understandable in many scenarios, it’s important to remember that orange doesn’t have to be used in large amounts. It can be used as a small accent color to make a design more interesting, so you can use it in paintings and accessories to allow you to enjoy it without being overwhelmed by its brightness.

Burgundy

man in a white shirt holding burgundy tie

When people think of red, they picture the bright color of a fire truck or stop sign. Red is a bold color that’s quick to catch someone’s attention, so you often use it when feeling confident. Yet, people seem to forget that there are plenty of darker shades of red, such as burgundy and maroon.

Burgundy often symbolizes power, intensity, and sophistication. Even people who enjoy this color might not use it often because it could come across as intimidating. It’s a darker version of a popular bright color, so people might take it too seriously, making it uncommon outside of professional events.

However, burgundy is overlooked far more than it should be. It can give off some of the energy and passion of red without being too in your face. Plus, it’s an excellent color for someone who wants to look sophisticated without turning to a neutral color for their outfit. It’s a unique color in all settings, so people shouldn’t be afraid to use it if they find it interesting.

Brown

neutral brown interior design room

The color brown is all around us. It appears frequently in nature, and it’s commonly used as a neutral color in interior design. Even though it’s a widely used color, people rarely say it’s one of their favorite colors. When given an option of several colors to choose from, very few go toward the color brown.

Brown shouldn’t be overlooked for being a neutral. Many people mistake it for a boring color, but that’s not the case. It goes with just about any color, and it’s a symbol of stability, honesty, and comfort. So, it’s a good color to have around, and people should stop viewing it as bland.

Brown might never be many people’s #1 favorite color, but it should be a frequently used color. It’s practical and easy to design with, and using brown won’t feel overwhelming like other colors might.

Yellow

family riding in a yellow car

Like orange, yellow is a vibrant color of the rainbow that’s rarely used. People seem to have mixed feelings about it. Some love it, while others hate it. Yellow is typically associated with happiness, optimism, and positivity, so it seems like it would be a color most people enjoy, yet you really don’t see it much.

Yellow has a lot of the same issues as orange. Even though it’s a bright, happy, and energetic color, people are hesitant to use it even if they like it because it draws so much attention. Too much yellow at once can be overwhelming, leading to frustration instead of happiness.

So, consider using yellow more often in moderation. It can add joy to any situation. Remember, you don’t always have to use bright yellow. Dark and pale yellows can have similar effects while being easier to look at.

Mint Green

mint green decorations in a white room

While many people love the color green, mint green is often overlooked. It’s a very light and delicate version of green, and it’s so unique that some people even forget that it’s a type of green. Mint green evokes creativity, growth, and vitality, making it a more innovative version of green.

Mint green seems to be underrated for similar reasons to teal. Like teal, mint green only works well in specific designs and color schemes. Since it’s a light, playful color, it could be seen as too childish.

This charming color evokes many positive feelings, so we should really start using it more often. It’s a unique color that can make designs feel fresh, relaxing, and comfortable if you pair it with other colors that complement it.

Why Should We Use These Colors More?

While the most popular colors are favored for a reason, it can be boring to always look at the same colors. So, we need to take a chance on underrated colors every now and then to mix it up and make things more exciting. Below are a few great reasons to give some new colors a chance.

All Colors Work Well in Certain Situations

orange Halloween party decorations

While there are colors that blend seamlessly into most situations (such as navy blue or white), every color can be a good choice in some scenarios. Orange might seem too vibrant and bold on a normal day, but it can shine at high-energy events like parties and concerts. Orange also becomes more popular in autumn than in other seasons. Teal might seem too cute for a professional setting, but it could be an awesome color to use in a creative work of art or a child’s playroom.

So, context is everything when it comes to colors. In some cases, underrated colors could be the best option (even better than the most popular colors).

They Provide Uniqueness

smiling twins wearing yellow and blue jackets

Many people love to follow trends, but it can be hard to stand out when everyone always chooses the same colors. If you want to make a statement or show off your uniqueness, choosing underrated colors could be a way to do that. Everyone might be wearing blue, but if you wear burgundy, yellow, or even mint green, you’re sure to stand out in the best way (as long as the color is appropriate for the type of event).

They Can Complement Popular Colors

dark interior design with yellow accents

Using less popular colors could actually work well next to the colors you see all the time. For example, many people turn to blue and green, but if you choose teal, it will go well with both colors. Orange and yellow could create a vibrant focal point next to popular neutral colors like black and white. If you decide to use brown more often, it goes well with just about any other color, so it’s a safe and comforting hue.

They May Convey Special Meanings

happy woman wearing mint green sweater by pink wall

Like all colors, underrated colors can evoke certain emotions and portray special meanings. If one of these colors has symbolism that resonates with you, it makes sense to use it more. Colors don’t have to be popular for you to use them, so don’t be afraid to do something a little different and use colors that feel personal to you.