Ideal Terracotta Paint Colors for a Natural Look
Terracotta paint colors are perfect for creating a natural, earthy look in any space. With hues ranging from peachy pinks to deep, rusty browns, terracotta paints evoke raw clay, sun-baked earth, and the warm tones found in nature. If you want to bring the outdoors in and give your home an organic, grounded feel, terracotta is the ideal paint color family to choose from.
From cozy and soothing hues, to rich, vibrant shades, we'll cover the versatile range of terracotta tones you can work with. We'll also share expert tips on choosing the perfect terracotta for your needs and decor. Let's dive into the earthy, beautiful world of terracotta paints!
Warm and Inviting Terracotta Paint Shades
Terracotta colors with peachy, coral, and sunset orange undertones create a welcoming, cozy feel. These warm, sunny hues add a friendly energy to any space. Try a soft peach terracotta like Benjamin Moore's Baked Terracotta in bedrooms or living rooms to promote relaxation. For a rich, friendly ambiance, go for deeper sunset-inspired shades like Sherwin Williams' Persimmon in dining rooms or kitchens.
Soft peach and coral terracotta tones
Delicate peach and coral terracotta shades create a soothing, romantic mood. Benjamin Moore's Melon Pear and Sherwin Williams' Smoky Salmon are lovely options for evoking tranquility. Pair these soft hues with light woods, rattan, and macrame accents for a relaxed boho-chic style. Use peachy terracotta in bathrooms, bedrooms, and reading nooks to promote restfulness.
Rich sunset orange and reddish browns
Deeper sunset terracotta shades bring energy and richness to a space. Sherwin Williams' Persimmon, Benjamin Moore's Spiced Cider, and Behr's Chorizo are vibrant orangey-reds that enliven and invite. Warm up an eat-in kitchen or dining area with these hues. Or use them in entryways and living rooms to greet guests with color and zeal. Pair with textured patterns, wrought iron, leather, and wood accents for an earthy, casual style.
Earthy terra cotta and clay shades
Classic terra cotta tones are perfect for evoking raw, sunbaked clay and Old World charm. Colors like Sherwin Williams' Kilim Beige, Behr's Terracotta Tile, and Benjamin Moore's Tandoori Spice have a raw, earthy quality. Use these natural clay-inspired hues in bathrooms, kitchens, and sunrooms to connect with traditional handmade craftsmanship. Terra cotta plant pots, ceramic tableware, and stucco-look walls complement beautifully.
Elegant and Sophisticated Terracotta Colors
While terracotta can feel casual and rustic, it also has an elegant side. Subtle, muted terracotta tones with gray, sage, or burgundy undertones have a refined, formal air. Sophisticated terracottas give rooms a stylish, put-together feel. Luxurious metallics, patterned wallpaper, dark wood, and velvet bring out terracotta's classy potential.
Deep magenta and burgundy undertones
Some terracotta shades have a striking touch of deep burgundy or magenta pink. Colors like Behr's Sangria kiss walls with a sense of drama and mystique. Pair moody, wine-hued terracotta with black accents, ornate mirrors, and chandeliers for gothic flair. Use in dining rooms, bedrooms, and home offices to add bold elegance.
Muted neutral and beige terracotta hues
Lighter terracotta colors with barely-there hints of pink or gray have an understated elegance. Benjamin Moore's Manchester Tan and Sherwin Williams' Accessible Beige are refined options for creating formal ambiance. Use muted terracottas in living rooms, dining rooms, and offices for a polished look. Pair with velvet furniture, marble accents, and artisan pottery for timeless style.
Subtle olive and sage green terracotta tones
Some designer terracotta shades have an elegant hint of sage green or olive gray. Farrow & Ball's Oval Room Blue is a coveted, upscale greenish terracotta. Pair with ornate gold mirrors, damask patterns, and antique wooden furniture for a luxurious aesthetic. Use olive terracottas in studies, lounge areas, and master suites to cultivate old-world grandeur.
Energizing and Vibrant Terracotta Paint Colors
Looking to add some pep and vibrance? Opt for bold, fiery terracotta tones. Pumping up the saturation factor gives terracotta an invigorating, lively effect. Vivid tomato reds, tangy oranges, and electric greens create energy and make a statement. Use energizing terracottas to awaken and enliven any space.
Bright tomato and fiery red terracotta shades
Saturated, tomato red terracotta colors like Behr's Fiery Chili Pepper pack a visual punch. These hot, peppery reds energize and revitalize. Use fiery red terracotta in home gyms, kitchens, and family rooms to get the blood pumping. Pair with stainless steel, glass, and pops of citrus yellow and green for a modern, electrifying vibe.
Bold yellow and tangy orange hues
Vibrant yellow and orange-based terracottas create zest and zeal. Colors like Sherwin Williams' Jubilant and Behr's Tangelo Orange make you feel happy and bright. Use these sunshiny tones in kids' rooms, music rooms, and casual hang-out spaces to uplift and inspire. Pair with polka dots, woven accents, and colorful art for playful flair.
Vivid lime and emerald green terracotta colors
Electric greens add modern flair to the terracotta family. Shades like Benjamin Moore's Lucky Clover mix earthy and electric. Paint a home office or reading nook green terracotta for an energizing oasis. Combine with sleek midcentury furniture, glass, and lush potted plants for an unexpected, rejuvenating look.
Soothing and Relaxing Terracotta Paint Colors
After energizing hues, let's unwind with calming terracottas. Soft, airy tones create instant tranquility. Use soothing terracottas in bedrooms, nurseries, and spa-like bathrooms to promote deep relaxation. Try smokey blues, pale pinks, and serene neutrals for a peaceful ambiance.
Light buttery and creamy terracotta
Buttercream and cream-colored terracottas have a soft, welcoming feel. Behr's Buttercream Frosting and Benjamin Moore's Creamy are lovely choices for evoking stillness. Use these gentle hues for nurseries, bedrooms, and meditation spaces. Pair with linen, rattan furniture, and fresh flowers for simple tranquility.
Airy blue and peaceful gray undertones
Hints of blue or gray give terracotta a breezy, serene quality. Sherwin Williams' Oceanside and Behr's Stone Lion are calming blended hues. Use airy terracottas in bedrooms, living rooms, and porches for smooth relaxation. Whitewashed wood, woven rugs, and wicker match this laid-back coastal vibe.
Calm washed-out pink and lavender hues
Washed-out pinks and faint purples create soothing pastel terracottas. Colors like Behr's Blush Wishes and Benjamin Moore's Lavender Fleur set a peaceful tone. Use these soft, ethereal hues in bedrooms, nurseries, and reading nooks to ease and restore. Pair with florals, white linen, and natural rattan and wood for tranquility.
Classic and Timeless Terracotta Paint Shades
Beyond trendy colors, there are heritage terracotta tones with enduring appeal. These classic shades connect to terracotta's roots in traditional handmade crafts and architecture. Clay, brick, sand, and adobe hues reference terracotta's role in history and nature.
Natural clay, brick, and sand colors
Raw, natural terracotta tones resemble timeworn building materials like adobe, clay, and brick. Colors like Sherwin Williams' Renwick Beige, Behr's Canyon Clay, and Benjamin Moore's Historical Hickory celebrate terracotta's organic origins. Use these weathered hues in sunrooms, kitchens, and exteriors for an old-world, Tuscan feel.
Traditional terra cotta pots and roof tiles
The orange-red of classic Italian terra cotta planters and roof tiles is iconic. Capture this Old World ambiance with shades like Sherwin Williams' Kilim Beige and Benjamin Moore's Terra Cotta. Use this look in gardens, patios, kitchens and baths for Mediterranean character. Wrought iron, stucco textures, and potted olive trees complete the vista.
Historic adobe, stucco, and Tuscan villa hues
Adobe-inspired terracottas like Sherwin Williams' Roycroft Suede reference historic haciendas and villas. Pair with wood beams, Saltillo tile floors, and stucco walls to recreate the aura of Tuscan estates and Spanish missions. Use these legacy tones to connect a new space to old-world elegance and craftsmanship.
Tips for Using Terracotta Paint Colors
Now that we've covered the versatile terracotta color spectrum, let's discuss tips for choosing and applying these rich, earthy hues in your home. Consider these strategies for making the most of your new terracotta paint project.
Best rooms and spaces for terracotta paints
Terracotta paint colors suit many rooms and settings. Entryways, kitchens, and dining spaces benefit from welcoming, energizing terracottas. Bathrooms, bedrooms, and reading nooks invite restful, spa-like terracotta tones. Accent walls and front doors make great terracotta showcases.
What colors to pair with terracotta shades
Terracotta is so versatile, but some classic color pairings stand out. Cream, beige, sage green, sky blue, and terra cotta itself complement nicely. Metallic finishes like gold, rose gold, and copper make posh partners. For some contrast, try pairing terracotta with navy, emerald, black, or white.
Terracotta paint sheen and finishes
Matte and eggshell sheens allow terracotta's natural tones to shine through. Consider a Venetian plaster finish for Old World texture. Distressed paint techniques work well with terracotta too. For baths and kitchens, use semi-gloss or high-gloss for wipeability.
terracotta paint colors are incredibly versatile with shades ranging from muted to vivid. Choose cooling hues for serenity, warming shades to energize, or neutral tones for timeless appeal. With so many options, you're sure to find the perfect terracotta to bring natural style to your walls. Just keep in mind the mood you want to cultivate, and let terracotta work its earthy magic.