Terracotta Color: Code, Combinations and Palette Furnishings

colore terracotta

Terracotta color: an explosion of warmth and nature that invades every space with its enveloping charm.

This shade transforms any room into an eye-catching space , full of personality and even a little exotic.

Let's get to know it better and discover together how to bring it into your home and how to combine it, depending on the sensations you want to generate in your spaces.


Terracotta color: to recognize it, think about its historical origins

The term terracotta literally means "cooked earth (or rather, clay).

The roots of this color are deep in ancient history, when populations began to cook clay to create tools, vases and decorations.
Terracotta has been a fundamental element in the development of the artistic heritage of civilizations such as the Greek, Roman and Chinese.
It is a material that has survived the centuries without ever falling into disuse.

This color belongs to the earth, just like clay .

How to recognize terracotta color?

Have you noticed that terracotta pots do not all have the exact same color, even though they are made of the same material?

What makes the difference are the composition of the clay and the firing.

Just like vases, terracotta can also have different shades , which can legitimately be defined as “terracotta”.

To give a definition, we can say that it is a color that bridges brown and orange, including a pink component .

This composition makes it extremely versatile and suitable for any environment, from the most rustic to the most modern.

terracotta colored shelf


How do you get the terracotta color?

The terracotta color can be obtained from natural reddish pigments , such as red iron oxide .

This pigment gives the terracotta color that warm appearance that evokes the earth and the sun.

What does the terracotta color convey?

Let's now move on to the effect that this color can have on our emotional sphere .

In this regard, it is important to keep in mind that these are only general correlations, but each individual perceives color differently, also depending on their own experiences .

Terracotta recalls the earth and nature, transmitting stability and security .
It evokes feelings of welcome and comfort and is perfect for creating a relaxing and convivial atmosphere.

It is associated with creativity and inspiration . It stimulates the mind and promotes creative thinking, making it ideal for both the kitchen and home office.

It relieves stress and anxiety , thanks to its connection with natural elements.

The historical origin and the link with craftsmanship make terracotta a color that makes you think of family and tradition.
It is perfect for rustic or natural spaces where you want to emphasize the craftsmanship and beauty of natural materials.

terracotta colored laundry basket


Terracotta color: material and color combinations

As anticipated, terracotta enhances natural materials such as wood, bamboo, rattan, Vienna straw, linen and cotton .

Combined with these materials it is perfect for creating a natural or rustic look, but if applied on essential shapes and metal surfaces, it can be very contemporary and always enveloping .

Staying on the subject of metals: terracotta goes very well with gold, bronze, copper and brass .

The color palette also makes a difference in the overall look to be created using terracotta .

Depending on how you combine it with other shades, you get a different mood.

Here are some examples.


1. Terracotta and Green Fossil

A hymn to nature. The fossil green , with its delicacy and freshness, perfectly balances the high temperature of the terracotta, creating a harmonious, authentic and relaxing environment .

terracotta and fossil green


2. Terracotta and Indian Blue

The combination of terracotta and Indian blue is a fascinating contrast that combines the traditional and enveloping look of terracotta with the intense and vibrant depth of Indian blue, a modern and mysterious color.

This combination creates a rich and sophisticated atmosphere and appears fresh and young when combined with abundant white surfaces .

3. Terracotta and cinnamon

The combination of terracotta and cinnamon evokes warmth and comfort, perfect for creating a welcoming atmosphere in any home space.

Terracotta, with its earthy tones, blends harmoniously with the spicy and warm tone of cinnamon. This combination conveys a sense of familiarity and well-being .

terracotta and cinnamon

4. Terracotta and vanilla

The combination of terracotta and vanilla brings a sense of sweetness and calm to the home spaces. Terracotta pairs perfectly with the delicate and relaxing tone of vanilla.

This mix creates a comfortable atmosphere, ideal for creating a serene, at times romantic environment .


5. Terracotta and shell white

The white that goes best with terracotta is slightly warm, not an optical white.
The shell white enhances the warmth of the terracotta, keeping the space visually light and airy.

The result is a modern, sober and inviting mood.

Why is terracotta color so popular in interior design?

Let's see together the main reasons why terracotta is so loved and appreciated in the world of interior design for 2024.

terracotta colored document holder

Reconnecting with Nature

In an era where sustainability and a return to nature are central themes, terracotta represents an authentic connection with the earth. It recalls sunny fields and clay soils and generates an atmosphere that recalls the well-being and serenity of natural environments.
This is especially relevant at a time when many people are looking to bring a piece of nature into their homes.

Warmth and Welcome

Climate change and the delicate historical moment have led, now more than ever, to the desire for the home to be a safe refuge.
Terracotta, as we have already seen, is linked to key concepts such as safety, family, and land.
Its warm tone makes the rooms more intimate and welcoming.

RAL terracotta: what is it?

We have seen how there is more than one shade of terracotta and they are slightly different from each other.

The color you saw in the images of this article corresponds to the RAL code 3012 .
This is the terracotta from the Hiro collection , a fresh, young, contemporary and enveloping shade, which veers from orange to pink.

Where to find terracotta colored furniture?

The question is rhetorical: you are already in the right place!
At Hiro we have a catalogue full of terracotta-coloured furniture and accessories .

We have thought of every room in the house, from the kitchen to the outdoors.
So, if terracotta is in your home palette, don't hesitate and take a look at all the design pieces by Hiro , available in terracotta.

Discover the terracotta-coloured Hiro design pieces

Reading next

arredare casa per affitti brevi
Regali per la casa per design addicted: 11 proposte per Natale

Leave a comment

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.