25 of The Best Terracotta Paint Colors (2023)

Reds are having a moment in 2023. Trends say shades of Tomato-red will be popular this year. It is a more orangey red. Terracotta fits at that being an orangey-red color with subtle earthy undertones. This gives us many different variations of the color that can be great choices for “terracotta paint colors.”

These paint colors can range anywhere from deep burnt orange with a touch of brown shades to peach, blush, coral, and pinks. They are all cozy, rich, and warm earth tones. Terracotta in all its shades pairs well with other natural colors and earthy hues.

Let’s look at some of my favorite Terracotta paint colors and how to pick the right one that can go in your home.

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What Color Is Terracotta?

Terracotta is a rich warm earth tone that can be described as a deep orange with a hints of brown. It can have undertones of tan and gray. Many different colors can fall under the terracotta umbrella, but they are all in the red and orange color families.

What Are The Colors Of Terracotta?

Let’s talk about those many different variations of terracotta colors: Burnt orange, rust, pink, brown, tan, coral, and peach.

What Are The Best Terracotta Paint Colors?

Terracotta has many different variations and hues that can be considered part of the terracotta paint color family. I have gathered many different shades across 5 of the most popular paint brands.

Benjamin Moore

1. Savannah Clay 047
2. Terra Cotta Tile 2090-30
3. Wildflower 2090-40
4. Terra Mauve 105
5. Spiced Apple Cider 1201

Sherwin Williams

1. Smoky Salmon SW 6331
2. Persimmon SW 6339
3. Cavern Clay SW 7701
4. Warming Peach SW 6338
5. Rookwood Terra Cotta SW 2803

Farrow & Ball

1. Faded Terracotta No. CC8
2. Porphyry Pink No. 49
3. Menagerie No. 63
4. Ointment Pink No. 21
5. Fox Red No. 48

Valspar

1. Deep Clay Red 2003-7B
2. Terracotta Blush V081-3
3. Kitchen Terracotta 2003-7C
4. Strawberry Malt 2008-8C
5. Terracotta Red 2004-3A

Behr

1. Terra Cotta Clay M200-5
2. Deep Terra Cotta PPF-30
3. Canyon Dusk S210-4
4. Pinata MQ1-26
5. Terra Cotta Urn PPU2-12

Benjamin Moore Terracotta Paint Colors

Savannah Clay

Savannah Clay is a warm, terracotta paint color with undertones of red and brown. It has an LRV is 30 making it a medium dark color that will absorb a good amount of light. This paint color is perfect for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Terra Cotta Tile

Terra Cotta Tile is a deep-red toned terracotta color. It has an LRV of 14 as well, but much more of a red hue than the others on this list. This resembles real terracotta tile that has gotten wet to show the real richness of the color.

Wildflower

Wildflower is a pinker terracotta shade. It has an LRV of 24. The undertones are slight orange and pinky shades that together make a different shade of red, but still considered a terracotta color. I really like these pinker terracotta colors of paint than more orangey ones.

Spiced Apple Cider

Spiced Apple Cider is a medium toned terracotta color. It has an LRV of 26 which is just slightly lighter than Wildflower. These two colors are very similar in tone, have the same undertones of pink and orange.

Terra Mauve

Terracotta Mauve is a muddy color that looks almost brown. It is considered terracotta because of the rich red and orange undertones. With an LRV for 15, it is one of the darkest ones in this group.

Sherwin Williams Terracotta Paint Colors

Smoky Salmon

Smoky Salmon is a one of the lightest colors we will look at today which we can see with an LRV of 51. It can be perceived as a muted blush or orangey pink color. This color is still in the terracotta family. It’s a great paint color choice if you want a lighter not quite terracotta color.

Cavern Clay

Cavern Clay is just like what I think of when you say terracotta. It just the right amount of red and orange to make a bold and gorgeous saturated terracotta color. This color was also color of the year for Sherwin Williams in 2019 and has an LRV of 20.

Persimmon

Persimmon is on the orangier side of the bunch. It’s in the terracotta color family, but a peach shade. The LRV is 38.43. This is a good choice if you want a more muted terracotta shade, but not one quite so rich and bold. Don’t mistake this color for one from benjamin moore that is more red.

Rookwood Terra Cotta

Rookwood Terra Cotta is a medium dark orangey brown color. It has an LRV of 14 and undertones of red and brown. This color will make a room feel nice and cozy, warm and inviting. It’s not too bold or muted, just strikingly punchy with lots of red and orange.

Warming Peach

Warming Peach is a warm peachy-orange color. It has an LRV of 58 with undertones of orange, pink and red. This is another choice for those that love the lighter and peachier side of terracotta paint colors.

Farrow & Ball Terracotta Paint Colors

Fox Red

Fox Red is a muted terracotta color with hints of red, orange, and brown. It has an LRV of 21 and undertones of warm red and muddy brown. If you’re looking for a terracotta color, this one is terracotta paint color with a slight pinky tone that I am obsessed with it.

Menagerie

Menagerie is a muted orangey salmon terracotta color. It has an LRV of 42 and undertones of orange and red. The name menagerie comes from home of architectural historian Gervase Jackson-Stops. It pairs well with Fox Red from Farrow and Ball.

Faded Terracotta

Faded Terracotta is soft pale, orange color. It has an LRV of 46 and undertones of orange and red. This color reminds me of an orange creamsicle color. It would be a great choice if you are looking for a more faded terra cotta shade.

Porphyry Pink

Porphyry Pink is a deep, muted rose color. It has an LRV of 38 and undertones of red and pink. In some lights, it can look salmon or coral colored which are some shades terracotta colors can resemble. If you want a more pinky, terracotta color, this one might be your choice.

Ointment Pink

Ointment Pink is halfway between a blush pink and a salmon color with a warm terracotta glow. It is close to Setting Plaster and Dead Salmon, also colors by Farrow & Ball. The color is a soft terracotta color with undertones of orange and pink.

Valspar Terracotta Paint Colors

Terra Cotta Blush

Terracotta Blush is a light, muted rose color. It has an LRV of 44 and undertones of red and brown. I love this option for a lighter terracotta paint color that has a pinky tone.

Deep Clay Red

Deep Clay Red is a rust color with undertones of red and brown. It’s LRV is 19, so this is one of the darker colors in this terracotta line up. The vintage vibes really show with this color because of the richness and dark undertones.

Kitchen Terra Cotta

Kitchen Terracotta is meant to resemble the kitchen floors made of terracotta tile. It has brown and orange undertones. With an LRV of 29, it is a fair bit lighter than Deep Clay Red, but not as bright or pink as Terracotta Blush.

Strawberry Malt

Strawberry Malt is light peachy shade. It has an LRV of 64, making it a very light and bright shade of peachy terracotta. The undertones are red and pink. It is the lightest color of the bunch, also the most like a neutral nude color, but can still be part of the terracotta color family.

Terra Cotta Red

Terracotta Red is classified as a red shade. It has an LRV of 17 with warm orange and pink undertones. This is an example of one of a color that is really trending right now. These red-orange muted paint colors that are making a come back. This terracotta paint color is a great choice for that.

Behr Terracotta Paint Colors

Terra Cotta Urn

Terracotta Urn is a beautiful muted, warm terracotta color. It has an LRV of 22 and undertones of red and orange. Behr classifies it as a red color, but I would definitely call it more of a burnt rose color.

Piñata

Piñata is a mid toned warm terracotta color with orange and pink undertones. It has an LRV of 26, it will appear darker in a room with less natural light. The pink in it helps warm it up for an inviting feel.

Canyon Dusk

Canyon dusk is part of the orange family according to Behr. It has an LRV of of 37 and undertones of gray and tan. I included Canyon Dusk as a neutral orange option that’s a good way to incorporate terracotta paint colors into a room without choosing a darker color.

Terra Cotta Clay

Terracotta Clay is a medium toned warm terracotta color. It has an LRV of 34, but the hints of pink and brown make it appear brighter and warmer. This is another one that I see as a pretty perfect description of a terra cotta paint color.

Deep Terra Cotta

Deep Terra Cotta is a deep red-rust color. This is a great choice of a darker, bolder terracotta color. It has an LRV of 10. I love this red color that is a super cozy earthy tone that will instantly warm up a space.

FAQ of Terracotta Paint Colors

If you are considering a terra cotta paint color, there a chance you have a question or two on your mind that you want answered before deciding on a specific color. Here are some frequently asked questions about terracotta colors.

Is Terracotta Even In Style?

YES, IT IS! Terra cotta paint colors are compatible with lots of different styles which makes them sought after colors. Some design styles that come to mind with this colors are midcentury modern, boho, minimalist, retro, etc.

It started gaining traction in 2020 and hasn’t slowed down in popularity. Sherwin Williams named Redend Point SW 9081, a lighter, neutral spin on terra cotta, as their color of the year for 2023. Benjamin Moore also has terracotta paint colors in its projected trends for 2023.

Is Terra Cotta Brown Or Red?

Terracotta is neither red or brown really. We think of terracotta the color as being a burnt orange with hints of brown. It can have different shades ranging from peach, pink, and coral to dark orange and reddish orange with undertones of gray and tan. Overall, its a earthy warm color.

Is Terracotta The Same As Burnt Orange?

Burnt orange is a deeper, more intense color than terracotta. It has more red in it, which gives it a more fiery appearance. Terracotta, on the other hand, is a lighter, more muted color. It has more brown in it, which gives it a more earthy appearance.

While these two colors are very close, terracotta is more muted and earthy and burnt orange is brighter, so they are not the same thing.

What Color Family Is Terracotta?

Terracotta falls in the orange color family. It is a blend of red and orange with earthy muted properties.

Is Terra Cotta Warm Or Cool?

Terracotta is a warm, earthy tone that is a mix of red and orange which are both warm colors.

Where Can I Use Terra Cotta Paint Colors?

I am a big proponent of being able to use colors wherever you want to in your space, but I have some tips. In a large open space such as a living room or kitchen, use a lighter shade of terracotta. The natural light and brighter color will make the space appear larger and airy, but still have warmth.

In a smaller space, like a small bedroom or powder room, embrace the smaller space and go dark and moody. Terracotta paint colors can be as light like a peach or dark like rich reds or browns. Theses shades all share warm, muted and earthy qualities which will give any space a cozy feel.

What Colors Go With Terracotta?

Let’s talk about the colors that look good with terracotta. Terracotta is a warm, earthy color. It looks great paired with cool colors to balance out the warmth. Some cool colors that work well with terracotta paint colors are neutrals and other bold earthy colors including other shades of terracotta.

Neutrals that look good along side terracotta include white, cream, brown, black, greige and gray. Bolder colors are greens, blues, jewel tones, and other terracotta colors.

Terracotta Color Palettes

For my in depth paint reviews I do coordinating colors and trim colors to go along with the paint color. I am going to create a color palette for each of the different groups of terracotta shades.

Light Terracotta Paint Colors

Here are the colors in the line up that are the lightest and brightest terra cotta colors. These paint colors would be good choices for those that want a taste of terracotta without committing to the whole shebang.

Other Light Terracotta Paint Colors:

1. Strawberry Malt
2. Warming Peach
3. Smoky Salmon
4. Terracotta Blush

Faded Terracotta Paint Colors

Here are some more faded terra cotta paint colors. These colors are not as bold or saturated as some of the darker and more earthy terracottas.

Other Faded Terracotta Colors:

1. Faded Terracotta
2. Canyon Dusk

Soft Terracotta Paint Colors

Here are some terracotta colors with a softer and more muted look and some muted colors to go with it including another terracotta shade to show they compliment each other as well.

Other Soft Terracotta Paint Colors:

1. Terracotta Blush
2. Savannah Clay
3. Kitchen Terra Cotta

True Terra Cotta Paint Colors

I’m calling this the orange terracotta or true terracotta paint colors group. These earthy tones compliment them perfectly.

Other True Terracotta Paint Colors:

1. Menagerie
2. Terra Cotta Clay
3. Ointment Pink
4. Persimmon

Earthy Terra Cotta Paint Colors

Here are the darker toned of true terracotta colors with deeper hues of orange and red.

Other Earthy Terracotta Paint Colors:

1. Rookwood Terra Cotta
2. Cavern Clay
3. Terra Mauve
4. Deep Clay Red

Pink Terracotta Paint Colors

Here are the terracotta colors with pink tones. I have to say that these are my personal favorite ones.

Other Pink Terra Cotta Paint Colors:

1. Terracotta Urn
2. Piñata
3. Fox Red
4. Porphyry Pink
5. Wildflower
6. Spiced Apple Cider

Dark Terra Cotta Paint Colors

Here are the darkest shades of terracotta in the bunch of 25. These all have deep rich brown and red hues.

Other Dark Terracotta Paint Colors:

1. Deep Terracotta
2. Terracotta Tile
3. Terra Cotta Red

Final Thoughts

I’ve thrown a lot of information at you in this post, but here’s what we’ve learned about Terracotta Colors. They are trending up for 2023 with many different variations. I’ve grouped them into pink terracotta, true terracotta, earthy terracotta, dark terracotta, light terracotta, soft terracotta, and faded terracotta.

Terracotta paint colors pair well with bold colors like navy, mustard, other terracotta colors and teal, but also with neutral colors like gray, white, cream, and beige. This is a blessing and curse because the color is a chameleon, but it has tones that you may not want in your color palette like pink and peach.

Take in the undertones and coordinating colors, GET SAMPLES, and you should be good. Terracotta is an amazing color and if you want to try it in your home, I say go for it!

If you made it this far, thank you! And Please come back, OK Thanks Bye!