What’s Hot: Terracotta Interiors

By Amy Kilvington

Content Writer at Blinds Direct

Tue 4 Sep 2018

Last updated Tue 14 Apr 2020

Terracotta has been used for centuries for both ornamentation and structural purposes. Translating from the Latin terra cocta, which quite simply means ‘baked earth’, it is a clay-based earthenware that is formed, dried and then fired to create brownish-red-coloured porous items, such as tiles, pipes, pottery and sculptures. 

Though an ever-popular material, terracotta experienced a particular ‘moment’ back in the Eighties, coming to the forefront in the form of floor tiles and tableware. Now, we’re seeing another resurgence of the terracotta trend and its warm, earthy colour family.

Shades of rust and clay were firm favourites throughout the summer and will continue to be embraced into the cooler seasons, along with punchier members of the terracotta tribe, such as grapefruit and pumpkin. Want to know more? Here’s the low-down on the latest terracotta trend…

The Terracotta Trend

There are very few colours that possess the timeless appeal of terracotta. When we talk about terracotta, we’re not only referring to its principal shade of fired clay, but the assortment of earthy tones that form a rich and warming palette, from peach, apricot and amber through to paprika, rust and cinnamon. There are many different levels in the terracotta team, which leads to plenty of interior possibilities beyond tiles and pots.

Terracotta is humble, modest and familiar to everyone. Natural and warming, it offers a timeless appeal, along with a nod towards Moroccan bazaars and Mediterranean villas, and an undeniable connection to nature.

Offering cosiness and comfort, terracotta nods towards the browning leaves and changing landscapes of autumn, whilst retaining the warmth of afternoon sunshine on the terrace. This makes it the perfect transitional shade into the new season. Elegant and understated, it is also reminiscent of the blush pink trend that recently stormed the interior design world. Of course, terracotta offers a more organic and earthy twist.

Terracotta Interiors

Terracotta works tremendously well in layers, toning effectively against other earthy tones, clean whites and dark pink shades, as well as creating eye-catching contrasts with vibrant turquoise, dark teal and spicy mustard. It also layers well with other fabrics and textures, including natural bare wood, soft cork, polished concrete and sleek leather.

Terracotta’s timelessness makes it the perfect material for both classic and contemporary pieces, from traditional terracotta ceramics, rich leather furniture and warm-toned Persian rugs, to exposed brick walls, statement light fixtures in copper and clay, and fiery-coloured soft furnishings.

These terracotta-toned furnishings include blinds and curtains, which will bring warmth and style into your space whilst offering the functional benefits of light control, thermal efficiency and privacy. At Blinds Direct, we’re pleased to offer a wide range of products that appeal to the terracotta trend. We’ve pulled together a few of our favourite fabrics below. Want to know more? Click the images to shop direct our view our full collection of terracotta Roman blinds here. All fabrics are available as curtains and coordinating cushions, too!