Terracotta #E2725B
Terracotta is a warm, earthy orange-red with the hex code #E2725B. It sits at medium lightness with moderate saturation, so it looks softer than true orange and lighter than rust. The name is Italian for "baked earth," and the color matches unglazed clay pots, roof tiles, and sun-warmed brick.
Real terracotta varies with the clay and the firing, from pale peach to deep brick red. #E2725B is a widely used digital value, and CSS has no terracotta keyword.
| HEX | #E2725B | |
|---|---|---|
| RGB | rgb(226, 114, 91) | |
| HSL | hsl(10, 70%, 62%) | |
| HSV | hsv(10, 60%, 89%) | |
| CMYK | cmyk(0%, 50%, 60%, 11%) |
Text on Terracotta
Black text reads better on Terracotta. Ratios use the WCAG 2 formula: 4.5:1 passes AA for body text, 3:1 passes for large text.
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
Colors that go with Terracotta
Terracotta tints and shades
Tints mix Terracotta with white, shades mix it with black, in 15% steps. Copy any code, or open the tint and shade generator for a full scale.
Tints
Shades
Terracotta color schemes
Color-wheel harmonies built by rotating the hue of #E2725B and keeping its saturation and lightness.
Complementary
Analogous
Triadic
Split complementary
Tetradic
Terracotta color meaning
Most people know terracotta from objects before they know it as a swatch: flowerpots, floor tiles, Mediterranean roofs. That gives it a handmade, lived-in quality. It feels like the warm color of a courtyard garden in late afternoon.
Fired clay has been used for building and pottery across Southern Europe, North Africa, Latin America, and Asia, so terracotta doesn't belong to any one culture. Many people connect it with Italy, Spain, and the American Southwest, and with the Terracotta Army in Xi'an, which is made of the same material.
Emotionally it lands as relaxed and grounded. It keeps orange's friendliness with some of the heat taken out, which is why it turns up so often in homes and in brands that want to feel natural and unhurried.
How to use Terracotta in design
Terracotta works well as a brand accent for food, ceramics, travel, and home goods, and it sits naturally on off-white backgrounds next to deep greens. On websites it makes a good button or highlight color, though a full page of it can feel heavy. Charcoal or deep brown text reads better on it than white; keep white lettering for large, bold headings. In interiors it suits clay tile floors, linen upholstery, and accent walls, especially in rooms with plenty of daylight.
Palettes with Terracotta tones
Curated palettes with a color close to #E2725B.
Colors similar to Terracotta
Work with Terracotta
Terracotta FAQ
What is the difference between terracotta and burnt orange?
Terracotta is softer and slightly pink, with the red undertone of fired clay. Burnt orange is darker and more saturated, a true deep orange you see in autumn leaves and sports uniforms. Choose terracotta for a calm, earthy look and burnt orange when you want more punch and a stronger fall feeling.
What colors go with terracotta?
Sage, olive, and other muted greens are the classic partners because they balance terracotta's warmth. Cream and off-white keep it light, charcoal gives it a modern edge, and teal adds contrast for a bolder scheme. Natural materials such as oak, linen, rattan, and jute also look right beside it.
Is terracotta warm or cool?
Terracotta is a warm color. Its hue falls between red and orange, and its moderate saturation keeps it from feeling loud. It will warm up a room or a layout quickly, so designers usually balance it with cool greens or blues, or give it plenty of neutral space.