10 Beautiful Styles For Terracotta Tile In Your Home

Earthy, rich colors are featured in today's biggest and most popular home designs, and they are heavily influenced by old-world charm, a Mediterranean vibe, and Spanish revival. When you don't live in an exotic location like Morocco, we know a way to bring these exotic places to you, with one terracotta tile at a time. From exciting textures to soothing shades, terracotta tiles bring a cozy and colorful look into your environment that balances with functionality. The nature-inspired hues feature warm undertones, including hints of gold, yellow, and red, and core shades that range from reddish-orange to metallic-like brown, with subtle variations.

Terracotta is Italian for baked earth and is prominent in sun-drenched Mediterranean-, Spanish-, and Moroccan-style designs. Terracotta tiles are a type of ceramic that is made from clay and fired in a kiln. They can be formed into a variety of irregular shapes and sizes, including hexagons, octagons, and even honeycomb shapes. These tiles are durable and scratch-resistant, making them ideal for high-traffic areas such as kitchens, patios, bathrooms, and hallways. Tiles are either handmade with varying earthy shades and gradients or created by machines for a uniform look across all the tiles. With either option, you get all the benefits of this exotic-looking tile. There are plenty of ways to add an earthy feel to your space, but for those considering adding terracotta anywhere in your home, we have some fabulous ideas that are right on trend.

Honeycomb terracotta tiles are a timeless design that offers a stylish but understated pattern. As an outdoor pathway or front porch tile, it has a contemporary twist that complements the warm tones outside. When used as a floor tile, the hexagon shape can elongate the look of narrow hallways. When honeycomb tiles are installed inside showers, they give the space added texture and a spa-like quality. Design experts recommend pairing terracotta tiles with light- or neutral-colored cabinets and walls for a balanced aesthetic. You can also use different terracotta shades for a gradient effect. 

With vertical terracotta tiles in the shape of rectangles lining the walls, you can create a retro but totally modern bathroom space that features rustic Mediterranean warmth. You can opt for a consistent look with machine-made terracotta tiles or vary the hues from tile to tile with a handmade terracotta look. When you add white fixtures, the warm-toned skinny terracotta tiles will pop even more. Make use of any natural light your space has, either from windows or a skylight, to enhance the whole natural-influenced theme.

Terracotta tiles can either be glazed or unglazed. When you decide on a glazed surface, the tiles have a shiny, glass-like finish thanks to a protective coating, which helps the tiles become more resistant to stains and moisture, making them ideal for outdoor spaces and high-traffic areas, like patios, kitchens, or common walkways. The glazing process will also offer an even more refined look and make the earthy tones of the terracotta tiles deeper and richer, leaving you with a smooth, reflective surface and handmade, artisanal feel.

Arabesque terracotta, also called the San Felipe pattern, is a timeless choice and reflective of Spanish interior and exterior design. Whether it's used for backsplashes, accent walls, or flooring in kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways, the intricate, curvaceous patterns exude authenticity and warmth to any space. When the tiles are left unfinished, they offer a truly rustic design as their imperfections are highlighted. These versatile tiles can be placed in a variety of ways, including diagonal or perpendicular, to form different patterns, depending on the aesthetic you're hoping to achieve.

Herringbone terracotta tiles come in a sort of zigzag pattern, which creates visual interest in any room. The pattern is exceptional for use on floors in hallways, kitchens, and laundry rooms, or even on accent walls. The individual tiles come in many different size options, from super narrow to extra wide. When it's used for flooring, the herringbone pattern can be combined with other geometric shapes, like hexagon tiles, as a border against the wall. It's an instant boost of Mediterranean vibes.

Break away from the traditional reddish hues and opt for black terracotta floor tiles. The unexpected color brings a harmonious blend of modern and rustic aesthetics, adding depth and character to your space. Connecting the black shapes with contrasting white pieces makes the pattern instantly pop. But they can also look extra dramatic on their own against stark white walls. The muted terracotta tone works with most decor styles — from minimalist to Mediterranean designs. The Belgian Black Terracotta Tiles from Geon Tile come in a wide array of shapes and sizes. 

A Saltillo tile is a type of terracotta and is considered the most durable kind of tile, not to mention a design Erin Napier swears will never go out of style. The handmade tiles are crafted from clay found near Saltillo, Mexico. Saltillo tiles blend yellow and reddish tones and come in various shapes and sizes, so no two are ever the same. Tiles can have varying gradient patterns, depending on how they're fired in the kiln, for a wider range of earthy tones. This type of flooring is inexpensive, eco-friendly, and well-suited for warmer climates.

Fan-shaped terracotta tiles feature a classic old-world shape and can be used anywhere in your home, like accent walls, bathroom tiles, and backsplash. They're especially beautiful in outdoor spaces and around pools, gardens, driveways, and patios. Their distinctive curved shape looks like fans or scales that create a dynamic pattern and draw the eye. Whether your home is modern or traditional, fan-shaped terracotta tiles are a versatile design element that can shower every space with sophisticated stylish elegance and offer a warmer, cozier feel.

Besides the obvious eco-conscious benefits, reclaimed terracotta tiles are an affordable option to cover your bathroom, kitchen, or patio floors. Just because the tiles have been used in old villas or farmhouses doesn't mean they won't look pretty and modern in your home. Since terracotta retains its color and sturdiness through fire or heavy foot traffic, it's really a no-brainer to opt for reclaimed terracotta tiles when you can. They bring that authentic old-world vintage patina aesthetic that's so popular when redoing your floors or walls. 

As you've seen, terracotta tiles are perfect in many ways, and here's one more reason to love them. Although terracotta tiles are difficult to paint due to their porous surface, they are available in several pre-made options. They come in a slew of different designs and are great for smaller areas, like in the kitchen and bathroom. They're basically works of art and can make any space stand out. And luckily, there are several patterns to choose from.