10 Ways to Integrate Terracotta Tiles Into Your Home
Terracotta tiles add a wonderfully earthy aspect to your home. Here are 10 winning ways to add them to your place
Translated from the Italian words for ‘baked earth’, terracotta is a timeless and hardwearing clay-based ceramic – made modern with a matt finish – that suits almost any interior. Here are 10 ways you can use the earthy, ancient appeal of terracotta tiles to beautiful effect in your home.
Tip: While terracotta tiles are hardy, they’re also porous and require sealing (and re-sealing) to avoid stains. If cared for properly, however, a terracotta floor can last many years and will age beautifully over time.
2. Pair them with greenery
With an earthy colour palette ranging from sandy cream to burnt ochre, it’s no surprise terracotta tiles look wonderful when paired with lush foliage. Terracotta pots are a natural choice, but feel free to add this old-world style with colourful, glazed or mosaic options.
Happy house plants, happy people
With an earthy colour palette ranging from sandy cream to burnt ochre, it’s no surprise terracotta tiles look wonderful when paired with lush foliage. Terracotta pots are a natural choice, but feel free to add this old-world style with colourful, glazed or mosaic options.
Happy house plants, happy people
3. Evoke French rustic style
Epitomising the classic farmhouse look, terracotta is a great option for country-style kitchens. Incorporate modern elements through lighting fixtures and tapware to ensure your space is the right balance of rustic and stylish.
Epitomising the classic farmhouse look, terracotta is a great option for country-style kitchens. Incorporate modern elements through lighting fixtures and tapware to ensure your space is the right balance of rustic and stylish.
4. Lay a long-lasting foundation
Made of natural materials that are highly durable and hardwearing, terracotta tiles are ideal for mud rooms, courtyards and any other area in the home where shoes will be worn – a much better option than carpet when there’s dirt being traipsed in from outside.
Made of natural materials that are highly durable and hardwearing, terracotta tiles are ideal for mud rooms, courtyards and any other area in the home where shoes will be worn – a much better option than carpet when there’s dirt being traipsed in from outside.
5. Think beyond floors
Don’t limit terracotta tiling to the ground – it also works a treat on walls. Although less commonly found in living and dining areas, terracotta can look cosy when used on a feature wall or fireplace – a warm contrast against an otherwise cool palette.
See more charming fireplaces
Don’t limit terracotta tiling to the ground – it also works a treat on walls. Although less commonly found in living and dining areas, terracotta can look cosy when used on a feature wall or fireplace – a warm contrast against an otherwise cool palette.
See more charming fireplaces
Tip: As terracotta is highly absorbent, it is generally not the first choice for areas prone to moisture such as bathrooms. A high-quality sealant, however, will ensure the tiles are not porous and therefore aren’t susceptible to water damage.
6. Create timeworn style
If you’re willing to risk leaving tiles unsealed, terracotta can develop a worn and weathered patina that appeals to many homeowners. This look can also be achieved by choosing older, imperfect tiles. Pair with recycled furniture and vintage fixtures for a beautiful look that never goes out of style.
If you’re willing to risk leaving tiles unsealed, terracotta can develop a worn and weathered patina that appeals to many homeowners. This look can also be achieved by choosing older, imperfect tiles. Pair with recycled furniture and vintage fixtures for a beautiful look that never goes out of style.
7. Reinstate retro cool
When paired with wood panelled walls, terracotta tiles exude a decidedly retro vibe. A few contemporary accents such as statement lighting and sleek, Scandi-inspired furniture will add a modern touch.
When paired with wood panelled walls, terracotta tiles exude a decidedly retro vibe. A few contemporary accents such as statement lighting and sleek, Scandi-inspired furniture will add a modern touch.
Tip: Terracotta is available in a wide variety of finishes – from completely matt through to high gloss – so consider the surroundings and your desired look before choosing which tiles will best suit your space.
8. Achieve poolside perfection
As one of few materials that is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, terracotta is ideal for creating the feel of a relaxed, Mediterranean escape around a pool or alfresco entertaining area.
As one of few materials that is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, terracotta is ideal for creating the feel of a relaxed, Mediterranean escape around a pool or alfresco entertaining area.
9. Make an entrance
Terracotta is a practical choice for high-traffic zones such as the hallway. For a look that is homey and welcoming, add a few rugs to soften the space.
10 hallways with heart
Terracotta is a practical choice for high-traffic zones such as the hallway. For a look that is homey and welcoming, add a few rugs to soften the space.
10 hallways with heart
10. Play with shapes and sizes
Think outside the box and look to unusual shapes rather than sticking with plain old squares and rectangles. Hexagon, picket and curved terracotta cuts bring a feeling of faraway lands, especially when paired with colourful tiles and intricate glasswork.
Tell us
Do you have terracotta tiles at home? Tell us what you love about them in the Comments below.
More
See more statement tiles
Think outside the box and look to unusual shapes rather than sticking with plain old squares and rectangles. Hexagon, picket and curved terracotta cuts bring a feeling of faraway lands, especially when paired with colourful tiles and intricate glasswork.
Tell us
Do you have terracotta tiles at home? Tell us what you love about them in the Comments below.
More
See more statement tiles
Of all the rooms in your home, the kitchen seems the most fitting choice for terracotta tiles. The light and bright palette that Australians tend to prefer is perfectly complemented by terracotta floors, which can invite rich warmth – not to mention a lovely feel underfoot – to an all-white space.