What Color is Dark terra cotta
Dark terra cotta is a deep, desaturated red that sits between traditional clay and dusty rose. It offers a refined and grounded aesthetic that feels both antique and contemporary.
What color is opposite Dark terra cotta?
The opposite color to Dark terra cotta is Turquoise (#4dcbbd).
Additional Information
- Color Family: Red
- Temperature: Warm
- Associated Season: Autumn
- Complementary Color: #4DCBBD
- Brightness: 117/255
- Saturation: 62%
Colors That Pair Well With Dark terra cotta
Complementary
Pair with Turquoise for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Keppel for maximum readability. Ideal for text or critical UI elements.
Harmonious Depth
Use lighter and darker shades for a sophisticated, cohesive design. Great for backgrounds, text, and subtle accents.
Color Variations
Tints (add white)
Tones (add grey)
Dark terra cotta History
The term terra cotta translates from Italian as 'baked earth,' referring to the porous clay used since Antiquity. While standard terra cotta is orange-leaning, the darker variant reflects clay with high hematite content fired at intense temperatures. This specific hue became a staple of the Victorian era, used frequently in architectural masonry and decorative pottery.
During the Renaissance, artists utilized similar tones in 'sinopia' pigments for fresco underdrawings. In the 19th century, this color was popularized by the Arts and Crafts movement, which sought to return to organic and hand-crafted materials in response to industrialization. It represents a bridge between raw geological matter and high-end artistic production.
Meaning & Psychology
Psychologically, Dark terra cotta radiates warmth without the overwhelming urgency of a primary red. It is deeply associated with stability and physical comfort, evoking the feeling of a sun-warmed hearth or a protected shelter. It provides a sense of security that is common in earth-tone palettes.
In social settings, this shade fosters hospitality and open communication, making it a favorite for communal spaces. Because it is desaturated, it appears approachable and trustworthy rather than aggressive. It suggests a person or brand that is mature and values long-term quality over fleeting trends.
In Nature
In the natural world, this shade is found in the deep canyons of the American Southwest where iron-rich shale has oxidized over millennia. It appears in the leathery skin of a sun-ripened pomegranate and the dried petals of a fading protea flower. It is a color defined by oxidation, marking the transition of minerals and organic matter as they react with the atmosphere.
How To Use Dark terra cotta
In digital design, use Dark terra cotta as a focal point for buttons or headers to provide high contrast without straining the user's eyes. It passes most legibility tests when paired with off-white or light parchment backgrounds. It is an excellent choice for lifestyle brands that want to feel established and artisanal.
For interior spaces, it serves as a powerful statement color for libraries or kitchens. It pairs exceptionally well with natural textures like jute, linen, and dark oak to highlight its heritage qualities. As a designer, treat it as a 'neutral red'—it is versatile enough to act as a background or an accent depending on its saturation levels.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Mediterranean Hearth
A warm, earthy palette inspired by traditional Italian villas.
Victorian Study
Deep, scholarly tones that emphasize heritage and luxury.
Modern Terracotta
A contemporary, desaturated mix for fashion and lifestyle branding.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #CC4E5C;
color: rgb(204, 78, 92);
background-color: #CC4E5C;
border: 3px solid #CC4E5C;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #CC4E5C66;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #CC4E5C 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in Dark terra cotta
Visualize and buy custom cushions made in this exact shade.
Made to order. Ships in 3-5 business days.
Product Details
Add a touch of luxury to your home with our premium Eco Velvet cushions. Soft to the touch, these cushions are perfect for adding comfort and style to any room.
- Material: Soft Eco Velvet.
- Feel: Velvety soft finish.
- Backing: Stone coloured back (or double-sided print).
- Print: Edge-to-edge vibrant color using water-based inks.
- Care: Machine washable at 30°C.
- Construction: Handmade to order with a concealed zipper.
Eco Credentials
We believe in sustainable style. Our cushions are crafted with the planet in mind.
- Made to Order: Produced only when you order, eliminating overproduction and waste.
- Water-Based Inks: Printed using neo-pigment, water-based inks that are non-hazardous, toxin-free, and vegan-friendly.
- Local Fulfilment: Produced locally where possible to reduce carbon emissions from transport.
- Vegan Friendly: No animal products are used in the production of these cushions.
What Goes With Dark terra cotta?
Explore color palettes containing Dark terra cotta and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
Analogous
Complementary
Split-complementary
Monochromatic
Accessibility
Contrast with Black and White
Contrast with Black
UI Examples
This is an example of body text using the selected color scheme.
Contrast Ratio
Contrast with White
UI Examples
This is an example of body text using the selected color scheme.
Contrast Ratio
Closest Color Matches
Prismacolor
Crimson Red
#PC924 • #B42830
Caran d'ache Luminance 6901
Anthraquinoid Pink
#571 • #FD7B76
Similar Colors
View all Red colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Dark terra cotta
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Dark terra cotta?
What colors go with Dark terra cotta?
Is Dark terra cotta accessible for text?
How do I use Dark terra cotta in CSS?
You can use Dark terra cotta in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.dark-terra-cotta {
background-color: #CC4E5C;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.