Baked Terra Cotta 1202 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re searching for a paint color that brings warmth, depth, and a touch of rustic charm to your home, look no further than Benjamin Moore’s Baked Terra Cotta (1202). This rich, earthy hue is like a sun-kissed clay pot—timeless, inviting, and full of character. Whether you’re revamping a living room, bedroom, or even a home office, this shade has the versatility to elevate your space while making it feel cozy and lived-in. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this stunning color, from its undertones to the best ways to use it in your home.

Baked Terra Cotta is a warm, medium-toned red with an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 20.93%, meaning it reflects a fair amount of light while still maintaining its depth. This makes it adaptable to various lighting conditions—bright rooms will highlight its vibrancy, while dimmer spaces will let it settle into a more intimate, moody vibe. The undertones lean distinctly red, giving it that earthy, sun-baked quality that feels both grounded and sophisticated. If you’ve ever admired the warmth of Mediterranean villas or the cozy appeal of a modern farmhouse, this color captures that essence perfectly.

One of the standout features of Baked Terra Cotta is its versatility. It plays well with a range of decor styles, from bohemian eclecticism to rustic simplicity. Pair it with woven textiles, wooden furniture, and brass accents for a boho-chic look, or let it anchor a modern farmhouse space with crisp white trim and vintage-inspired decor. It’s also a natural fit for Mediterranean-inspired interiors, where its terracotta-like richness can evoke the charm of Tuscan landscapes. And if you’re worried about it feeling too bold, don’t be—this shade has a muted, dusty quality that keeps it from overwhelming a room.

When it comes to application, Baked Terra Cotta is a dream to work with. It offers excellent coverage, often needing just one or two coats, and its high-hide formula means it can easily cover darker colors without a primer. It’s beginner-friendly, roller-ready, and dries quickly with minimal splatter, making it a great choice for DIYers. Plus, it’s low-VOC and eco-certified, so you can breathe easy knowing you’re using a paint that’s as kind to your home as it is to the environment. The finish options are just as flexible—go matte for a soft, velvety look in low-traffic areas like bedrooms, or opt for satin or semi-gloss in spaces like dining rooms where washability matters.

Now, let’s talk about pairing this color with other elements in your home. Because of its warm undertones, Baked Terra Cotta works beautifully with natural materials like wood and stone. Try it alongside oak flooring or a reclaimed wood coffee table to enhance its earthy appeal. For trim, crisp whites like Benjamin Moore’s Simply White create a fresh contrast, while wood trim adds warmth and continuity. If you’re feeling adventurous, lean into its complementary green hues—think sage or olive accents in throw pillows, rugs, or even potted plants to create a balanced, harmonious look. And don’t shy away from metallics; brass fixtures and copper decor will add a touch of elegance that plays off the color’s rustic roots.

Of course, no color is without its considerations. While Baked Terra Cotta is incredibly versatile, it can darken smaller spaces if used on all four walls. If you’re working with a compact room, consider using it as an accent wall or balancing it with lighter furniture and plenty of natural light. Mirrors are another great trick to bounce light around and keep the space feeling open. And if you’re unsure how it’ll look in your home, always test a sample first. Paint a small section and observe it at different times of day—you’ll see how the color shifts with the light, helping you decide if it’s the right fit.

For those who love this shade but want something a bit lighter or darker, Benjamin Moore offers a range of similar hues. Lighter options like CW-225 or 1195 can soften the look, while deeper shades such as 2136-40 or HC-145 amp up the drama. And if you’re looking for equivalent colors, Red Earth or Burnt Sienna from other brands can give you a similar vibe.

At the end of the day, Baked Terra Cotta is more than just a paint color—it’s a mood. It’s the warmth of a sunset, the comfort of a well-loved leather chair, the richness of a clay pot fresh from the kiln. Whether you’re painting an entire room or just a single piece of furniture, this shade has the power to transform your space into something truly special. So if you’re ready to add a little earthy elegance to your home, grab a brush and let Baked Terra Cotta work its magic. You won’t regret it.

Real Room Photo of Baked Terra Cotta 1202

Undertones of  Baked Terra Cotta ?

The undertones of Baked Terra Cotta are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards Red. These subtle underlying hues are what give the color its depth and complexity. For example, a gray with a blue undertone will feel cooler and more modern, while one with a brown undertone will feel warmer and more traditional. It’s essential to test this paint in your home and observe it next to your existing furniture, flooring, and decor to see how these undertones interact and reveal themselves throughout the day.

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HEX value: #B36957

RGB code: 179, 105, 87

Is  Baked Terra Cotta Cool or Warm?

This paint is decidedly warm, offering a comforting and inviting vibe. Its warm undertones create a sense of coziness, making it a perfect choice for living spaces where you want to feel enveloped in warmth and comfort.

Understanding Color Properties and Interior Design Tips

Hue refers to a specific position on the color wheel, measured in degrees from 0 to 360. Each degree represents a different pure color:

• 0° represents red
• 120° represents green
• 240° represents blue

Saturation describes the intensity or purity of a color and is expressed as a percentage:

• At 0%, the color appears completely desaturated—essentially a shade of gray
• At 100%, the color is at its most vivid and vibrant

Lightness indicates how light or dark a color is, also expressed as a percentage:

• 0% lightness results in black
• 100% lightness results in white

Using Warm Colors in Interior Design

Warm hues—such as reds, oranges, yellows, warm beiges, and greiges—are excellent choices for creating inviting and energetic spaces. These colors are particularly well-suited for:

• Kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms, where warmth enhances comfort and sociability
• Large rooms, where warm tones can help reduce the sense of emptiness and make the space feel more intimate

For example:

• Warm beige shades provide a cozy, inviting atmosphere, ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways.
• Warm greige (a mix of beige and gray) offers the warmth of beige with the modern appeal of gray, making it a versatile backdrop for dining areas, bedrooms, and living spaces.

However, be mindful when using warm light tones in rooms with limited natural light. These shades may appear muted or even take on an unpleasant yellowish tint. To avoid a dull or flat appearance:

• Add depth by incorporating richer tones like deep greens, charcoal, or chocolate brown
• Use textured elements such as curtains, rugs, or cushions to bring dimension to the space

Pro Tip: Achieving Harmony with Warm and Cool Color Balance

To create a well-balanced and visually interesting interior, mix warm and cool tones strategically. This contrast adds depth and harmony to your design.

• If your walls feature warm hues, introduce cool-colored accents such as blue or green furniture, artwork, or accessories to create contrast.
• For a polished look, consider using a complementary color scheme, which pairs colors opposite each other on the color wheel (e.g., red with green, orange with blue).

This thoughtful mix not only enhances visual appeal but also creates a space that feels both dynamic and cohesive.

Light Temperature Affects on Baked Terra Cotta

Natural Light

Natural daylight changes in color temperature as the sun moves across the sky. At sunrise and sunset, the light tends to have a warm, golden tone with a color temperature around 2000 Kelvin (K). As the day progresses and the sun rises higher, the light becomes cooler and more neutral. Around midday, especially when the sky is clear, natural light typically reaches its peak brightness and shifts to a cooler tone, ranging from 5500 to 6500 Kelvin. This midday light is close to what we perceive as pure white or daylight-balanced light.

These shifts in natural light can significantly influence how colors appear in a space, which is why designers often consider both the time of day and the orientation of windows when planning interior color schemes.

Artificial Light

When choosing artificial lighting, pay close attention to the color temperature, measured in Kelvin (K). This determines how warm or cool the light will appear. Lower temperatures, around 2700K, give off a warm, yellow glow often used in living rooms or bedrooms. Higher temperatures, above 5000K, create a cool, bluish light similar to daylight, commonly used in kitchens, offices, or task areas.

Use the slider to see how lighting temperature can affect the appearance of a surface or color throughout a space.

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LRV of Baked Terra Cotta

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Baked Terra Cotta is 20.93%, which places it in the Medium colors category. This means it reflect a lot of light. Understanding a paint’s LRV is crucial for predicting how it will look in your space. A higher LRV indicates a lighter color that reflects more light, making rooms feel larger and brighter. A lower LRV signifies a darker color that absorbs more light, creating a cozier, more intimate atmosphere. Always consider the natural and artificial lighting in your room when selecting a paint color based on its LRV.

Detailed Review of  Baked Terra Cotta

Baked Terra Cotta is a standout choice for those who want to bring the warmth and depth of earthy tones into their home. This rich, sun-baked hue can transform any room into a cozy retreat, making it perfect for spaces where comfort and style are paramount. The paint boasts excellent coverage with just one or two coats, and its high hide capabilities mean it can easily cover existing colors. Whether you’re painting an accent wall or an entire room, Baked Terra Cotta pairs beautifully with natural materials like wood and stone, adding to its rustic charm. Its versatility extends to various decor styles, from bohemian to modern farmhouse, proving it to be a timeless addition to your home.

Pros & Cons of  1202 Baked Terra Cotta

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Baked Terra Cotta

FAQ on 1202 Baked Terra Cotta

What decor styles pair well with Baked Terra Cotta?

Baked Terra Cotta is incredibly versatile and complements a variety of decor styles. It’s a natural fit for rustic and bohemian interiors, where its earthy warmth can enhance the organic elements often found in these styles. Additionally, it works beautifully in Mediterranean-themed spaces, bringing to mind the sun-drenched hues of terracotta tiles and pottery. For those who love the modern farmhouse look, this color can be a fantastic choice, adding a rich, cozy backdrop that pairs well with wood accents and vintage decor. Whether you’re going for a laid-back, eclectic vibe or a more curated, sophisticated style, Baked Terra Cotta can be the perfect addition to your design palette.

Is Baked Terra Cotta suitable for small spaces?

While Baked Terra Cotta is a warm and inviting color, it is a mid-tone shade that can potentially make small spaces feel cozier and more intimate. However, when used in small rooms, it’s important to balance it with lighter accents or trim to prevent the space from feeling too enclosed. Consider using this color as an accent wall or pairing it with ample natural light to maintain a sense of openness. If you’re worried about the space feeling too dark, try incorporating mirrors or lighter-colored furniture to reflect light and enhance the room’s sense of space. Overall, with the right design elements, Baked Terra Cotta can beautifully enhance even the coziest of rooms.

Comparisons Baked Terra Cotta with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Baked Terra Cotta 1202