From rich Red Flash to elegant Pewter, your roof color is one of the biggest design decisions you’ll make.

When people think about roof tiles, they often picture shape first — flat, double Roman, pantile, interlocking. But the color of your clay roof tiles plays an even bigger role in defining your home’s style, curb appeal, and overall character.

At Northern Roof Tiles, we import premium clay tiles from Europe in a wide range of colours and finishes. Each colour tells a different architectural story, and the right choice can elevate your home from “nice” to truly unforgettable.

Here’s a closer look at how tile colour affects design — and what the most popular clay tile colours say about your home.

1. Red Flash: Warm, Traditional, and Full of Character

Red Flash tiles are one of the most timeless and recognizable clay roof colours. They blend warm reds with deep, smoky flashes, giving the roof a dynamic, handcrafted look.

Red Flash works beautifully with:

• Traditional homes
• Tudor and English cottage styles
• Rustic European-inspired architecture
• Stone or brick exteriors

Design impact:

Red Flash tiles make a house feel warm, grounded, and established. The natural flash firing process ensures that no two tiles look exactly alike — giving your roof a rich, artisanal aesthetic. If you want that “old-world charm,” this is the colour.

2. Tobacco: Earthy, Bold, and Architectural

Tobacco is a deeper, moodier clay tile colour — a mix of chocolate browns, dark ambers, and occasional smokey shading. It’s a favourite among architects who want a roof that stands out without being loud.

Tobacco pairs well with:

• Modern rustic homes
• Timber-frame and mountain architecture
• Dark window frames and natural wood siding
• Earth-tone exteriors

Design impact:

Tobacco tiles look premium and architectural, lending a sense of weight and sophistication. They’re perfect when you want a strong visual anchor, especially on larger rooflines.

3. Pewter: Soft, Cool, and Modern

Pewter is one of the most requested clay tile colors today — and with good reason. Its blend of grey, soft charcoal, and delicate shading makes it extremely versatile and distinctly modern.

Pewter looks stunning with:

• Contemporary and transitional homes
• White or black façades
• Scandinavian-inspired architecture
• Coastal and West Coast modern designs

Design impact:

Pewter tiles give a home a clean, sleek appearance. They feel upscale but understated, offering a calm, confident aesthetic. If you’re aiming for modern elegance, Pewter is an excellent choice.

4. Natural Red: Classic and Timeless

While flashy colours get attention, sometimes the pure simplicity of Natural Red is exactly what a home needs.

Works best with:

• Heritage homes
• Mediterranean and Spanish styles
• Brick or stucco exteriors

Design impact:

Natural Red tiles never go out of style. They brighten the home, catch sunlight beautifully, and deliver that familiar, classic clay tile look homeowners love.

5. Slate Grey / Anthracite: Dramatic and Contemporary

For clients who want a bold, modern statement, slate-coloured clay tiles offer a clean, architectural aesthetic without the maintenance issues of actual slate.

Ideal for:

• Minimalist and geometric architecture
• Black, white, or metal-accent exteriors
• High-contrast, dramatic designs

Design impact:

Slate-coloured tiles look expensive, sharp, and highly tailored. They transform a roof into a defining architectural element.

6. Blends: The Most Natural Look of All

Many European manufacturers create mixed-blend colours — combinations of shades fired together for a realistic, organic look.
Examples include:

• Red/Black blends
• Amber/Tobacco blends
• Grey/Brown blends
• Weathered multi-tone mixes

Why blends are so effective:

They break up large roof planes with natural variation, just like centuries-old roofs in Europe. Blends add depth, dimension, and texture — especially helpful on homes with a lot of visible roof surface.

How Northern Roof Tiles Helps You Choose the Right Color

With decades of experience and partnerships with top European manufacturers, we help you select a colour that matches:

• Your architectural style
• Your exterior materials (stone, stucco, siding, brick)
• Local weathering patterns
• Long-term aesthetic goals

We can also provide:

• Full-size samples
• Color boards
• Job-site mockups
• Side-by-side comparisons between profiles and colours

Choosing a roof colour is a big decision — but it doesn’t need to be stressful. We’ve guided architects and homeowners through thousands of successful projects.

Final Thoughts

Your roof is up to 40% of your home’s exterior.
Choosing the right clay tile colour doesn’t just change how your house looks — it changes how it feels.

Whether you prefer the warmth of Red Flash, the richness of Tobacco, or the clean sophistication of Pewter, Northern Roof Tiles has the expertise and selection to help bring your vision to life.