Read all about Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze, plus see more than 20 real homes that use it!
Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze (SW 7048) is an earthy and refined dark gray-brown paint color that projects neutral sophistication wherever you find it. If you’re looking for a dramatic statement color with style, look no further than Urbane Bronze.
For me, paint colors are all about getting excited to make a change – a change that takes your living space from functional to WOW. Creating inspiring spaces on that level takes a color with some soul to it. Urbane Bronze, thanks to its undertones, depth, and wide range of possibilities could very well be just that color!
I’m not the only one who feels this way, either. In fact, Sherwin Williams itself agrees with me and even granted this hue a distinction as the Sherwin Williams’ 2021 Color of the Year! Let’s dive in to learn more about this awe-inspiring color to see if it’s right for your home.
FAQs About Urbane Bronze (SW 7048)
What color is Urbane Bronze?
Is it gray or a brown? While it has very dark brown undertones, Urbane Bronze is actually a rich, gray paint color. It’s so dark that it looks almost black, but in many lighting situations, you’ll see the brown and bronze undertones come through.
Although this color is primarily a dark gray with brown undertones, you can distinctly see some green undertones come through in certain light situations.
What are the undertones in Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze?
Urbane Bronze by Sherwin Williams has a greige base with very obvious rich brown undertones. This paint color also has green undertones that can show up from time to time too.
Like many colors, this gorgeous specimen can change a bit depending on the type of light that hits it. In a west-facing or south-facing room that’s bathed in rich warm light, you’ll see the bronze-y-brown come out.
By contrast, in cooler north-facing light, Urbane Bronze by Sherwin Williams will read as much more of a dark warm gray.
Where should I use SW Urbane Bronze?
Really, the better question is where SHOULDN’T you use this HOT color right now? But, okay, let’s be real.
It is a very dark color, so I recommend using it very deliberately and sparingly for the most impact possible. But when used well, it looks stunning on furniture, vanities, kitchen islands and cabinets, doors, walls, feature
walls, as a trim or even ceiling color!
What trim color should I use with Urbane Bronze walls?
For a white trim option with a little warmth, check out Benjamin Moore White Dove. For more of a pure white or cooler tones, look at BM Decorator’s White, SW Snowbound, or SW Highly Reflective White.
Urbane Bronze actually makes a great trim color, too! Flip the palette ideas mentioned above, for some other beautiful paint color combinations.
If undertones make your head hurt, you’re not alone! Grab your free copy of 5 Biggest Paint Choice Mistakes Click here or enter your email below. I’ll send the tips right away!⤵️
Colors That Coordinate With This Paint
Urbane Bronze shines when paired with warm colors in the cream, off-white, gray, and greige range.
I happen to love coordinating this color with other beautiful colors from Sherwin Williams such as:
- Shoji White
- Modern Gray
- Alabaster
- Retreat
- Messenger Bag
- Extra White
- Ivoire
- Natural White
- Settlement
- Balanced Beige
- Agreeable Gray
- Rain
I do recommend avoiding pairing this rich color with cool, light grays since they will appear to clash with each other.
LRV Of Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze (SW 7048)
It’s time to take a quick objective look at Urbane Bronze paint through numbers. We’re going to dive into Urbane Bronze’s LRV.
LRV (Light Reflectance Value) is a numerical value between 0 and 100 that indicates how much light a color reflects.
Zero is the darkest because it doesn’t reflect ANY light, while 100 is pure white because it reflects ALL the light. Lower numbers correspond with darker colors, and the opposite is also true.
Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze LRV = 8
At an 8, it may not be the absolute darkest color, but it’s really not far away. At the same time, it’s just light enough that you can tell with the naked eye that it’s not black.
LRV…what? Don’t worry, I’ve got you! Grab a FREE copy of my new guide to avoid the paint color picking mistakes people make! Click here or enter your email below. I’ll send the tips right away!⤵️
This Color Compared To Other Colors
I think the best way to really see differences in colors that are similar to each other is to look at them side by side. Let’s check out how this color stacks up compared to some other popular colors.
Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze vs Iron Ore
These colors look similar when you put them side by side, but with an LRV of 6, Sherwin Williams Iron Ore (SW 7069) is definitely darker than Urbane Bronze.
Both in the gray family, you can see the brown undertones in Urbane Bronze when they’re side-by-side.
Black Fox SW 7020) vs Urbane Bronze
Urbane Bronze’s LRV of 8 is just a teensy weensy bit lighter than Sherwin Williams Black Fox’s LRV of 7. Two peas in a pod, they’re both equally stunning, warm, elegant colors in the gray family that have rich brown undertones.
Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze vs Peppercorn
With an LRV of 10, Peppercorn (SW 7674) is a bit lighter gray than Urbane Bronze. It reads as very neutral because it has a perfect balance of warm and cool, and it also has a softness that SW Urbane Bronze doesn’t have.
Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze vs Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron
Urbane Bronze and Wrought Iron (SW 2105) are similar in terms of LRV…Urbane Bronze is a smidge lighter at an 8, and Wrought Iron a smidge darker at a 6. Although it’s tough to tell in the small swatches below, the undertones of these colors are quite different.
Both would be considered blacks, but Urbane Bronze has much more brown in it so it reads a bit warm, while Wrought Iron is cooler with more gray undertones.
More Colors To Consider
Still don’t know if you’ve found your soul mate? Check out some of these other beautiful color options!
- 15 BEST Brown Paint Colors For Rich, Velvety Warmth
- Chelsea Gray (Benjamin Moore) – a warm, dark gray
- Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray – a medium gray with slight green undertones
- Dorian Gray (Sherwin Williams) – warm, mid-toned gray
- Mindful Gray (Sherwin Williams) – a warm gray that leans taupe
- Light French Gray (Sherwin Willaims) – not too warm or too cool
- Gray Owl (Benjamin Moore) – an unassuming classic light gray
- Modern Gray SW 7632 – a light taupe-leaning gray with pink undertones
- Pewter Green SW 6208 – a dark, cool-leaning muted green color
- Dovetail (Sherwin Williams 7018) – mid-to-dark gray with subtle blue undertones
- Amazing Gray (Sherwin Williams) – mid-toned warm greige
- Sherwin Williams On The Rocks SW 7161 – a neutral gray with mild purple undertones
Feeling lost? I gotcha, boo! Grab a FREE copy of my new guide to avoid the paint color picking mistakes people make! Click here or enter your email below. I’ll send the tips right away!⤵️
Real Life Homes Using SW Urbane Bronze
Alright, time to dig into the good part: all that eye candy! But first, a warning. Do NOT fall in love with one of these rooms, run out and buy 4 cans and start painting your space! Remember the cardinal rule of painting: sample before you swipe that paintbrush!!!
As far as sampling goes, I highly recommend these mess-free, re-usable, re-positionable peel and stick paint samples ⤵
Bedrooms In Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze
A quick note here: don’t forget to consider picking the right paint finish…it’s not only about getting the color right! We have an in-depth explanation of choosing sheens here.
In general for bedrooms, and low-traffic areas, flat paint is fine. If you like something with a bit of shine (and more ease of cleaning) opt for eggshell or satin.
1. Soothing Vibes as a Bedroom Accent Wall
In a word: stunning. I know I mentioned earlier that a color so dark might not be the best choice for a wall color. I think it’s safe to say that this beautiful example from Love Your Abode is the perfect exception to the “rule.”
What makes such a dark color work so well here is that it’s used on a wall that’s visually broken up with white paint, curtains, and blinds as well as lots of natural light.
2. Comforting Color in a Neutral Nursery
In a room like this one that has plenty of cool natural light, this paint color reads as a dark gray. It’s dark enough to add a dramatic, timeless visual statement to the room, but it’s also lighter than the iron crib.
The mixture of these warm neutrals helps create a feeling of relaxation, serenity and comfort…exactly what is needed in a small one’s personal sanctuary space.
3. Dark Gray Brown Board and Batten
No one would ever call this color boring as it is. But when you add this winning color to a chic board and batten design, the sophistication scale goes through the roof!
Dark tones can be calming to the eye, perfect for creating an ultimate retreat and zzzone of renewal and restfulness, as seen here in this perfect example from Thistlewood Farms.
4. Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze Nightstand
You know those design magazine pictures that you find yourself drooling over as you dream about creating a stylish and elegant room?
Yeah, this room from Clark and Aldine isn’t out of a magazine, but it looks like it certainly could be thanks to the power of a rich gray-brown color like this one.
5. Perfect for Creating a Personal Haven
I’m not sure I’ll ever get tired of looking at this lovely color. It somehow manages to perfectly straddle the line between gray and brown in a way that looks rich charming, modern, and timeless all at the same time.
6. Sophisticated Bedroom
This chic room from SG Style Blog is a natural retreat that’s reminiscent of a spa. In this room, the light makes this color look chocolately gray. It’s dark but also serene – perfect for an elegant bedroom.
7. Bedroom Ceiling Painted Urbane Bronze
How is this space from Haute House Love for an eye-catching paint job? For the longest time, I never thought to paint ceilings any color other than white. But I love the effect that painting the ceiling of a naturally bright room dark has.
The dark tone simultaneously draws the eye upward and blends into the background. It also helps drop the high ceiling in this room, and create a cozier, more intimate vibe.
Want to see more unique ceiling ideas? Check these out!
8. Dark Bedroom Wall
In a bedroom like this one from Design Sponge with low natural light, this paint color looks very dark, just a shade lighter than black. The light from the lamp draws out the brown undertones to create a luxurious environment.
Kitchens Using This Color
For kitchens, eggshell or satin are popular finish choices for walls. For cabinets consider semi-gloss or high gloss for the most durable finish (and a gorgeous glow).
9. Large Dark Accent Kitchen Island
Two-toned kitchen cabinet combinations are stylish, trendy, and beautiful. The light cabinets around the outside of this kitchen from Kylie M Interiors keep this room bright while the Urbane Bronze kitchen island adds a gorgeous design element to an already beautiful kitchen.
10. Works Well with Wood Finishes
It takes a special color to be able to bridge the divide between the dark brown/black floors and the gray backsplash… and there’s no better choice here than Urbane Bronze. Here the warmth of this paint cooperates perfectly with the warm tones in the flooring.
11. SW Urbane Bronze Kitchen Cabinetry
The warm creamy off-white walls and brass cabinet pulls draw out all the bronzy brown undertones in this paint color. The lighting differences in this kitchen highlight this color’s ability to shift.
The bright warm natural light flooding the upper cabinets makes them read brown while the lower natural light on the bottom cabinets makes them read dark gray (from Emily Davis Interiors).
12. Lower Cabinets Painted Dark Gray Brown
This kitchen from Evolution of Style has low levels of cool northern light that make the lower cabinets read dark gray even though they are adjacent to the dark brown floors.
Urbane Bronze Dining Room
13. Comfort Food + Urbane Bronze Accent Wall = Dining Room Perfection
The lighting plus the warm-toned surroundings in this dazzling dining room pulls out a hint of the green undertones in Urbane Bronze. They’re slight, but they’re there!
Using this dark paint color on an accent wall with the pretty moldings is an effective way to add visual interest and a cozy atmosphere in a dining space.
Living Rooms Featuring SW Urbane Bronze Paint
14. Built-Ins Painted Urbane Bronze By Sherwin Williams
If you want to create a set of built-ins that take a step back to let decor items shine, give this color a chance. Painting the walls dark and the shelves light visually pulls everything on those shelves forward as seen in this beautiful example from Love Remodeled.
15. Urbane Bronze Painted Brick
I love the transformation of this fireplace! Thanks to the huge amount of cool natural light and cool-toned surrounding furnishings in this room, this paint color reads as lovely medium-dark gray.
16. Swoon-Worthy Ceiling
This swoon-worthy basement is surely the envy of the entire neighborhood. The Urbane Bronze ceiling is the serene yin to the busy floor’s yang and pulls out the dark brown in the flooring.
17. SW Urbane Bronze Cabinets
I love the effect that Urbane Bronze has on accent pieces. The surrounding earthy tones and stone accents in this space from My Georgia House make these cabinets on either side of the fireplace read a beautiful earthy gray-brown while simultaneously allowing the fireplace to take center stage.
18. Basement Living Area In Urbane Bronze
When you want to create that perfect “movie theater” vibe, give Urbane Bronze a shot. The dark walls provide the ultimate movie-watching environment in this basement from Glitter and Grits.
Office Spaces In Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze
19. Open Shelving With Gray-Brown Backdrop
Are you noticing how the low lighting, creamy off-white furniture, and earthy accent pieces are pulling out the green undertones in the wall paint color? This room shared by Design Indulgence is gorgeous.
SW Urbane Bronze Bathrooms
Don’t forget the finish! For bathrooms the perfect sheen is either an eggshell or satin. Why? We’ll tell you in this post about paint sheen.
20. Soothing Spa Bathroom
Oooo, look how the warm brass and warm artificial lighting pulls out all the lovely rich brown undertones to make this bathroom look chocolate.
21. Bronze Undertones In The Powder Room
Here’s another example of a beautiful bathroom, this one from Emily A Clark, where the lack of natural light combined with the warm artificial light and gold decor pieces pull out the brown undertones. But look at the areas where the shadow hits the paint and you’ll see dark gray dominate.
Other Spaces Using This Paint Color
22. Stairwell With Painted Banister
Cool bright light helps to create a beautiful dark gray paint that pairs naturally with the warm brown stair boards in this space via Oleander and Palm.
23. Entryway With Dark Front Door
I must admit that Urbane Bronze is one of my favorite door paint colors. There are few colors that look as stunning or elegant (via 320 Sycamore Blog).
Home Exteriors Using Urbane Bronze Paint
24. Garage Doors In Dark Brown Gray
Urbane Bronze is the perfect color for the garage doors on this house from Young House Love.
The brown undertones simultaneously pair well with the brown bricks while also pulling out the dark patches of color in them. The rest of the house trim here? Snowbound, also by Sherwin Williams.
25. Urbane Bronze All-Over Exterior Color
This color is the ideal earthy color for a house surrounded by trees! It fits in perfectly with the surrounding colors.
26. Duplex With Dark Double Front Doors
Here in the shadows of this porch from Young House Love, the front door paint color reads black without being too dark. It pairs well with the black light fixture, mailbox, and unit number.
Well, has Urbane Bronze moved right up to the top of your list of dark gray paint colors? I hope you enjoyed this in-depth look at Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze plus more than 20 homes that use it in eye-catching ways.
Seriously considering this shade? Make sure to sample first! I highly recommend these re-usable, re-positionable peel and stick samples👇
Pin this paint color for later! And if you use this paint shade, leave a comment on the pin! That helps others decide if they want to try this color, too!
Ready to show those boring, beige walls who’s the boss at home? Grab my free guide to help you sidestep the mistakes that almost everyone makes when it comes to picking paint! You’ll be on your way to perfect paint promptly…pinky swear.
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