Recently, I found myself visiting a family friend who was in the process of moving into a modern two storey home.
They wanted an upgrade from the ashy exterior of their house, so I suggested they go for a bold look with dark colors like Black Fox vs Urbane Bronze SW.
Since the minimalist design was all sharp edges in a natural environment, risking it all to go dark for the drama seemed ideal.
They were quite pleased with the idea and so began my usual descent into discovering the lovely world of Sherwin Williams Black Fox paint vs Urbane Bronze paint.
Before we begin, please keep in mind that the behaviour of dark colors can disappoint if you are not sure about the look of your home plus surroundings.
Bold colors bring moody vibes that work for those who thrive in more dramatic settings but will be disappointing for those seeking lighter vibes.
In the following, we will examine and explore the differences between black fox vs urbane bronze to understand how they can best compliment your home.
Examining Black Fox Sherwin Williams 7020
Black Fox Sherwin Williams 7020 is a warm and rich almost black color with an LRV of 7. It is officially noted as a subtle black neutral with greige and brown red undertones, often seen as deep, dark chocolate brown.
The brown black of Black Fox is reminiscent of chocolatey dark wood or even concentrated espresso.
Therefore it offers a depth of moodiness that can overwhelm when saturated on your walls. The trick, from my personal experience, is to use it sparingly as a highlight point.
The sophisticated warmth of this color is undeniable, especially as a modern exterior.
It has a deep intensity that makes beautiful accent walls, as standout shelves in well lighted offices or kitchen islands.
| Color | Black Fox SW 7020 |
| Color Family | Neutral |
| LRV | 7 (low) |
| RGB | 79, 72, 66 |
| Hex Value | #4F4842 |
| Undertone | Griege, brown, red |
| Best Use | Cabinets, islands, shelves, exterior, accent wall |
Examining Urbane Bronze Sherwin Williams 7048
Urbane Bronze Sherwin Williams 7048 is officially said to be rooted in nature given the brown gray undertones that are fused with a little olive green.
It has a warm earthy impression that feels down to earth with an LRV of 8.
But many American homeowners do wonder, what color is Urbane Bronze? This color may look black in dim light but it is not a true black.
One would say it is an earthy bronze due to its warm brown and green undertones. This characteristic makes it a versatile hue that compliments organic elements and tones.
It is the ideal alternative to black for modern exteriors since it is a dark greige and is also a great accent color for cabinets or doors.
| Color | Urbane Bronze SW 7048 |
| Color Family | Neutral |
| LRV | 8 (low) |
| RGB | 84, 80, 74 |
| Hex Value | #54504A |
| Undertone | Brown, gray, olive green |
| Best Use | Lower cabinet and island, accent door, trim |
Black Fox vs Urbane Bronze SW: Key Differences
To figure out which dark color can work for your home, it is necessary to know the details of Black Fox vs Urbane Bronze Sherwin Williams.
The fact that these dark neutrals tend to look similar while performing differently was the main cause of my dilemma.
I understood their relative similarity on the surface but knowing how they behaved under different lighting or varying decor was important.
Before beginning any work with a color, you must consider their LRV which shows how reflective they are and also their undertone.
With that out of the way, let us have a look at their key differences below.
LRV
Black Fox vs Urbane Bronze SW are both near black neutrals that have an element of drama that makes them ideal statement pieces. This dark attribute is due to their low LRVs (light reflectance value) that make them reflect little light.
Black Fox SW 7020 offers a warm richness with its LRV of 7. I find it to be quite appealing as an accent trim for exterior windows and shutters.
Urbane Bronze SW 7048 meanwhile is a tiny bit lighter with an LRV of 8. I see it as quite adaptable since it compliments organic hues like natural wood, stone and natural foliage.
Undertone
Black Fox Sherwin Williams 7020 is a blend of deep charcoal gray and chocolate brown. It has a rich warmth due to its saturated dark brown that gives it an organic or natural appeal.
Then I discovered that Urbane Bronze Sherwin Williams 7048 also combines dark brown with deep gray to form a warm color. It is a deep greige that showcases a tranquil sophistication.
But the similarities in Black Fox vs Urbane Bronze undertones end here since Urbane Bronze carries a hint of olive green that lends it a versatile characteristic. This makes it appear muddier than Black Fox that has more notes of red in it.
Lighting
Black Fox vs Urbane Bronze Sherwin Williams, behave just as dramatically as they seem in shifting temperatures of light. They look close to black in dark shadows and low lighted rooms but their difference shows through under bright light.
You will see that Black Fox reveals its deep chocolate brown in good light and feels cozy under warm bulbs. While Urbane Bronze appears bronzy and feels softer due to its down to earth vibes.
If you shift to cool bulbs, Urbane Bronze comes off as bluish gray charcoal and Black Fox is almost a near black shadow.
Best Uses Of Black Fox vs Urbane Bronze Sherwin Williams
Having personally witnessed the striking appearance of Black Fox vs Urbane Bronze SW, I have only praise for these deep hues since they carry themselves in any setting with sophistication.
Black Fox Sherwin Williams makes an incredible accent color for wall, cabinet and shelves.
It is ideal if you want a dramatic charcoal brown for your interior spaces since it will provide a high contrast look against soft neutrals, wood tones and creamy whites.
Urbane Bronze Sherwin Williams is recommended for accent doors, kitchen islands and exterior trim. I found it to be best as sidings to masonry with brick or stone elements due to its neutral depth.
| Color | Black Fox SW 7020 | Urbane Bronze SW 7048 |
| LRV | 7 | 8 |
| Undertone | Dark charcoal gray, brown, red | Greige, brown, green |
| Lighting | Warmer and more brown in south facing roomsLooks deep charcoal in north facing rooms | Warm and brown in south facing roomsLooks gray with slight green in cool lighting, at times slightly blue |
| Vibe | Luxurious, sophisticated and moody | Moody, rustic organic, tranquil |
| Best Use | Accent shelves, wall, cabinets, fireplace mantle, doors, exterior | Accent walls, exterior trim, sidings, islands, cabinets |
How To Upgrade Your Home With SW Black Fox vs Urbane Bronze
Deciding between similar colors with minute but striking distinctions can be tasking work. The intense depth of Black Fox vs Urbane Bronze Sherwin Williams, as we have seen above, requires solid vision.
Whether you use one or the other, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the shadowy embrace of these dark neutrals.
You will have to consider their environment, the nature of lighting and so on before devoting your time.
I have below, a highlight discussion about the use of Black Fox paint vs Urbane Bronze paint to help you observe what appeals to the build of your home. Let us get started!
Exterior
The comparison between Sherwin Williams Black Fox vs Urbane Bronze Exterior highlights how these bold, moody colors can enhance the exterior areas of any house.
The dark chocolate brown of SW 7020 Black Fox exterior pulls luxury and sophistication together in a cozy manner. While the gray charcoal of SW 7048 Urbane Bronze exterior tends to blend organic sophistication with serene peacefulness.
They are both ideal for exterior trim, an accent front door, sidings and shutters. I would personally recommend against color drenching your house exterior with either since it feels too dark and muted. Be especially careful with Urbane Bronze since it reflects green hues in direct natural light.
But if you have a minimalist home, a singular front or side block as a highlight can make your house stand out.
Kitchen
When you are planning how to style a Black Fox vs Urbane Bronze Kitchen, I would highly recommend going for an accented approach.
This will enhance the moodiness of the dark neutrals along with emphasizing on the richness of these tones. You can consider Black Fox vs Urbane Bronze kitchen cabinets, islands and shelves for a high contrast look with another lighter color of choice.
They will warm up the look of your kitchen under warm lights, but be careful not to drench all your walls since it can turn shadowy without good lighting.
With Black Fox Sherwin Williams you will get a richer and more dramatic effect. While Urbane Bronze Sherwin Williams will call to a modern rustic look with its muted charcoal gray.
Whether you go for the changeable green gray of chocolate brown Urbane Bronze or the reddish dark brown of Black Fox, these colors will embody sophistication in your home.
Living Room
Sherwin Williams Black Fox vs Urbane Bronze undertones can affect the look of a living area since Black Fox appears more brown due to its hidden red hue.
While the gray green in Urbane Bronze keeps it warm but less brown than the other.
You can even use them as an accent piece by using it only on your fireplace mantle and surrounds or use it to highlight your built-in shelves.
They make wonderful focal points in a large living area with good lighting so the choice of use is up to your tastes.
I would suggest against going full coverage unless you want an enveloping coziness, especially with abundant light. Otherwise, you will find even wide spaces to be narrow.
Bedroom
For a Black Fox vs Urbane Bronze bedroom look, I would say the choice is between going for cozy warmth or a sung retreat.
Black Fox SW feels warmer than the other due to its red brown hue that shines when exposed to warm light. This saturated look provides a more grounded look for your bedroom given its moody yet sophisticated feel.
While Urbane Bronze SW offers a more organic and comforting feel with its greige and green undertones in a naturally lighted bedroom.
Though it tends to look muddy gray in dim or cool lighting. Whether you want to drench your walls or use these dark neutrals as focus accents, please make sure to sample them in the light of your bedroom.
Bathroom
When considering a SW Black Fox vs Urbane Bronze bathroom, I suggest going with “less is more”. You will find that both these bold colors will result in a spa-like atmosphere with high end appeal.
You can rely on Black Fox SW for a richer touch of drama or opt for SW Urbane Bronze for a close to nature ambiance.
They look amazing as accent walls, vanities, built in storage or cabinetry. But a full color drenching can mute the vibe of your bathroom and undercut the clean, polished look generally preferred.
They pair well with dark wood tones where Black Fox suits crisper whites and marble countertops. While Urbane Bronze goes well with creamier whites and brass or gold accents.
How Do People Feel About Black Fox vs Urbane Bronze Sherwin Williams?
Discovering how people feel and think about the look of SW Black Fox vs Urbane Bronze has been an eye opening journey. Here I have mostly touched on the discussion between those who have used these neutrals in their home.
On this Facebook discussion, the opinions on either Black Fox or Urbane Bronze are split as the colors are relatively good choices for a home exterior. A user said that the green undertones are visible in natural light but “Urbane bronze is a beautiful color…pairs well with warm whites.” Most think that “Bronze makes the house feel a part of the surroundings” as it feels softer and timeless yet Black Fox “is very trendy right now”
Another highlighted how “Black fox…is a perfect contrast that looks sharp” for the exterior since “black looks fresher, more modern.” While Bronze is great for a traditional look since it has a “it’s been here for years look.”
A user on Facebook who is a professional painter described Urbane Bronze as a chameleon that shifts from “black brown or gray, depending on the situation.” Another mentions how they have used both and said “Black fox is warm and a true brown/black. Urbane bronze is more muddy…has cool gray undertone.”
SW Black Fox vs Urbane Bronze vs Other Black Colors
If you are unable to decide between Black Fox vs Urbane Bronze Sherwin Williams, there are other darker hues you can choose.
Whether you want something with a hint of brown like these two warm neutrals or more, the matter of choice relies on what look you want for your home.
My goal is to provide a wide selection with which you can compare Black Fox paint vs Urbane Bronze paint. This is meant to help you easily gauge their difference when compared with other dramatic colors.
Now let us discuss the following bold hues to see what matches your aesthetic.
Sherwin Williams Iron Ore 7069
Iron Ore SW 7069 is a dark and mysterious charcoal gray with a low LRV of 6. This soft black has a warm base with a complex mix of gray, blue, green and brown undertones.
Therefore this is a neutral that is sensitive to light and can shift between warm green and gray in southern light to blue and almost black in northern light.
If we begin to compare Black Fox vs Iron Ore vs Urbane Bronze, Iron Ore is the darkest of the lot and has a cool modern look. It does not have the earthy green of Urbane Bronze nor the chocolatey brown of Black Fox.
So between Urbane Bronze vs Black Fox vs Iron Ore, if you want a truer black that does not lean into earthy vibes, you can pick Iron Ore.
Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black 6258
Tricorn Black SW 6258 is a true black that works with any undertone which makes it a flexible color that compliments most hues.
It has a classic and polished elegance that feels modern and iconic given its pure neutrality. This means that it does not show any shifting color and is the darkest black with an LRV of 3.
If you compare Tricorn Black vs Urbane Bronze, you will note that Urbane Bronze reads more warm due to its gray green undertones while Tricorn Black is comparatively more stable.
Additionally, Black Fox has an even warmer note of rich chocolate brown that makes it close to black but not a true black like Tricorn Black.
Between all there, go with Black Fox for a moody warmth, Urbane Bronze for organic comfort and Tricorn Black for trendy boldness.
Sherwin Williams Peppercorn 7674
Peppercorn SW 7674 is a balanced neutral that reads as a dark gray with an LRV of 10. This true charcoal gray has a hidden blend of blue, purple and green undertones that emerge in specific environments and lighting.
Its subtle purple blue undertones come through in warm southern light while it appears fully gray in cool northern light.
When you consider Peppercorn vs Urbane Bronze, the former appears a true gray in contrast to the muddy gray of Urbane Bronze.
Then if you turn to compare Black Fox vs Peppercorn, the darker Black Fox is more snug due to its brown hue.
For a lighter feel of modern sophistication, you can opt for Peppercorn. But if you want organic and classy, go with Black Fox vs Urbane Bronze.
Sherwin Williams Porpoise 7047
Porpoise SW 7047 is a dark gray bronze with an LRV of 13 that carries a greige look which is a blend of purple, gray and green undertones.
This neutral gray tends to appear moderately lighter and is a cozy choice for snug corners. In southern rooms, the purple in it comes out a lot more to create a soft moodiness.
When you compare SW Porpoise vs Urbane Bronze, you will see that earthy Urbane Bronze SW 7048 and grayish purple Porpoise SW 7047 lie right next to each other.
Porpoise is the brighter alternative to Urbane Bronze since it is softer. If we bring in Black Fox SW 7020 to further compare, Porpoise stands as the lightest of the three with a calm versatility.
Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal HC-166
BM Kendall Charcoal HC-166 is a rich charcoal gray with a lighter feel due to its LRV of 14.61. This warm gray is mixed with green and brown undertones which lends it a polished gray look.
In southern or warm light, it can sometimes flash hints of green while it retains its gray in low or northern light.
If you begin comparing Kendall Charcoal Benjamin Moore vs Urbane Bronze, the classy gray of Kendall Charcoal feels more elegant next to the natural groundedness of Urbane Bronze.
When considering Kendall Charcoal vs Black Fox, the latter is darker with an LRV of 7 and stands for snug luxury. Kendall Charcoal is the lightest of the three and has a timeless appeal against modern lines and clean decor.
Sherwin Williams Status Bronze 7034
Status Bronze SW 7034 is a warm dark brown that carries an aged feeling with a low LRV of 8. It offers a mature vibe with its cool yellow and warm taupe undertones. It has a long enduring vibe with an impression of rich brown in southern or warm light. Then it becomes a darker taupe brown in cool northern light.
When you compare Status Bronze vs Urbane Bronze vs Black Fox, the deep brown red of Black Fox feels more darker due to its gray undertone and lower LRV of 7.
Although their LRVs are the same, Urbane Bronze has a muddier and more organic look due to its gray green undertones. Status Bronze like the other two works well as an accent color for vanities, exteriors, cabinets and more.
| Details | Iron Ore SW 7069 | Tricorn Black SW 6258 | Peppercorn SW 7674 | Porpoise SW 7047 | BM Kendall Charcoal HC-166 | Status Bronze SW 7034 |
| Color Family | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| LRV | 6 | 3 | 10 | 13 | 14.61 | 8 |
| RGB | 67, 67, 65 | 47, 47, 48 | 88, 88, 88 | 107, 100, 91 | 104, 102, 98 | 92, 77, 60 |
| Hex Value | #434341 | #2F2F30 | #585858 | #6B645B | #686662 | #5C4D3C |
| Undertone | Charcoal gray, blue, brown green | True black with no visible undertones | Gray, blue, purple, green | Bronze gray, purple, green | Warm gray, brown, green | Cool yellow and warm taupe |
| Use As | Kitchen island, lower cabinet, accent door, exterior trim and siding | Accent door, cabinets, shutters, exterior trim | Accent wall, fireplace surrounds, shelves | Wall, accent cabinet, exterior | Lower cabinets, exterior, accent wall, accent trim, | Walls, doors, cabinets |
SW Black Fox vs Urbane Bronze: Coordinating Colors
Since we have seen and understood the key differences of Black Fox vs Urbane Bronze Sherwin Williams, you must be wondering about which colors to best pair these neutrals with.
So far, we have seen some bolder hues that you can opt for but picking and choosing a singular color is not the end of our task.
Without personally seeing these colors paired with different hues, we cannot determine if it will suit the vibe and design of our space.
Overall Black Fox SW 7020 or Urbane Bronze SW 7048 are warm neutrals with very low LRVs. Therefore, they are more suited to whites but also different hues depending on the look you want to create.
Now let us have a look at their official coordinating colors!
Coordinating Colors Of Black Fox SW 7020
The coordinating colors of Black Fox Sherwin Williams 7020 are Eider White SW 7014, Greek Villa SW 7551 and Cool Avocado SW 9029.
Eider White SW 7014 is a cool white with a hint of gray that pulls a relaxing vibe. It is versatile enough to be used as both wall, ceiling and trim with Black Fox. This combination creates a deep contrast with Eider White’s LRV of 73 and Black Fox’s LRV of 7.
Greek Villa SW 7551 is a warm sunny gray with an LRV of 84 that makes a great trim. This bright white has a yellow tinge that mutes its crispness but is a stand out color against the bold dark chocolate tone of Black Fox.
And Cool Avocado SW 9029 is a little more earthy and yellow with an LRV of 46 which forms a harmonious organic aesthetic against Black Fox. But you have to be careful with its application as an overwhelming use of both can create an unbalanced aesthetic.
Coordinating Colors Of Urbane Bronze SW 7048
The Sherwin Williams 7048 Urbane Bronze coordinating colors are Shoji White SW 7042, Extra White SW 7006 and Ivoire SW 6127.
Shoji White SW 7042 is a creamy subtle greige with an LRV of 74 that balances soft and warm to create a subtle contrast with Urbane Bronze. This warm white brings elegance to the look of Urbane Bronze as trim, ceiling, accent wall and cabinets.
Extra White SW 7006 is a crisp choice for trim and ceiling due to its LRV of 86. This bright and clean white defines the look of your home by making the architectural lines pop against Urbane Bronze.
Finally, Ivoire SW 6127 is a warm yellow beige that looks golden in southern light. It has an LRV of 64 which gives it a depth that compliments the brown of Urbane Bronze.
Personally, this is an ideal color for opposing walls against an accent wall of Urbane Bronze as it provides the most warmth with an inviting atmosphere.
When To Choose Black Fox vs Urbane Bronze Sherwin Williams
After discussing the look and details of Sherwin Williams Black Fox vs Urbane Bronze, we can establish Black Fox as the darker of the two. We have also seen Urbane Bronze that reveals gray green hues while the other has a more red tinted brown.
Personally, Black Fox SW 7020 delivered a bold contrast for my family friend’s modern home against the surrounding natural environment.
Yet I cannot deny the beautiful harmony Urbane Bronze SW 7048 carries with its organic appeal in the same environment.
If knowing more about these warm neutrals still cannot help you decide, let us look at when it is best to choose Black Fox vs Urbane Bronze.
Choose SW Black Fox 7020
For a look without too much gray and a richer depth of brown black, you can go with Black Fox Sherwin Williams 7020.
It has a dark appeal that is highlighted by the red tint hidden in its chocolatey brown. This is the perfect color to express a blend of warmth and luxury on a modern design.
You can apply it as accent wall, doors, exterior trim and so on to add moody drama to your space. It is best used in rooms with abundant light which helps show off its sophisticated brown undertones.
Choose SW Urbane Bronze 7048
For a natural look that feels refined and classy, you can go with the earthy look of Urbane Bronze Sherwin Williams 7048.
It carries a timeless and inviting vibe due to its muddy gray green undertones. You can use it to create a welcome warmth by pairing it with whites and earthy colors.
You can use it for your exteriors, as accent cabinets, kitchen islands and so on to bring a sense of tranquil calm to your space.
It is a balanced dark neutral that matches traditional and modern looks, so start sampling and get creative with it!
Conclusion
The focus of this comparative review between Black Fox vs Urbane Bronze Sherwin Williams is meant to help introduce you to the world of dark and dramatic neutrals.
And so we have explored and discovered the key differences between both colors. We have learned that they lean warm with very low LRVs, one Black Fox SW 7020 with 7 LRV and next Urbane Bronze SW 7048 with 8 LRV.
I would like to note that personally experiencing both and seeing how they behave is part of the process of choosing between the two.
I have relied on comparing them to other just as dark neutrals to help extend your options. Including this, we have also seen their coordinating colors to determine what combination can work together.
With all that considered, I say with confidence that you can now start on your project. But do remember to sample them before you devote your time!
FAQs on Black Fox vs Urbane Bronze
What color is Urbane Bronze?
Urbane Bronze Sherwin Williams 7048 is a very dark gray brown with a low LRV of 8. It has a blend of gray and green that makes it appear muddy. This warm neutral is near charcoal black in very dim lighting and has more brown with hints of gary under warm light. Its warm green undertone makes it harmonize with natural environments when used as an exterior. This is a dark neutral that is a blend of moody, classy and organic that feels both traditional and modern.
What is the difference between Urbane Bronze and Black Fox?
Although both are warm dark neutrals, they differ in LRVs and undertones. For one, Black Fox SW 7020 is a browner color with a near black look that is muted by a hint of red. It has an LRV of 7 that makes it feel and look darker which gives it a more dramatic saturation, especially seen in direct sunlight. On the other hand, Urbane Bronze SW 7048 is lighter and more muted with an LRV of 8. It has an earthy and organic bearing given the gray and green undertones which makes it a ‘chameleon’ color in shifting light.
Is SW Black Fox warm or cool?
Black Fox SW 7020 is a warm neutral with a close to black look that reads more reddish brown or dark chocolatey brown. Its dominant brown undertone comes through in warm natural light which lends it a sunkissed sophistication. It holds a moderate level of warmth in cool lighting which gives it a feel of moody coziness. For best warmth, you should apply it in south facing rooms or use very warm bulbs.
Is Urbane Bronze more brown or black?
Urbane Bronze SW 7048 is more brown given its undertones of gray and green. It has an LRV of 8 that makes it close to black but it has a grayish brown appearance that looks like charcoal gray black. One can say it lies between a true black and chocolatey brown since its hints of gray sets it apart. It behaves like a chameleon color since it looks more brown in abundant natural light while low lighting gives it a muddy dark charcoal look.
