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Looking for a bold, modern paint color with rich undertones and timeless appeal? Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze (SW 7048) might be the perfect pick. This dark, earthy shade blends brown, gray, and subtle green for a color that’s moody yet inviting—perfect for everything from exterior siding to interior accent walls and cabinetry.
Urbane Bronze SW 7048 at a Glance
- Paint Code: SW 7048
- LRV: 8 (very dark)
- Undertones: Warm brown, slight green-gray
- Finish Options: Interior and exterior
- Pairs Well With: Warm whites, natural wood, bronze or black accents
- Best For: Accent walls, cabinetry, exteriors, modern-rustic spaces
- Vibe: Earthy, bold, sophisticated
What Are The Undertones of SW Urbane Bronze?
In natural light, Urbane Bronze often reveals its warm brown roots, especially when paired with beige or creamy accents. But in low or artificial lighting, the green-gray undertones become more prominent—making the color feel more complex and moody. If your room faces north, be aware it may lean more muted or cool.
Keep in mind depending on your lighting the result of this paint color can change, so be sure to test it out in your space.
What is The LRV of SW Urbane Bronze?
Light Reflectance Value (LRV) is an indicator of the amount of light that is reflected by a color when it is illuminated by a light source. A higher value (closer to 100) means that a color will reflect more light back at you and a lower value (closer to 0) means that a color will appear darker, or absorb more light.
The photo below from Webber Coleman Woodworks shows how Urbane Bronze brings depth to even traditional millwork.
The Light Reflective Value (LRV) of Urbane Bronze, sitting at 8 makes it a very dark paint color.
Is Urbane Bronze a Warm or Cool Color?
This is definitely a warmer paint color with depth and undertones, making it an amazing paint color choice for achieving a feeling of relaxation.
Where Should You Use SW Urbane Bronze?
- This color would be amazing on the exterior of a home balanced with warm wood tones or even copper. You could also use it on cabinets, your front door, or even your furniture.
- Urbane Bronze shines in south-facing rooms, where warm sunlight amplifies its rich tones and transforms any space into a restful retreat.
When NOT to Use Urbane Bronze
- In small, dark rooms with little natural light (it may feel too heavy)
- If your style leans ultra-modern and you want high contrast with icy whites
- With cool-toned grays or stark blue-based colors that can make it look muddy
What colors go well with Urbane Bronze?
Try it with:
- SW Creamy – a warm creamy white. Shoji White and Accessible Beige are also excellent complementary options.
- SW Pure White – crisp but not stark
- SW Modern Gray – a soft, earthy greige
- SW Greek Villa – another great trim choice
- SW Oakmoss or Evergreen Fog – for a natural green accent
These combinations help highlight either the warmth or depth of Urbane Bronze depending on your goal.
If I Have Urbane Bronze Walls, What White Trim Color Will Look Best?
SW Pure White is a great trim color, offering a crisp look alongside Urbane Bronze. It’s a bright white with just a smidge of warmth so it never looks cold. It looks great with all wall colors, but it’s especially the correct choice if the complimentary color is warm.
If you’re looking for a softer, creamier white with a hint of warmth, then SW Alabaster pairs beautifully with Urbane Bronze, offering a more subdued contrast than Pure White. It’s perfect for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Is Urbane Bronze a Good Exterior Paint Color?
Absolutely, yes! If you’re looking for a dark paint color for your whole exterior house but don’t quite want a harsh black, this is the color for you.
Coordinating Paint Colors
Looking for the best complementary color schemes? Whether you’re picking trim colors or exploring accent walls, here are a few colors that complement Urbane Bronze!
Modern Gray (SW 7632) is a perfect partner to Urbane Bronze. Colors with faint green undertones are also a hit, like Agreeable Gray (SW 7029). Creams are also a nice match, and Sherwin Williams Creamy (SW 7012) is a good option.
Urbane Bronze vs. Other Dark Paint Colors
| Paint Color | LRV | Undertones | Feels Like | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urbane Bronze | 8 | Brown, green-gray | Warm, earthy | Interiors, exteriors, trim |
| Iron Ore | 6 | Black-gray | Cooler and bolder | Modern accents, trim |
| Peppercorn | 10 | Charcoal gray | Softer, cooler | Statement walls, cabinets |
| Black Fox | 7 | Deep brown | Rich, chocolatey | Cozy interiors, cabinetry |
Want to see how it actually compares? Here’s a side-by-side look at Urbane Bronze next to similar Sherwin Williams colors:
Urbane Bronze vs Iron Ore
Iron Ore is deeper and cooler, reading more charcoal or soft black, while Urbane Bronze has warm brown undertones that soften the look.
Urbane Bronze vs Peppercorn
Both are deep and moody, but Peppercorn leans cooler and more gray (with a faint purple undertone), while Urbane Bronze is noticeably warmer and earthier.
Urbane Bronze vs Tricorn Black
Tricorn Black is a true black, while Urbane Bronze reads as a soft, warm gray-brown in comparison. A great option if black feels too bold.
Urbane Bronze vs Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal
Kendall Charcoal leans more traditional and neutral slate gray, while Urbane Bronze brings in earthy warmth and more drama.
Real Room Examples
There’s nothing quite like seeing Urbane Bronze in real-life rooms displaying its breathtaking rich color.
Bedroom
This bedroom looks like an absolute oasis! We love how they used Urbane Bronze SW for the accent wall, what a WOW factor. The natural light is just pouring in to enhance the wall color.
Dining Room
Can I just say how much we love this fluted statement wall in a deep color? Urbane Bronze has really brought this space to life. Looking closely, you can see the island is also painted in this beautiful color.
Dressing Room
This bonus space was turned into a dreamy dressing room, that would make getting ready an all time fun experience.
House Exterior in Urbane Bronze
By far my favorite way to use this color is as an exterior paint color. It looks stunning paired with a contrasting earthy color like copper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. While Urbane Bronze has a very low LRV of 8, it can actually enhance a small space when used strategically. In rooms with natural light or layered lighting, it creates a cozy, cocoon-like feel—especially when paired with warm neutrals and soft textures. Try it on an accent wall, behind a bed, or even on cabinetry if you’re worried about overwhelming the space.
Urbane Bronze is a dark color, but it’s not black. It reads more like a deep charcoal-brown with soft green-gray undertones—especially when compared side by side with true blacks like Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black. In low light, it may appear nearly black, but in natural or warm lighting, its earthy richness becomes more apparent.
Urbane Bronze pairs beautifully with warm metal finishes like antique brass, aged bronze, and copper. These tones highlight the warmth in the paint and give it a luxe, layered look. If you prefer a modern feel, matte black or even brushed nickel can also work, especially when used sparingly.
It’s a balanced mix of both. Technically, Urbane Bronze is a dark gray-brown with a hint of green undertone. In warm light, it reads more brown. In cooler lighting, it leans more gray. This makes it highly adaptable depending on your space and surrounding finishes.
Yes! Urbane Bronze makes a bold, elegant statement on kitchen cabinets—especially when paired with white walls, warm wood floors, and brass or black hardware. It’s best suited for kitchens with plenty of natural light or open layouts where the depth of the color can shine without feeling too heavy.
Final Thoughts
Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze was named Color of the Year in 2021—and it’s easy to see why. With its rich, earthy undertones and cozy depth, it adds instant character without overwhelming a space.
I love how versatile this color is. Whether you’re using it to ground a light-filled living room, add drama to a powder bath, or give your exterior a modern edge, Urbane Bronze brings warmth and sophistication in equal measure. If you’re craving a dark neutral that feels bold and timeless, this one’s definitely worth testing.
