Black Fox vs Urbane Bronze: What’s the Difference?

When searching for the perfect dark brown paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar rich shades from Sherwin Williams. Popular choices Black Fox SW 7020 and Urbane Bronze SW 7048 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two beautiful, deep browns?

In this in-depth guide, we’ll analyze Black Fox vs Urbane Bronze to help you determine the ideal dark brown paint for your home. We’ll look at undertones, light reflectance, real-life photos, room pairings and more.

Key Differences Between Black Fox and Urbane Bronze

Before getting into the details, here is an overview of the main differences between Sherwin Williams’ Black Fox and Urbane Bronze:

Undertones – Black Fox is a warm dark brown, Urbane Bronze is a cool dark brown
Light Reflectance – Urbane Bronze has an LRV of 8, Black Fox has an LRV of 7
Use – Black Fox suits traditional styles, Urbane Bronze fits contemporary decor
Rooms – Black Fox excels in dining rooms, Urbane Bronze shines in offices
Availability – Both come in all sheens

Now let’s explore Black Fox and Urbane Bronze more thoroughly.

Sherwin Williams Black Fox SW 7020

With its deep, warm brown appearance, Sherwin Williams Black Fox SW 7020 makes a dramatic statement well-suited for accentuating traditional styles. This versatile dark brown works in both formal and casual spaces.

Here are some details about Black Fox:

LRV: 7
Undertones: Warm dark brown
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Dining rooms, bedrooms, offices, theaters
Pairs Well With: Golds, reds, wood tones

Black Fox is a rich, chocolate brown with faint red undertones. In certain lights it can read as true black. The dramatic brown has traditional appeal.

The 7 light reflectance value makes this close to true black without being flat and lifeless. Black Fox has depth.

This versatile dark brown complements both cool and warm accents nicely. Popular Black Fox color pairings include:

Sherwin Williams Cajun Red
Polished gold accents
Cream upholstery
Cherry wood finishes

While suitable anywhere at home, Black Fox truly excels in these dramatic spaces:

Dining Rooms
Bedrooms
Offices
Theaters
Libraries

Black Fox’s warmth helps create a dramatic yet welcoming feel perfect for traditional styles. Use it to make bold statements.

Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze SW 7048

With its cool, deep brown appearance, Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze SW 7048 makes a dramatic statement well-suited for accentuating contemporary styles. This versatile dark brown works across modern spaces.

Here are some details about Urbane Bronze:

LRV: 8
Undertones: Cool dark brown
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Offices, dining rooms, kitchens, bathrooms
Pairs Well With: Grays, blacks, blues

Urbane Bronze is a rich coffee-colored brown with subtle gray undertones. In all lighting it maintains a true, deep brown appearance.

The 8 light reflectance value makes this close to true black without being dull or flat. Urbane Bronze has crisp definition.

This adaptable dark brown complements both bold and muted colors nicely. Popular Urbane Bronze color pairings include:

Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray
Polished chrome accents
Black upholstery
Gray wood finishes

While suitable anywhere at home, Urbane Bronze truly excels in these dramatic modern spaces:

Offices
Dining Rooms
Kitchens
Bathrooms
Libraries

Urbane Bronze’s coolness helps create a sleek, contemporary feel perfect for bold modern statements.

Comparing Black Fox vs Urbane Bronze

Now that we’ve examined Black Fox and Urbane Bronze independently, let’s directly compare them:

Light Reflectance

Black Fox and Urbane Bronze have similar LRVs of 7 and 8 respectively. Urbane Bronze will appear slightly brighter.

Undertones

Here’s where the main difference lies. Black Fox is a warm dark brown, while Urbane Bronze is a cooler dark brown.

Use & Rooms

Black Fox’s warmth excels in traditional dining rooms. Urbane Bronze’s coolness is perfect for modern offices.

Availability

Both Black Fox and Urbane Bronze come in any sheen from matte to high gloss.

Paint Color	Black Fox SW 7020	Urbane Bronze SW 7048
LRV	7	8
Undertones	Warm dark brown	Cool dark brown
Use	Traditional styles	Contemporary decor
Finishes	All sheens	All sheens
Style	Traditional	Modern

Real-Life Photos: Black Fox vs Urbane Bronze

Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the subtle differences between Black Fox and Urbane Bronze:

Sherwin Williams Black Fox

Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze

While hard to distinguish, Black Fox generally has slightly warmer red undertones compared to the subtle cool tone of Urbane Bronze. But lighting affects their look.

Should I Choose Black Fox or Urbane Bronze?

So how do you decide between Sherwin Williams’ Black Fox or Urbane Bronze for your home? Here are some tips:

Choose Black Fox SW 7020 if you want:

A dramatic warm dark brown
A versatile brown suitable for traditional styles
A deep brown perfect for dining rooms
To allow metals and woods to stand out

Choose Urbane Bronze SW 7048 if you want:

A dramatic cool dark brown
A versatile brown suitable for modern spaces
A deep coffee-colored brown for offices
A crisp brown to allow colors to pop

Get samples of both Black Fox and Urbane Bronze. Paint large swatches on your walls viewing at different times of day. This gives you the best sense of their subtle undertones.

You can also pair them with decor you already have to visualize the look. Both offer dramatic deep brown tones that suit varied styles.

Ideal Room Pairings

Here are some rooms that are especially well-suited to Black Fox and Urbane Bronze paint colors:

Sherwin Williams Black Fox

Dining Rooms
Bedrooms
Offices
Theaters
Libraries

Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze

Offices
Dining Rooms
Kitchens
Bathrooms
Libraries

While both deep browns work well throughout the home, the above applications make optimal use of their unique strengths.

Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings

On their own, Black Fox and Urbane Bronze make dramatic statements. Complement them with other colors and materials for gorgeous spaces:

Black Fox SW 7020 Pairings

Sherwin Williams Cajun Red
Polished gold accents
Cream upholstery
Cherry wood finishes

Urbane Bronze SW 7048 Pairings

Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray
Polished chrome accents
Black upholstery
Gray wood finishes

Black Fox vs Urbane Bronze – Which is Better?

So which dark brown paint color is better for your home – Black Fox or Urbane Bronze?

Consider Black Fox SW 7020 if you want:

A dramatic warm dark brown
A versatile brown suitable for traditional styles
A deep brown perfect for dining rooms
To allow metals and woods to stand out

Consider Urbane Bronze SW 7048 if you want:

A dramatic cool dark brown
A versatile brown suitable for modern spaces
A deep coffee-colored brown for offices
A crisp brown to allow colors to pop

While Black Fox offers warmth, Urbane Bronze provides modern edge. Get samples before deciding. Either rich Sherwin Williams brown you choose will lend beautiful drama.