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.
Table of Contents
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to decide between Black Fox or Urbane Bronze? Here are answers to some common questions:
What are the main differences between Black Fox and Urbane Bronze?
The main subtle difference is their undertones. Black Fox is a warm dark brown while Urbane Bronze is a slightly cooler dark brown.
What colors complement Urbane Bronze?
Urbane Bronze looks beautiful paired with grays, chrome accents, blacks, and blue tones for sleek modern contrast.
Can you use Black Fox in a bathroom?
Yes, Black Fox’s warmth would complement marble, gold accents, and cream tiles nicely in a bathroom.
Is Urbane Bronze suitable for western exposure?
Yes, Urbane Bronze’s subtle coolness helps temper the warm afternoon light from western sun exposure.
Does Black Fox come in eggshell finish?
Yes, Black Fox is extremely versatile and comes in any sheen from flat matte to high gloss eggshell.