When searching for the perfect black paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar dramatic shades from Sherwin Williams. Popular choices Urbane Bronze SW 7048 and Peppercorn SW 7674 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two deep, dark blacks?
In this guide, we’ll analyze Urbane Bronze vs Peppercorn in-depth to help you determine the ideal black paint for your home. We’ll look at undertones, light reflectance, real-life photos, room pairings and more.
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between Urbane Bronze and Peppercorn
Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Sherwin Williams’ Urbane Bronze and Peppercorn:
- Undertones – Urbane Bronze is a warm black, Peppercorn is a cool black
- Light Reflectance – Urbane Bronze has an LRV of 8, Peppercorn has an LRV of 10
- Use – Urbane Bronze suits traditional styles, Peppercorn fits modern decor
- Rooms – Urbane Bronze excels in dining rooms, Peppercorn shines in offices
- Availability – Both come in all sheens
Now let’s explore Urbane Bronze and Peppercorn more thoroughly.
Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze SW 7048
With its deep warm black appearance, Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze SW 7048 creates a dramatic, sophisticated backdrop well-suited for traditional styles. This bold color works across classic spaces seeking soft drama.
Here are some details about Urbane Bronze:
- LRV: 8
- Undertones: Warm black
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Dining rooms, bedrooms, offices, foyers
- Pairs Well With: Crisp whites, wood tones
Urbane Bronze is an opaque blackened brown with faint warm red undertones. In certain lights it can take on a weathered licorice look.
The 8 light reflectance value provides a touch more contrast than some blacks. Urbane Bronze gives a bold yet approachable feel.
This dramatic black looks beautiful with bright whites and wood tones. Popular Urbane Bronze color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Extra White
- Black stained wood
- Espresso stained finishes
- Antique bronze fixtures
While suitable anywhere seeking soft drama, Urbane Bronze truly excels in these spaces:
- Dining Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Offices
- Foyers
- Libraries
Urbane Bronze’s subtle warmth helps create an elegant, traditional feel perfect for making refined statements.
Sherwin Williams Peppercorn SW 7674
With its intense cool black appearance, Sherwin Williams Peppercorn SW 7674 creates a dramatic, moody backdrop well-suited for contemporary styles. This bold color works across modern spaces seeking striking drama.
Here are some details about Peppercorn:
- LRV: 10
- Undertones: Cool black
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Offices, dining rooms, accent walls, entryways
- Pairs Well With: Crisp whites, chrome
Peppercorn is an opaque black with strong blue undertones. In certain lights it can appear almost void-like.
The 10 light reflectance value provides enough contrast when paired with lighter accents. Peppercorn makes a bold statement.
This dramatic black pops beautifully against bright whites and chrome. Popular Peppercorn color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams High Reflective White
- Glossy lacquered finishes
- Polished steel
- Satin nickel or chrome lighting
While suitable anywhere seeking drama, Peppercorn truly excels in these modern spaces:
- Offices
- Dining Rooms
- Accent Walls
- Entryways
- Media Rooms
Peppercorn’s cool depth helps create an intimate, contemporary feel perfect for statement pieces and dramatic contrasts.
Comparing Urbane Bronze vs Peppercorn
Now that we’ve examined Urbane Bronze and Peppercorn independently, let’s directly compare them:
Light Reflectance
Urbane Bronze and Peppercorn have different LRVs of 8 and 10 respectively. Peppercorn will appear slightly lighter.
Undertones
Here’s where the main difference lies. Urbane Bronze is a warm black, while Peppercorn is a cool black.
Use & Rooms
Urbane Bronze’s warmth excels in traditional dining rooms. Peppercorn’s cool drama suits modern offices.
Availability
Both Urbane Bronze and Peppercorn come in any sheen from matte to high gloss.
Urbane Bronze vs Peppercorn Comparison Chart
| Paint Color | Urbane Bronze SW 7048 | Peppercorn SW 7674 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 8 | 10 |
| Undertones | Warm black | Cool black |
| Use | Traditional rooms | Modern spaces |
| Finishes | All sheens | All sheens |
| Style | Traditional | Contemporary |
Real-Life Photos: Urbane Bronze vs Peppercorn
Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the differences between Urbane Bronze and Peppercorn:
Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze
Sherwin Williams Peppercorn
While they can overlap, Urbane Bronze appears warmer than the intense cool tone of Peppercorn. But lighting affects their look.
Should I Choose Urbane Bronze or Peppercorn?
So how do you decide between Sherwin Williams’ Urbane Bronze or Peppercorn for your home? Here are a few tips:
Choose Urbane Bronze SW 7048 if you want:
- A deep, warm blackened brown
- A subtly dramatic neutral for traditional spaces
- A sophisticated look with wood tones
- Refined, soft drama
Choose Peppercorn SW 7674 if you want:
- An intense, cool void-like black
- Maximum contrast for modern spaces
- Striking drama against bright whites
- A bold contemporary statement
Get samples of both Urbane Bronze and Peppercorn. Paint large swatches on poster board viewing at different times of day. This gives you the best sense of how the tones read.
You can also pair them with decor you already have to visualize the look. Both offer beautiful, dramatic black tones.
Ideal Room Pairings
Here are some rooms that are especially well-suited to Urbane Bronze and Peppercorn paint colors:
Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze
- Dining Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Offices
- Foyers
- Libraries
Sherwin Williams Peppercorn
- Offices
- Dining Rooms
- Accent Walls
- Entryways
- Media Rooms
While both blacks work well in varied spaces, the above applications make optimal use of their unique strengths.
Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, Urbane Bronze and Peppercorn create dramatic backdrops. Complement them with lighter colors for gorgeous contrast:
Urbane Bronze SW 7048 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Extra White
- Black stained wood
- Espresso stained finishes
- Antique bronze fixtures
Peppercorn SW 7674 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams High Reflective White
- Glossy lacquered finishes
- Polished steel
- Satin nickel or chrome lighting
Urbane Bronze vs Peppercorn – Which is Better?
So which black paint color is better for your home – Urbane Bronze or Peppercorn?
Consider Urbane Bronze SW 7048 if you want:
- A deep, warm blackened brown
- A subtly dramatic neutral for traditional spaces
- A sophisticated look with wood tones
- Refined, soft drama
Consider Peppercorn SW 7674 if you want:
- An intense, cool void-like black
- Maximum contrast for modern spaces
- Striking drama against bright whites
- A bold contemporary statement
While Urbane Bronze offers refined drama, Peppercorn provides striking boldness.
Get samples before deciding. Either beautiful dramatic Sherwin Williams black you choose will suit your home perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to decide between Urbane Bronze or Peppercorn? Here are answers to some common questions:
What are the main differences between Urbane Bronze and Peppercorn?
The main differences are their undertones and levels of drama. Urbane Bronze is a deep, warm black while Peppercorn is an intense, cooler black.
What colors complement Urbane Bronze?
Urbane Bronze looks beautiful paired with crisp whites, light blues, wood tones, and antique bronze accents for an elegant feel.
Can you use Peppercorn in a bedroom?
Yes, Peppercorn would create a bold, dramatic contemporary look in a bedroom paired with bright whites and glossy lacquered nightstands.
Is Urbane Bronze suitable for northern exposure?
Yes, Urbane Bronze’s 8 LRV provides enough contrast for a north facing room without appearing too dark and gloomy.
Does Peppercorn come in eggshell finish?
Yes, Peppercorn is extremely versatile and comes in any sheen from flat matte to eggshell to high gloss semi-gloss.
