When searching for the perfect rich brown paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar earthy shades from Sherwin Williams. Popular choices Urbane Bronze SW 7048 and Iron Ore SW 7069 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two beautiful, deep browns?
In this guide, we’ll analyze Urbane Bronze vs Iron Ore in-depth to help you determine the ideal brown 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 Iron Ore
Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Sherwin Williams’ Urbane Bronze and Iron Ore:
- Light Reflectance – Urbane Bronze has an LRV of 8, Iron Ore has an LRV of 6
- Undertones – Urbane Bronze is a red-brown, Iron Ore is a gray-brown
- Use – Urbane Bronze suits traditional styles, Iron Ore works across varied decor
- Rooms – Urbane Bronze excels in dining rooms, Iron Ore shines in bedrooms
- Availability – Both come in all sheens
Now let’s explore Urbane Bronze and Iron Ore more thoroughly.
Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze SW 7048
With its warm red-brown appearance, Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze SW 7048 creates an elegant backdrop well-suited for traditional styles. This versatile color works beautifully across varied spaces.
Here are some details about Urbane Bronze:
- LRV: 8
- Undertones: Red-brown
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Dining rooms, bedrooms, offices, living rooms
- Pairs Well With: Light neutrals, blues, black
Urbane Bronze is a deep terracotta brown with faint hints of clay red. In all lighting it maintains its traditional red-brown appearance.
The 8 light reflectance value provides dramatic contrast without being too dark. Urbane Bronze gives an elegant, welcoming feel.
This adaptable brown complements a wide variety of colors from vivid to muted. Popular Urbane Bronze color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Pure White SW 7005
- Sherwin Williams Rainwashed SW 6477
- Creamy off-whites
- Navy blue accents
- Black wrought iron
While suitable anywhere at home, Urbane Bronze truly excels in these traditional, sophisticated spaces:
- Dining Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Offices
- Living Rooms
- Libraries
Urbane Bronze’s richness helps create an elegant yet relaxed backdrop, perfect for accentuating varied classic styles.
Sherwin Williams Iron Ore SW 7069
With its subtle gray-brown appearance, Sherwin Williams Iron Ore SW 7069 creates an understated backdrop well-suited for varied styles. This versatile color works beautifully across traditional and modern spaces.
Here are some details about Iron Ore:
- LRV: 6
- Undertones: Gray-brown
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, offices, dining rooms
- Pairs Well With: Light neutrals, navy, black
Iron Ore is a soft charcoal brown with faint hints of gray. In all lighting it maintains its subtle brownish-gray appearance.
The 6 light reflectance value provides ideal contrast without being too dark. Iron Ore gives an open, relaxed feel.
This adaptable brown complements a wide variety of colors from bold to muted. Popular Iron Ore color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Pure White SW 7005
- Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black SW 6258
- Creamy off-whites
- Navy blue accents
- Black wrought iron
While suitable anywhere at home, Iron Ore truly excels in these casual, inviting spaces:
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Offices
- Dining Rooms
- Bathrooms
Iron Ore’s versatility helps create a relaxed yet sophisticated backdrop, perfect for varied styles and rooms.
Comparing Urbane Bronze vs Iron Ore
Now that we’ve examined Urbane Bronze and Iron Ore independently, let’s directly compare them:
Light Reflectance
Urbane Bronze and Iron Ore have similar LRVs of 8 and 6 respectively. Urbane Bronze will appear slightly brighter.
Undertones
Here’s where the main difference lies. Urbane Bronze is a red-brown, while Iron Ore is a gray-brown.
Use & Rooms
Urbane Bronze’s vibrance excels in dining rooms and offices. Iron Ore’s subtlety fits cozy bedrooms and living areas beautifully.
Availability
Both Urbane Bronze and Iron Ore come in any sheen from matte to high gloss.
Urbane Bronze vs Iron Ore Comparison Chart
| Paint Color | Urbane Bronze SW 7048 | Iron Ore SW 7069 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 8 | 6 |
| Undertones | Red-brown | Gray-brown |
| Use | Traditional styles | Varied styles |
| Finishes | All sheens | All sheens |
| Style | Warm, elegant | Subtle, relaxed |
Real-Life Photos: Urbane Bronze vs Iron Ore
Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the differences between Urbane Bronze and Iron Ore:
Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze
Sherwin Williams Iron Ore
While both are deep browns, Urbane Bronze appears more red and bold, while Iron Ore is softer and gray-brown. Lighting affects their look.
Should I Choose Urbane Bronze or Iron Ore?
So how do you decide between Sherwin Williams’ Urbane Bronze or Iron Ore for your home? Here are a few tips:
Choose Urbane Bronze SW 7048 if you want:
- A bold red-brown tone
- A traditional color for dining rooms
- An elegant, sophisticated feel
- To complement blues and blacks
Choose Iron Ore SW 7069 if you want:
- A soft gray-brown tone
- A versatile color for bedrooms and living rooms
- A relaxed, casual feel
- An understated earthy backdrop
Get samples of both Urbane Bronze and Iron Ore. Paint large sections on your walls viewing at different times of day. This gives you the best sense of how the undertones read in your environment.
You can also pair them with decor you already have to visualize the look. Both offer beautiful rich brown tones that suit varied styles.
Ideal Room Pairings
Here are some rooms that are especially well-suited to Urbane Bronze and Iron Ore paint colors:
Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze
- Dining Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Offices
- Living Rooms
- Libraries
Sherwin Williams Iron Ore
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Offices
- Dining Rooms
- Bathrooms
While both browns work well throughout the home, the above applications make optimal use of their unique strengths and tones.
Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, Urbane Bronze and Iron Ore create dramatic backdrops. Complement them with other colors and materials for gorgeous spaces:
Urbane Bronze SW 7048 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Pure White SW 7005
- Sherwin Williams Rainwashed SW 6477
- Creamy off-whites
- Navy blue accents
- Black wrought iron
Iron Ore SW 7069 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Pure White SW 7005
- Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black SW 6258
- Creamy off-whites
- Navy blue accents
- Black wrought iron
Urbane Bronze vs Iron Ore – Which is Better?
So which brown paint color is better for your home – Urbane Bronze or Iron Ore?
Consider Urbane Bronze SW 7048 if you want:
- A bold red-brown tone
- A traditional color for dining rooms
- An elegant, sophisticated feel
- To complement blues and blacks
Consider Iron Ore SW 7069 if you want:
- A soft gray-brown tone
- A versatile color for bedrooms and living rooms
- A relaxed, casual feel
- An understated earthy backdrop
While Urbane Bronze is bold, Iron Ore is more subtle and versatile. Get samples before deciding. Either beautiful rich Sherwin Williams brown you choose will suit your home perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to decide between Urbane Bronze or Iron Ore? Here are answers to some common questions:
What are the main differences between Urbane Bronze and Iron Ore?
The main differences are their tones and uses. Urbane Bronze is a red-leaning brown that fits traditional spaces, while Iron Ore is a more versatile gray-brown.
What colors complement Urbane Bronze?
Urbane Bronze looks beautiful paired with light neutrals like cream, crisp white, navy blues, black accents, and rich wood tones.
Can you use Iron Ore in a bedroom?
Yes, Iron Ore’s subtle earthy tone would work wonderfully in a bedroom paired with soft furnishings and wood furniture.
Is Urbane Bronze suitable for southern exposure?
Yes, Urbane Bronze’s richness provides contrast in a south facing room without appearing too dark or overwhelming.
Does Iron Ore come in satin finish?
Yes, Iron Ore is extremely versatile and comes in any sheen from matte to satin to high gloss semi-gloss.
