One of my absolute favorites, Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze is a timeless paint color with utmost luxe and sophistication.
It is a neutral dark-toned paint with deep warmer undertones – something like browns-gray!
Well, I can’t even count the number of times I have recommended this color to my clients – since it is so beautiful and refined.
Also one of the most popular paints by Sherwin Williams, Urbane Bronze has been declared as the Color of the Year 2021.
Deeply rooted in nature’s textures and hues, this color defines the next level to magnificence in a space.
And another feature that I love is the sense of tranquility exhibited by this paint.
Even though it is pretty dark in tone, it may still feel quite natural and down-to-earth when used in homes.
This color is somehow associated with the features of biophilia – mimicking the ground and nature’s hues, this color is a great option if you want to add a natural touch to your home.
Its organic appeal is definitely worthy of admiration. So, you can absolutely use this color in your home – whether small or large.
Don’t worry – I have tricks and tips to share that will help you choose the best possible ways to incorporate this color in your home.
So, let’s get started with this beautiful color.
Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze SW 7048 Details and Specifications
Let me first start with the where and hereabouts of this color – mainly, what truly it is and the crucial backlog information that defines the true substance of this color.
Remember to always consider this section of paints when choosing one for your home. Because you don’t want to mess up with your home, right?
So, let’s first start with the Light Reflectance Values or the LRV’s that helps in determining how light or dark the paint color is.
In this case, the LRV of Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze is 8.
Now if you are wondering where to find this value, well just look at the back of the paint Swatch.
Now, if you want to try out Urbane Bronze on your walls ahead of time, you can easily with a peel-and-stick square from Samplize. Give them a try now!
Secondly, other important associated terminologies are the RGB and HEX Values that further tell us what the color is made of.
Red = 84
Green = 80
Blue = 74
HEX Value = #54504a
Now that we have discussed enough about the technical and scientific information, let’s get started with the practical aspects of this greige Sherwin Williams paint.
How Does this Color Feel in a Space?
This color feels absolutely organic, natural, and bold when used in a space. Moreover, due to its dark tone, it feels further weighted and luxurious in a space.
Yes! I would use the word splendor and majestic to describe the color because that is how it actually appears on the walls.
I recommend any and every climate to incorporate this color – even though it has a touch of warmth and is dark and bold – you can always pair it with subtle hues to feel balanced.
Just in case if you have a smaller space – use this color very wisely – mainly using it as an accent or just in tinges!
That way you get the best of both worlds! (Don’t worry, I have a color scheme ready for you later in the article)
How Does Light Affect the Color?
Light has a major role to play here!
If your room receives ample natural light – there is no doubt you should incorporate this color as it will balance the boldness with the airiness through incoming light.
On the other hand, in the absence of natural light, it may feel very dark – a shade that you will most likely not appreciate.
Hence, it is always better to analyze the incoming light in a room – especially if you prefer to choose a dark paint.
But don’t worry – you can always play with artificial lighting in the form of pendant lights, chandeliers, and table lamps to create a great ambiance.
Want to see what Urbane Bronze looks like in your own living space? Pick up a wall sample now from Samplize!
Urbane Bronze Coordinating Colors – Best Options
Now that we have analyzed the true theory behind the color, its light reflectance values, how it truly feels, and the effects of light, let’s first look at what best suits the paint color.
You can either choose a monochromatic or a contrasting color palette in this case – depending on the interior design style.
If you like more minimalism – choose monochromatic shades or else add fun colors to touch upon a specific theme.
Since it is a timeless color, I believe you can best pair it with off-whites, yellows, mustards, and cool and crisp whites.
Coordinating Colors – Monochromatic
Well, here are a few of the colors I would recommend for a monochromatic palette and the best color combinations!
- SW 9171 Felted Wool
- SW 7046 Anonymous
- SW 7047 Porpoise – I review SW Porpoise here!
Coordinating Colors – Contrasting
On the other hand, here are a few of the colors I would recommend for a contrasting color palette!
- SW 7511 Bungalow Beige
- SW 6129 Restrained Gold
- SW 6120 Believable Buff
For your ceilings, trims, and moldings – I would recommend using SW Pure White to further achieve a creamier look or else if you want a crisp look, choose SW High Reflectance White.
SW Urbane Bronze Vs Similar Colors
Even though you really need not look for other alternatives as this color is truly one of the best in its class.
I promise this color wouldn’t give you a reason to disappoint, but just in case, I am going to recommend considering SW 9610 Stony Creek and SW 7020 Black Fox.
Urbane Bronze Vs Stony Creek
Solid and crisp, Sherwin Williams Stony Creek can be a great alternative to Urbane Bronze. It has deep gray-brown undertones that help make the color look luxurious and sleek.
With an LRV of 9, this paint color is equally darker in tone. Hence, you can absolutely use this color – anywhere in your home.
However, this is only an ‘interior only’ paint so remember to not use it on the exterior walls.
Order a stick-on sample of Urbane Bronze and Stony Creek to see what works best in your home.
Urbane Bronze Vs Black Fox
Warm-toned black and brown, this paint color can play a perfect alternative to Urbane Bronze. However, it is more inclined to black than luxe browns.
With an LRV of 7, this paint color is quite dark in tone. So, you can absolutely use it if you are craving a bold and daring backdrop at the home. See my full rundown of SW Black Fox here.
Since digital screens can be deceiving, I highly suggest you get some actual samples of these two colors from Samplize. Buy here!
Where to Use Urbane Bronze in Your Home?
You can use this color in all the common spaces such as family, living, and bedrooms along with the kitchen.
Especially for interior design styles like Minimalism, Mid-Century Modern, Contemporary, Scandinavian, Transitional, and Modern Farmhouse – this color is absolutely good to go.
Let’s see where and how to incorporate this beautiful bronze color in your home.
Urbane Bronze in Living and Dining Rooms
If you are looking for a cozy and elegant touch to your home, this color is definitely a great option. You can pair it with warmer neutrals and yellows or mustards as accents.
Remember to pair it with neutral upholstery and white sheer curtains to add a bright feel to your living room. Moreover, adding mustard throw pillows, artwork, and rug would further add a pop of contrast to your living room.
You can also keep it neutral by choosing off-whites and warmer beiges along with the monochromatic shades to exhibit a modern and minimal touch to your living rooms.
Using in Bedrooms
I would recommend using this color only on a single wall or the headboard wall to feel the most of this color.
It is definitely going to reflect a pure organic touch to your bedrooms. As an addition, you can add tall fig trees or succulents to further facilitate biophilia.
In case you have a large room, use this paint on all the walls and use lighter accents to balance the saturation in the room.
Urbane Bronze in Kitchens
Urbane Bronze kitchens are the best! They are sophisticated, elegant, and totally welcoming.
You could either paint the cabinets in this color or let the backdrop wall be in Urbane Bronze. To add a pop of contrast, add golden tints through pull handles and fixtures to further add a refined touch to your spaces.
I would recommend this color in kitchens that have an open space planning – because the paint is going to add a sense of ‘weight’ in your kitchen.
Using on Exteriors
A great option for Contemporary and Mid-Century modern home, this color is absolutely recommended for exterior walls.
If you are planning to use Urbane Bronze on the exterior façade, it will tend to appear much lighter than it already is! (of course, due to excessive natural light)
Pair it with white or off-white shaded trims and moldings!
Yes – that way you make a great contrast in your home exteriors! Also, you can do the other way round, by using pure whites on the decorative moldings!
How to Best Sample This Color?
Here’s my favorite tip when it comes to testing out a color like Urbane Bronze – go and order a peel-and-stick sample from Samplize.
This little company has nailed down the best way to sample colors much more easily. Simply stick on a 12″ x 12″ square instead of having to get a small can of actual wet paint on your walls.
For a few bucks you get a big enough sized sample to evaluate anywhere you want to “try” on a paint color and any possible coordinating hues you like.
It’s temporary, so move it around and test location and lighting options.
So, how do you want to use this color in your homes? Interiors or Exteriors?
Now that you have all the secrets – are you excited about painting your home in Urbane Bronze? Should there be any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comments below!
Pam
Thursday 10th of March 2022
Hi, I’m wondering if urban bronze exterior trim with basalt colorbond roofing and dune wall colour ? Thanks
Nishtha Sadana LEED, WELL AP
Tuesday 12th of July 2022
Hi Pam, it would be an "okay" consideration. Contact me, and we can discuss other options you may like better.
Michael
Thursday 16th of December 2021
Great post! I'm thinking of using Urban Bronze for my casing. I have SW Greek Villa on my walls. I'm tossing around Black Fox as well.... do you have any advise with past projects in pairing Greek Villa?
Nishtha Sadana LEED, WELL AP
Wednesday 8th of March 2023
Hi Michael, SW Urbane Bronze pairs wonderfully with SW Greek Villa! So, I highly recommend that combination :)
Felicia Cokley
Saturday 27th of November 2021
Hi! I’m building a townhome, and the builder chose SW First Star for the entire home along with ‘Brite’ White trim. I have an open living/kitchen/dining on the second floor. The kitchen cabinets are bright white with matte black hardware.
I want to use Urban Bronze for an accent wall in the living and dining rooms. However, I’m concerned First Star will clash (it’s so cool toned).
What is your opinion? Will it look okay?
If I can convince the builder to pick a different color white, something more warm, perhaps, which SW white should I request?
Nishtha Sadana LEED, WELL AP
Wednesday 8th of March 2023
Hi Felicia, I highly believe that you shouldn't pair SW Urbane Bronze with SW First Star since it will simply clash the tones. Yes, you should definitely pick a warm-toned off-white.
Kay
Tuesday 2nd of November 2021
If I was going to use urbane brown as trim for exterior or fascia and French doors what color would be good for the exterior walls of the house. I was thinking ivory or cream but maybe that is too sharp a contrast
Nishtha Sadana LEED, WELL AP
Friday 8th of April 2022
Hi Kay, You can absolutely use an off-white like SW Alabaster or SW Neutral Ground on the major exterior walls. This contrast is worth the try ;)
Juston
Wednesday 15th of September 2021
Hello, I have been struggling to find an accent color for my Front door and Shutters. My home is a taupe and greige brick with taupe vinyl accents and black roof. I have found that any color can look dated if too dusty and if too lush can be too loud and I really don’t want to have it look bland. I feel like this could be the answer from the decor gods from above. What’s your opinion? Love your blog btw!
Nishtha Sadana LEED, WELL AP
Friday 17th of December 2021
Hi Juston, you can choose a dusty red or burnt orange paint color to spark a sense of joy to the exteriors. Particularly, SW Baked Clay or SW Rojo Dust would play flawless.