Black Fox vs Urbane Bronze: A Simple Comparison to Help You

Trying to choose between Black Fox and Urbane Bronze for your next paint job?

These two shades are popular picks for walls, trim, and even cabinets. At first glance, they might look alike, but they can make your room feel very different.

In this guide, I’ll show you how they really compare:

• How do they look in different lighting
• What kinds of rooms do they work best in
• And which colors and materials they match well with

If you want your space to feel just right, this post will help you determine which one best suits your style and home.

Let’s take a closer look and see which color works for you.

Quick Overview: What Sets These Colors Apart

Black Fox SW 7020 and Urbane Bronze SW 7048 are both rich, dark shades from Sherwin-Williams, but they offer different vibes.

Black Fox leans toward a deep charcoal with warm brown and red tones, making it feel grounded and bold. Urbane Bronze, on the other hand, is a softer brown-gray that brings a more relaxed and smooth look to a room.

Black Fox works well in modern, earthy, or dramatic settings, while Urbane Bronze is better suited to calm, neutral rooms or homes with natural materials.

Side-by-Side Color Profile

One leans richer and darker, the other softer and more balanced. This table helps you see how they compare in tone, light reflection, mood, and best uses.

Feature	Black Fox SW 7020	Urbane Bronze SW 7048
Color Family	Deep charcoal with warm brown tones	Brown-gray neutral with a cooler edge
Undertones	Strong brown and reddish undertones	Subtle mix of gray and brown tones
LRV	7 (darker, absorbs more light)	8 (slightly brighter)
Finish Effect	Creates a grounded, bold atmosphere	Feels soft, calm, and balanced
Common Uses	Accent walls, exteriors, and cabinetry	Trim, walls, cozy rooms, exteriors
Lighting Impact	Looks deeper in low light	Picks up warmth in natural light

These two colors give very different results depending on the space and light. Understanding these small shifts can help you choose the right fit for your project.

Undertones & Lighting Behavior

Even small differences in undertones and lighting response can change how a paint color feels in your space.

Black Fox and Urbane Bronze may sit in the same color family, but their behavior under light is different.

Black Fox: Bold and Warm

Black Fox has strong brown and red undertones that give it a rich, bold look. These warm hints make it feel more grounded and intense, especially in dim or artificial light.

It tends to appear darker in rooms with little natural light, creating a cozy, enclosed effect.

Because of its depth, it’s often used to create drama or contrast, ideal for accent walls, cabinetry, or exteriors with a modern or rustic edge.

It can show a soft brown-black tone in brighter spaces, but it remains on the shadowy side of the spectrum.

Urbane Bronze: Earthy and Muted

Urbane Bronze features soft gray and brown undertones that bring balance and calm to a room. Its color reads more subtle and flexible, adapting to a range of lighting conditions.

In bright natural light, it appears slightly lighter and reveals a warm taupe-gray quality. This muted behavior gives it an approachable feel without becoming flat.

The blend of tones works especially well in homes with wood, stone, or warm metal finishes. Its quiet strength makes it a go-to choice for living spaces, trim, and rooms meant to feel relaxed and natural.

Room-by-Room Usage Guide

The right paint color can significantly alter the feel of a space, depending on how it’s used. Black Fox and Urbane Bronze each bring something different to different parts of the home.

Here’s how these shades work best in living rooms, kitchens, and exterior designs.

For Living Rooms

Urbane Bronze is ideal for living rooms that require a relaxed and grounded ambiance. It creates a warm and cozy space without feeling too dark, especially when paired with soft lighting or natural materials like wood.

On the other hand, Black Fox makes a stronger statement. It adds a moody, dramatic tone that works well in modern or industrial settings.

If you want a quiet, welcoming feel, go with Urbane Bronze. For a more refined, bold edge, Black Fox delivers a deeper, richer vibe that still feels personal.

For Kitchens

In kitchens, Urbane Bronze complements open-plan or farmhouse styles. It pairs beautifully with white or light countertops, warm woods, and mixed metals.

It offers just enough depth without overpowering the space. Black Fox leans darker and works well for more modern, sleek designs. It’s a bold choice for cabinetry or islands, especially in spaces with plenty of light.

If your kitchen gets good natural light, Black Fox can provide contrast and interest. Both shades can serve different styles well, depending on the tone and feel you want.

For Exteriors

Urbane Bronze looks especially nice on exteriors with warm siding tones, like beige, cream, or tan.

It blends in naturally while still standing out just enough to feel well-chosen. It brings a relaxed, earthy finish to front doors, shutters, or trim.

Black Fox, by contrast, adds bold contrast when paired with stone, brick, or natural wood. It pops more and can give homes a grounded, modern feel.

It’s great for those who want to make a visual impact without going fully black. Choose based on how much contrast and depth you want outdoors.

Pairing Suggestions and Material Matches

Choosing the right color is just the beginning; what you pair it with can either soften the look or bring it to life.

Here’s how Black Fox and Urbane Bronze work with common materials and finishes to create a pulled-together feel.

What Goes with Black Fox

Black Fox pairs beautifully with rich textures and natural finishes. It works especially well with deep wood stains like walnut or mahogany, adding warmth and depth.

Leather furniture in warm browns or cognac shades makes it feel classic and grounded.

Warm brass hardware or lighting adds just the right hint of shine without clashing.

These pairings help Black Fox create a balanced, welcoming space that feels both strong and inviting, making it ideal for living rooms, studies, or cozy bedrooms.

What Goes with Urbane Bronze

Urbane Bronze thrives in soft, layered settings. It complements beige tones and warm whites, making it easy to mix into neutral palettes.

Matte black hardware keeps the look grounded without being too flashy. Iron elements, like table legs or light fixtures, blend well and add structure.

Bronze finishes tie everything together with a soft metallic touch. These combinations bring out the earthy, calm quality of Urbane Bronze while keeping it versatile.

It’s especially suited for modern farmhouse, rustic, or transitional styles.

How To Sample the Colors Correctly

Testing in the right way makes all the difference. A small paint chip won’t show you how the color behaves across your space.

Instead, paint large sample areas and observe them in different lighting. This gives you a better idea of the true color and undertones.

• Paint a 2-foot square on at least two different walls.
• Check it in morning, afternoon, and evening light.
• Use two coats to see the actual finish.
• Try samples in both natural and artificial light.
• Take photos at different times to compare.
• Use white poster boards and paint two coats.
• Move the boards around to different areas of the room.
• Set them behind furniture to see a real-life contrast.
• Live with them for a few days before deciding.
• Test with your trim, floor, and lighting for a complete view.

Summing Up

Picking between Black Fox and Urbane Bronze depends on the feeling you want in your room.

Black Fox adds warmth and works well for strong, cozy spaces.

Urbane Bronze brings a steady feel while still adding some color to your room.

Now that you know how each color looks, reacts to light, and works with wood, metal, or fabric, you’re ready to choose the one that fits your home best.

Try small samples on your walls and observe them during both day and night. Then trust what feels good to you.

Want help picking more colors? Check out our other side-by-side paint guides. They’re here to make your next choice easier.