Urbane Bronze SW 7048 is the lighter warm bronze, with an LRV of 9 and a brown undertone that looks like a deep, earthy bronze on the wall.
Black Fox SW 7020 is the deeper near-black, with an LRV of 5 and a warm brown undertone that comes across as almost black with a dark warmth.
They are both Sherwin-Williams colors, from the same warm-dark family. Urbane Bronze is the 2021 Color of the Year and a go-to for exterior doors and cabinets. Black Fox is a step deeper, closer to black but still warm. The only honest way to pick is to test both on your own wall.
Urbane Bronze and Black Fox are Sherwin-Williams' two warm dark neutrals that homeowners cross-shop side by side. Urbane Bronze (SW 7048) was the 2021 Color of the Year and has become a staple for front doors, cabinets, and accent walls. Black Fox (SW 7020) is the deeper, warmer cousin that lands on the wall as a brown-black rather than a true bronze. This is our side-by-side method for comparing paint colors applied to two within-brand warm darks.
The numbers side by side
| Attribute | Urbane Bronze SW 7048 | Black Fox SW 7020 |
|---|---|---|
| Family | Warm bronze, brown depth | Warm brown-black, near-black |
| LRV | 9 | ~5 |
| Approximate hex | #51493F | #3E3B36 |
| Undertone | Brown-bronze, warm, earthy | Brown-black, warm, deep |
| Loves | Front doors, cabinets, accent walls | Exterior siding, doors, dramatic walls |
| Watch out for | Reading too brown beside true black | Reading black in low light |
| Overall vibe | Warm bronze, earthy, sophisticated | Deep brown-black, moody, dramatic |
Try it on your house
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LRV numbers come from each brand's published data. Hex codes are approximate digital renderings, not official values; a physical paint chip from the retailer is always the final reference.
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Room by room, exposure by exposure
| Situation | Usual winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Front door | Urbane Bronze | The warm bronze reads as earthy and sophisticated, making a statement that is not just black. |
| Exterior siding | Black Fox | The near-black depth holds up in exterior light and appears as a dramatic dark without going full black. |
| Kitchen cabinets | Urbane Bronze | The bronze undertone is unique and sophisticated, a step beyond standard dark cabinet colors. |
| Accent wall | Black Fox | The deeper LRV creates a more dramatic backdrop that anchors the room completely. |
| Modern interior | Urbane Bronze | The earthy warmth is a signature color that defines a modern interior without feeling heavy. |
| Trim and doors | Black Fox | The near-black creates crisp contrast against light walls and reads as a sophisticated dark trim. |
Both Urbane Bronze and Black Fox are warm Sherwin-Williams darks, but Urbane Bronze looks like a true bronze while Black Fox reads as a brown-based near-black. For more on Urbane Bronze, see our Urbane Bronze vs Iron Ore comparison.
When to choose Urbane Bronze
- You want a warm, earthy bronze that reads as sophisticated and unique.
- You are painting a front door, kitchen island, or accent cabinet where the bronze undertone shines.
- You like the idea of dark but want it to feel brown-bronze, not black.
- You want a statement color that is still neutral enough for the whole house.
When to choose Black Fox
- You want a warm near-black that reads as almost black with a brown soul.
- You are painting exterior elements or large interior surfaces where maximum depth matters.
- You want a dramatic dark that does not go into true black or cool gray.
- You prefer a moody, enveloping dark over a bronze-toned one. For a different direction, see our Iron Ore vs Tricorn Black guide.
Same wall, both darks, in your real light. Free, about 30 seconds.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Urbane Bronze and Black Fox?
The main difference is depth and warmth. Urbane Bronze SW 7048 has an LRV of 9 and a brown-bronze undertone, reading as a warm, earthy bronze. Black Fox SW 7020 has an LRV of about 5 and a brown-black undertone, reading as a near-black with dark warmth. Both are Sherwin-Williams colors.
Which is darker, Urbane Bronze or Black Fox?
Black Fox is darker. Its LRV is about 5, compared with 9 for Urbane Bronze. The 4-point gap is visible: Black Fox reads as a near-black, while Urbane Bronze reads as a deep bronze that still registers as brown rather than black.
Do Urbane Bronze and Black Fox have the same undertones?
They share a warm brown base, but at different intensities. Urbane Bronze reads as a clear bronze-brown, while Black Fox reads as a brown-black where the brown is barely visible. Both are warm, but Urbane Bronze lets the brown show more.
Can I see both colors on my own wall before I buy paint?
Yes. Upload one photo of your room to FacadeColorizer, get a photorealistic render in Urbane Bronze, then swap to Black Fox in one click. You will see the depth difference on your actual wall. The first HD render and three color variations are free.
1 free HD render plus 3 color variations. Start in Urbane Bronze, switch to Black Fox instantly.
Trademark notice. Sherwin-Williams, Urbane Bronze, and Black Fox are trademarks of The Sherwin-Williams Company. FacadeColorizer is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Sherwin-Williams. Brand and color names are used descriptively (nominative fair use). Hex and RGB values are approximate digital renderings; the only authoritative reference is a physical paint sample.
Trademarks mentioned (Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, Behr, Caparol, Brillux, Sto, Alpina, Valspar, PPG, Glidden, Dulux, Crown Trade, Sandtex, Farrow & Ball, Johnstone's, Leyland) are property of their respective owners. FacadeColorizer is independent and not affiliated with any of them. Nominative fair use under Lanham Act §1125.
