Sherwin Williams Black Fox vs Urbane Bronze: Let's Compare!

Searching for that perfect deep black or brown paint color? I compare Black Fox vs Urbane Bronze to help you decide which one is right for you.

Dark paint colors are all about making a statement. Since they're so unexpected, they're an easy way to add drama to a room. 

I love using deep colors like these on trim, accent walls, or even furniture. And black doors always look high-end!

But here’s the thing: not all dark colors are created equal. The undertones make a huge difference, and that’s where things get interesting!

Black Fox and Urbane Bronze are two popular shades of dark paint. Let’s take a closer look at what sets them apart.

Read my full review of Black Fox

Read my full review of Urbane Bronze

Black Fox vs Urbane Bronze

These are both super dark, moody paint colors - one black, one brown.

They’re both really flattering, beautiful colors that work well in many spaces. But, set them side by side and you'll see the differences!

What is similar about Black Fox vs Urbane Bronze?

Black Fox and Urbane Bronze are both dark paint colors that give a room a sophisticated, cozy feel. Their LRVs are similar; both are very dark.

They share warm undertones with subtle hints of gray, but Black Fox has a bit more of that greige character, which gives it a slightly softer, more neutral look.

I love using these shades to create standout features—whether a fireplace, built-ins, doors, or even an accent wall. They’re also amazing for exterior details like shutters or trim.

What is different about Black Fox vs Urbane Bronze?

While both colors are dark, Black Fox is ever so slightly darker than Urbane Bronze, with an LRV of 7 versus 8.

Black Fox has a deep black base with warm greige undertones, giving it a balanced warmth.

On the other hand, Urbane Bronze leans more towards a deep brown, with gray and even a hint of green in its undertones.

In most spaces, Urbane Bronze can read as a muted, deep gray, while Black Fox often appears as a more intense, warm black.

This makes Black Fox the more saturated and dramatic choice, while Urbane Bronze feels a bit softer and more versatile.

	Black Fox	Urbane Bronze
LRV	7	8
RGB	R: 79 G: 72 B: 66	R: 84 G: 80 B: 74
Undertones	black paint color with warm greige undertones	brown paint color with gray undertones, some green undertone

Light Reflectance Value

Light Reflective Value, or LRV, tells you how much light a paint color reflects. It's measured on a scale from 0 to 100, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.

Urbane Bronze has an LRV of 8, and Black Fox comes in at 7. Since these values are so close, it can be tough to tell which one is lighter just by looking. But technically, Urbane Bronze is just a bit lighter.

Both of these shades fall on the lighter end of the very dark paint spectrum. Yes, they're definitely dark, but there are other paint colors out there that are even darker.

Undertones

Black Fox has warm greige undertones, which makes it warmer than a lot of other black paint colors.

In south-facing rooms with lots of natural light, those warm undertones can make Black Fox appear almost brown.

Black Fox will look more like a typical black color in north-facing rooms without much natural light. Sometimes, it can even lean towards a deep charcoal gray.

Urbane Bronze, on the other hand, has gray undertones.

In a south-facing room, it looks quite warm and can even appear more brown. In a north-facing room, Urbane Bronze's brown will be played down and it will look more neutral.

There's also a hint of green in Urbane Bronze, especially when paired with warm wood accents. I think the green is gorgeous, but if you're not a fan of any green undertones, beware!

How do I decide between these two colors?

Overall, Black Fox feels more dramatic, while Urbane Bronze feels a bit softer and more muted.

I’d say if you are painting walls, Urbane Bronze is likely a bit easier to decorate with. Black Fox is really great for trim, doors and accents though!

However, if you want to avoid any green hues, steer clear of Urbane Bronze. In that case, Black Fox will give you a cleaner, more neutral look without the hint of green.

Thanks for reading!