Paint Colour Review: Urbane Bronze by Sherwin Williams
Urbane Bronze by Sherwin Williams is one of my favourite deep earthy colour. It is a rich grounding natural tone that exudes sophistication, modernity, and a touch of classic elegance. Urbane Bronze is a gorgeous blend of deep brown and subtle grey undertones that will bring warmth and a sense of comfort and stability to any space.
In this review, we explore Urbane Bronze in detail, starting with its Light Reflectance Value (LRV), how it performs under different lighting conditions, where to best use it in your home, as well as ideal trim colours and coordinating colours.
Keep reading to find out if Urbane Bronze is the right shade for you.
Urbane Bronze’s LRV
LRV (or Light Reflectance Value) helps determine how much light is absorbed or reflected by a paint colour. It is measured on a scale from 0% to 100%, 0% being absolute black and absorbing all light, and 100% being pure white and reflecting all light. The higher the LRV, the lighter and brighter the paint colour. The LRV of a paint colour is an important factor to consider, especially if you're concerned about brightness or creating a specific ambience. Colours with higher LRVs tend to make a room feel brighter and more spacious, while colours with lower LRVs can create a more intimate or cosy atmosphere.
With an LRV of 8, Urbane Bronze is definitely in the low range meaning it’s a dark colour and it absorbs most of the light that hits it. With an LRV this low, Urbane Bronze will significantly impact the ambience of a room, adding a sense of cosiness, moodiness, and sophistication. It can be a beautiful colour to consider if you want to create a moody space with depth, character, and an earthy touch.
Urbane Bronze in different lighting conditions
Lighting greatly impacts how a paint colour is perceived within a space, whether it be natural or artificial light. Natural light varies throughout the day making colours look slightly different in the morning and the evening, which is why it’s essential to use samples before fully committing to a paint colour so you can see how colours look at various times of the day and you can decide if a paint colour is the right one for your space.
In bright daylight, Urbane Bronze’s combination of dark brown and grey undertones really comes to life to showcase its sophisticated and earthy warmth. In a bright warm light, such as in a south-facing room or afternoon western light, Urbane Bronze can appear slightly lighter with its brown tones becoming more prominent. It can make the colour look inviting, cosy, and rich without feeling too dark and heavy. In a cool blueish light, such as in a north-facing room or afternoon eastern light, Urbane Bronze can show its grey undertones slightly more without ever looking like a cool dark grey. Its warm brown tones will still show up to the party and add that needed warmth to create an inviting space.
In the evening or in low-light conditions, Urbane Bronze takes on a deeper, more enveloping appearance. It can create a dramatic, almost velvety effect, adding a layer of sophistication and elegance to the room. This makes it an excellent choice for dining rooms, study areas, or any space where you want to create a sense of drama and intimacy.
Where can I use Urbane Bronze?
Living room
Urbane Bronze can transform a living room into a warm and inviting space. When used on the walls, it provides a dramatic backdrop that pairs beautifully with lighter furniture and décor, creating a balanced and elegant look. For a more subtle effect, consider using it on an accent wall to add depth and interest without overwhelming the room.
Photo via My Domaine
Bedroom
In the bedroom, Urbane Bronze creates a serene and cosy environment, perfect for relaxation. Its deep, enveloping colour promotes a sense of calm and comfort, making it an ideal choice for a restful space. Pair it with soft textiles like cotton, wool, and linen, and warm lighting to enhance the soothing atmosphere.
Dining Room
Adding Urbane Bronze to a dining room can create a touch of sophistication and elegance. This rich hue sets a luxurious tone, making the space feel more intimate and inviting.
Photo via Pinterest
Kitchen
While not a conventional choice for kitchens, Urbane Bronze can make a bold statement when used on cabinetry or as an accent colour on a kitchen island. It adds depth and contrast, especially when paired with white countertops and backsplashes. This combination can result in a stylish, contemporary kitchen with a unique look.
Entryway
Using Urbane Bronze in an entryway can create a striking first impression. Its dramatic look can set the tone for the rest of your home, providing a sense of warmth and sophistication right from the start. Consider pairing it with light trim and flooring to keep the space open and inviting.
Photo via Kathleen Post
Bathroom
In a bathroom, Urbane Bronze can add a touch of luxury and spa-like tranquillity. It works well with both modern and traditional fixtures, either brushed brass for an elegant luxurious look, or stainless steel for a more modern space. Use it on walls or vanities, and pair it with lighter tiles and accessories to create a balanced and relaxing space.
What about white trim colours?
The deep, rich tones of Urbane Bronze pair beautifully with a variety of white trim colours. Some of our favourites are:
Alabaster (SW 7008)
Alabaster (read the full review) is a soft, warm white that provides a clean contrast to the deep tones of Urbane Bronze. This combination creates a timeless and elegant look, making the walls stand out. Alabaster’s warmth also ensures the overall look feels cohesive and inviting.
Pure White (SW 7005)
For a brighter, more contemporary look, Pure White is an excellent choice. This neutral popular white by Sherwin Williams barely has any undertones and offers a clean, fresh contrast that highlights the depth of Urbane Bronze without introducing additional undertones. It’s ideal for creating a clean, modern aesthetic that feels both elegant and sophisticated.
Greek Villa (SW 7551)
Greek Villa is a warm, creamy white that pairs beautifully with Urbane Bronze, adding a touch of softness and warmth. This trim colour is perfect for creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere and works well with the earthy tones of Urbane Bronze.
White Dove (BM OC-17)
White Dove (click to access the full review) is a subtly warm white from Benjamin Moore. It’s a subdued white with yellow undertones that are not too prominent that it looks overly creamy. Instead, it adds the perfect amount of warmth to pair with Urbane Bronze. Together, they create a soft and inviting look with a subtle contrast.
Chantilly Lace (BM OC-65)
Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore is another one of my favourites. It offers a cool, crisp contrast that pairs well with the warmth of Urbane Bronze. This bright white trim colour will make your space feel fresh and modern with a warm earthy touch. The stark contrast between Chantilly Lace and Urbane Bronze can make architectural details pop, adding visual interest and sophistication.
Urbane Bronze (SW 7048)
For a homogenous and unified look, consider using Urbane Bronze on the trims as well. This will add a sense of cosiness and warmth to the space and will make the room feel bigger.
When selecting the best trim colour to pair with Urbane Bronze, consider the overall mood and style you want to achieve in your space, whether you prefer a stark contrast or a warm look.
What coordinating colours work best with Urbane Bronze?
Urbane Bronze is a very versatile colour that looks gorgeous paired with many different tones, such as blues, beiges, greiges, and creams. Here are some of my favourites:
Shoji White (SW 7042)
Shoji White is a warm, creamy off-white, almost greige that pairs beautifully with Urbane Bronze. Its subtle warmth complements the earthy undertones of Urbane Bronze, creating a balanced and inviting palette. This combination is perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, or any space where you want a soft, tranquil atmosphere. On the trims, choose a clean crisp white to create some contrast.
Accessible Beige (SW 7036)
Urbane Bronze pairs beautifully with beige tones. One to definitely consider is Accessible Beige (read the full review here), a versatile, warm neutral. Its beige tones enhance the warmth of Urbane Bronze, while its soft brightness provides a nice contrast. This pairing is ideal for creating a cosy, cohesive look in hallways, living rooms, and bedrooms.
Repose Gray (SW 7015)
Repose Gray is a light grey with warm undertones that complements the depth of Urbane Bronze. The contrast between Repose Gray and Urbane Bronze adds dimension and interest, perfect for a modern, sophisticated aesthetic.
Anew Gray (SW 7030)
Anew Gray is a warm, medium grey that, when paired with Urbane Bronze, creates a monochromatic look that is both elegant and understated. Anew Gray's subtle warmth enhances the depth of Urbane Bronze, making it suitable for dining rooms, living rooms, entryways, or any space where you want a refined, cohesive feel.
Earthen Jug (SW 7703)
Earthen Jug is a warm, deep terracotta that provides a striking contrast to Urbane Bronze. This combination adds a touch of warmth and vibrancy, making it perfect for spaces where you want to create a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Consider using Earthen Jug as an accent colour to add a pop of colour, visual interest, contrast, and warmth.
Sea Salt (SW 6204)
Sea Salt is a light, muted green with grey undertones that pairs beautifully with Urbane Bronze. This cool, calming colour provides a refreshing contrast, creating a balanced and serene palette, ideal for spaces where you want to evoke a sense of tranquillity and relaxation.
Sleepy Blue (SW 6225)
Sleepy Blue is a beautiful light blue with subtly grey undertones. It creates a gorgeous contrast with Urbane Bronze and is a great colour for a soothing and relaxing space. The warmth and depth of Urbane Bronze balances out the cooler tones of this pale blue.
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Overall, Urbane Bronze is a gorgeous deep warm brown that will add depth, character, cosiness, and an earthy touch to any interior.
Not sure about Urbane Bronze? Have a look at my whole house colour palettes! Ready to download, comprehensive, detailed, budget-friendly, and expertly put-together, you are one click away from transforming your home!
If you find choosing the right colour for your home too stressful and overwhelming, I also provide a Custom Interior Colour Palette service. I would love to make this process easier for you and help you create your dream home. And if you need more information about my services or simply want to get in touch with me, click here.
Thank you for reading and happy decorating,
Manon xx