Dark exterior colors are having a moment, and Urbane Bronze sits right at the top of that trend.
This rich, warm shade from Sherwin-Williams (SW 7048) has moved from a designer secret to a homeowner favorite in just a few years.
But choosing a dark bronze for your home’s exterior takes more planning than picking a lighter color. The wrong finish can look flat. The wrong application can cost you thousands in repaints.
In this guide, you’ll learn about Urbane Bronze: its exact color specs, eight practical ways to use it on your exterior, cost breakdowns with real numbers, and how to pick the right finish for your climate.
By the end, you’ll know if this color works for your home.
Urbane Bronze Exterior Color Information
Before you choose Urbane Bronze for your home, knowing its exact specifications helps. Here are the key technical details you need:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Color Name | Urbane Bronze |
| Sherwin-Williams Code | SW 7048 |
| RGB | (80, 76, 67) |
| HEX | #54504A |
| LRV (Light Reflectance Value) | 8 |
| Type | Warm, Deep Bronze |
| Finish Options | Satin, Gloss, Flat |
What is Urbane Bronze?
Urbane Bronze is a dark, warm color that blends brown and gray tones into one rich shade. This earthy color from Sherwin-Williams gives homes a modern yet classic look that never goes out of style.
Introduced as part of their curated color collection, quickly gained attention for its ability to work with many home styles. Homeowners love how it adds depth to exteriors without feeling too bold or too plain.
The low LRV means it absorbs most light, creating a strong, grounded appearance. It works beautifully on contemporary homes and traditional houses alike.
That balance of warmth and darkness is why more people are choosing it for their exterior projects.
8 Ideas for Using Urbane Bronze for Your Exterior
Knowing where to use Urbane Bronze makes all the difference in your project. Here are eight proven ways to apply this color to your home’s exterior.
1. Front Doors
Your front door sets the tone for your entire home. Urbane Bronze creates an instant focal point that guests notice right away.
This rich color works perfectly against light siding or brick. It adds warmth without overpowering your home’s other features.
2. Shutters
Shutters in Urbane Bronze bring contrast to neutral exteriors. They frame your windows beautifully and add visual interest to plain walls.
This choice works especially well with white, cream, or light gray siding. The dark tone makes your home look more polished and intentional.
3. Fencing
Modern outdoor spaces benefit from Urbane Bronze fencing. The color gives your yard a clean, updated look that feels current.
It pairs well with greenery and natural landscaping. Unlike black, it feels warmer and more welcoming to visitors.
4. Garage Doors
Garage doors take up significant visual space on most homes. Urbane Bronze makes them look less like an afterthought and more like a design choice.
The color adds curb appeal without drawing too much attention. It coordinates beautifully with stone, brick, or wood accents.
5. Trim and Molding
Architectural details deserve to stand out. Urbane Bronze trim highlights crown molding, columns, and decorative elements.
It creates a definition between different surfaces and materials. This approach works particularly well on homes with textured siding or mixed materials.
6. Exterior Accent Walls
A single wall in Urbane Bronze can change your home’s entire appearance. This technique adds depth and dimension to flat facades.
It works best on walls with interesting architectural features. The contrast makes your home feel more custom and thoughtfully designed.
7. Porches and Decks
Urbane Bronze complements natural wood tones beautifully. Floor paint in this color creates a grounded, cohesive look for outdoor living spaces.
It hides dirt better than lighter colors and needs less frequent cleaning. The warm undertones connect your porch to the surrounding landscape.
8. Window Frames
Window frames in Urbane Bronze act like artwork frames for your views. They add structure and definition to your home’s exterior.
This color choice makes windows appear more prominent and intentional. It works especially well on homes with large or uniquely shaped windows.
Applications of Urbane Bronze Exterior Paint
Urbane Bronze adapts to almost any surface you want to paint. Understanding where and how to use it helps you get the best results.
- Various Exterior Materials: Urbane Bronze works beautifully on wood, stone, brick, and metal surfaces, bonding well and maintaining its rich color across different textures.
- Recommended Exterior Features: This color shines on facades, entryways, and garden walls where you want to create a strong, grounded presence that feels both modern and approachable.
- Architectural Versatility: From traditional colonial homes to contemporary designs, Urbane Bronze complements both styles by providing a neutral yet distinctive backdrop that doesn’t compete with architectural details.
Alternatives to Urbane Bronze for Exterior Painting
If Urbane Bronze doesn’t quite match your vision, several similar colors might work better. These alternatives offer the same depth with slightly different undertones.
1. Sherwin-Williams Grizzle Gray
Grizzle Gray (SW 7068) brings a similar richness but leans more toward gray than brown. It has an LRV of 7, matching Urbane Bronze’s depth exactly.
This color feels slightly cooler and works well on modern homes. It pairs beautifully with white trim and natural stone accents.
2. Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore
Iron Ore (SW 7069) is darker and more muted than Urbane Bronze. With an LRV of 6, it absorbs even more light for a dramatic effect.
The cooler undertones make it perfect for contemporary designs. It creates a strong statement without feeling too heavy or dark.
3. Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron
Wrought Iron (2124-10) leans closer to black than Urbane Bronze does. This color works for both industrial lofts and traditional homes.
It has a timeless quality that never looks dated. The slightly darker tone creates maximum contrast against lighter exterior elements.
Cost Concerns for Using Urbane Bronze for Exteriors
Understanding the costs helps you plan your exterior project better. Here’s what you can expect when using Urbane Bronze paint.
| Cost Factor | Estimated Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Paint Cost Per Gallon | $50 – $80 | Sherwin-Williams Premium Exterior Paint |
| Coverage Per Gallon | 300 – 400 sq ft | One coat on smooth surfaces |
| Number of Coats Required | 2 coats | Minimum for proper coverage and durability |
| Labor Cost (Per Square Foot) | $1.50 – $4.00 | Depends on location and surface type |
| Labor Cost (Per Hour) | $25 – $100 | Varies by painter experience and region |
| Total Project Cost (1,500 sq ft home) | $2,500 – $6,000 | Includes materials, labor, and prep work |
| Prep Work | $500 – $2,000 | Cleaning, scraping, and repairs if needed |
The dark color of Urbane Bronze means you need good coverage. Two coats work best for a lasting finish. Smooth surfaces like vinyl need less paint than rough surfaces like stucco or brick.
Your location affects labor costs, with urban areas typically charging more. Always get quotes from at least three painters to compare prices.
Quality paint costs more upfront but lasts longer, saving money over time.
Which Finish Works Best for Urbane Bronze?
The finish you choose affects how your Urbane Bronze exterior looks and performs. Matte finish hides surface flaws and gives a soft, understated appearance that works well on siding.
Satin finish offers a slight shine with better durability, making it perfect for trim, doors, and shutters that get touched often.
Gloss finish creates a reflective, polished look best saved for accents like window frames or railings. Your choice depends on your home’s style, local weather, and how much maintenance you want to do.
Traditional homes often look better with matte or satin, while modern designs can handle glossier finishes. Humid or rainy climates benefit from satin or gloss because they resist moisture better.
Think about what areas get the most wear and choose a more durable finish for those spots.
Final Thoughts
Urbane Bronze brings warmth and character to any exterior without overwhelming your home’s other features.
This versatile color works on everything from front doors to full siding, adapting to both modern and traditional styles.
The key is choosing the right finish for your climate and pairing it with complementary colors. Yes, it costs more than lighter paint because you need proper coverage, but the results last for years with minimal fading.
Dark exteriors are here to stay, and Urbane Bronze offers a timeless option that won’t look dated in five years.
Ready to try it? Order a sample from Sherwin-Williams and test it on your exterior in different lighting conditions before committing to the full project.
