Metropolis
What Metropolis Actually Looks Like
Metropolis is a sophisticated deep neutral that reads as a warm charcoal brown. It sits right at the intersection of brown and gray, landing closer to the brown side than most dark neutrals in Sherwin-Williams' lineup. In person it has a quiet richness, like old leather or well-worn stone. The RGB values (89/80/79) confirm what your eye picks up: there is slightly more red-brown warmth than cool gray. With an LRV of 8.4, this is a genuinely dark color that absorbs a lot of light, so it will feel heavier and more enveloping in dim rooms and slightly softer in spaces with strong natural light.
Metropolis Undertones
The dominant undertone is warm brown, with a subtle earthy quality that keeps it from ever feeling cold or stark. Some designers see a faint plum or mauve flash in certain artificial lighting, while others read it as purely brown-gray. That slight red warmth in the RGB breakdown (89 red vs. 80 green and 79 blue) is what drives the debate. In north-facing rooms, the brown leans a touch cooler and the gray shows up more. In south or west-facing light, the warmth comes forward and you get a true cocoa-tinged charcoal. If you are sensitive to pink or mauve undertones, test a large sample in your actual lighting before committing.
Where Metropolis Works Best
Metropolis is a strong choice for accent walls where you want drama without going full black. It works beautifully on front doors, giving a home a grounded, welcoming look that is more interesting than a basic dark gray. Kitchen cabinets in Metropolis create a moody, modern feel, especially in lower cabinets paired with lighter uppers. On exteriors, it reads as a distinguished deep brown-gray that holds up well against natural materials like stone, brick, and wood siding. Because of its low LRV of 8.4, avoid using it on all four walls in small rooms without good lighting. It shines when balanced with lighter surfaces.
Where to put Metropolis
Metropolis on lower cabinets creates a grounded, modern kitchen. Pair it with a warm off-white on uppers and warm brass pulls. The earthy brown undertone keeps the space feeling inviting rather than industrial. Use lighter countertops and backsplash materials to balance the darkness and prevent the room from feeling closed in.
A single accent wall in Metropolis adds immediate depth to a living room or bedroom. It works especially well behind a bed or sofa where you want a focal point. Keep the remaining walls in a light warm neutral and layer in textiles with warm tones like camel, rust, or cream. The LRV of 8.4 means it will absorb light, so add task or ambient lighting to keep the space comfortable.
This is one of the best uses for Metropolis. It gives your entry a distinctive, polished look that stands apart from standard black or navy doors. It pairs well with warm stone or brick surrounds and looks sharp against light siding. A satin or semi-gloss finish will catch the light and show off the color's brown-gray complexity.
On an exterior, Metropolis reads as a deep, refined brown-charcoal. Use it as a body color on smaller homes or as a trim and shutter color on lighter-sided homes. It holds up well visually against natural wood, warm stone, and greenery. Keep in mind that dark colors absorb more heat, so factor that in if you live in a hot climate.
What to Pair With Metropolis
Metropolis pairs naturally with warm whites and soft mid-tone neutrals. Its coordinating color Soft Suede (SW 9577) is an ideal lighter companion, providing enough contrast without clashing with Metropolis' earthy warmth. For trim, choose a warm or creamy white rather than a stark cool white, which can make the brown undertones look muddy by comparison. Warm brass or matte black hardware both complement this color well.
Metropolis vs similar colors
All comparisons are matched against Metropolis at LRV 8.4.
Colors that clash with Metropolis
Under warm incandescent or LED bulbs with a low color temperature, the subtle red in Metropolis can push toward a pinkish-mauve reading that surprises some homeowners.
At LRV 8.4, Metropolis absorbs most of the light that hits it. In a small bathroom or hallway with limited natural light, it can feel like the walls are closing in.
Deep colors like this can look lifeless in a dead-flat sheen, especially on large wall surfaces where there is no light play.
Common questions
Metropolis has an LRV of 8.4, which places it firmly in the deep/dark range. It absorbs most of the light that hits it, so plan for adequate lighting in any room where you use it.
It leans brown. While it lives in the gray-brown family, the warm earthy undertone and slight red warmth push it toward the brown side. In bright daylight it reads as a warm charcoal-brown, and in dimmer light the brown becomes even more prominent.
A warm or creamy white trim is your best bet. Stark, cool whites can create a harsh contrast and make the brown undertones look off. Soft Suede (SW 9577) works as a lighter wall companion, but for trim, look to a warm white in the same family.
Yes. Metropolis is a strong choice for kitchen cabinets, especially lowers in a two-tone kitchen. Use a satin or semi-gloss finish for durability and to let the color's depth show. Pair with lighter countertops and warm metal hardware.
They are close in depth, with Metropolis at LRV 8.4 and Urbane Bronze at LRV 8.1. The key difference is undertone. Metropolis reads warmer and more brown with a hint of red, while Urbane Bronze has more of a gray-olive quality. They are often compared side by side, so sample both if you are deciding between them.
It works well on exteriors, reading as a deep, earthy brown-charcoal. It pairs nicely with natural materials and warm whites. Keep in mind that dark colors absorb more heat and may show fading faster, so use a high-quality exterior paint with UV protection.