What is Light Reflective Value (LRV)?
LRV stands for Light Reflective Value and refers to how much light a surface reflects or absorbs. It’s used in Disabled Washrooms Design - we use it to determine how it will contrast visually against other surfaces in the washroom. The higher the contrast, the better for visually impaired and Elderly Washroom Users.
For example, an ice white surface would probably have a LRV of 100% on the LRV Scale, reflecting a lot of light, while black, sitting at the other end of the scale is likely to have an LRV nearer 0%, not reflecting much at all, but absorbing the light.
If a White Grab Rail is placed on a Black Wall then the LRV Contrast is high which is perfect for visually impaired Washroom Users.
If however, a White Grab Rail is placed on a white wall, a Visually Impaired Washroom User will struggle to locate Mobility Aids like Grab Rails.
How important is LRV in disabled washrooms?
Light reflective value (LRV) is something you need to consider when designing and refurbishing commercial wash space. Here’s what you need to know…
When most people think of disabled washrooms, they largely focus on considerations for those with physical impairments and wheelchair users. However, there’s a huge swathe of Disabled Washroom users who have a Visual Impairment.
This includes the millions of people in the UK that live with partial sight loss, to those with poor eyesight.
Why is LRV important?
The light reflective value helps us contrast two surfaces. It’s actually part of the Equality Act from 2010, which is about making all commercial spaces accessible to as many people as possible. As well as making sure there is safe entry and exit, and that spaces are accessible to all.
A wall painted white, is unlikely to have an LRV of exactly 100%, but it’s going to be high, most likely above 80%, while a door painted black is probably not going to be 0% either, but it’ll be low. Somewhere around 10.
The detail, when we look at it this way, is not actually important. What we are focusing on, is how many points there are between two colours, or two surfaces. If they’re too similar, then they’re going to be hard for someone with visual impairment to see - and subsequently use. In general, we are looking for a differentiation between surface LRV to be 30 or more.
LRV and Dementia
It's critical to understand the role of LRVs when designing Disabled Washrooms and Care Facilities for Elderly and visiaully impaired, as well as for patients with dementia. When it comes to care home design, colour is crucial. Colour has an impact on a patient's attitude and sense of direction.
Light Reflectance Values provide the most accurate contrast measurement. Every substance, paint, and cloth has an LRV indicated out of 100 points. A minimum of 30 points of difference in LRVs should exist between neighbouring surfaces, like walls and floors, in order for the standards to be met.
Implementing LRV in your Accessible Washroom
As an order of process, the LRV criteria is easily met through simple selection of fixtures and fittings. You may already have clocked that most commercial washrooms have cubicles in a different colour to the wall surfaces, and in a finish that easily contrasts against white sanitary ware. For the most part, you can comply with the LRV contrast quite easily through common sense. However, if you are unsure, or working with a tight colour plan, then you can speak to us directly to monitor the LRV and ensure compatibility for compliance.
Great design allows for strong LRV
For the most part, design trends have a leniency towards good light reflective value already. Whether that’s black taps and hardware on cubicles, or brushed stainless steel finishes, and pastel colours on the walls. It’s the way we define space that makes for good design, whether that’s from a visual perspective, or that of usability.
If you would like further advice on designing, or creating specifications for disabled washrooms, get in touch with one of the Disabled Washrooms team on 0333 1380080 or use our Book a Design Meeting page.
