Colour and LRV considerations in washroom design
When it comes to designing washrooms, picking the right colours and finishes isn’t just about making the space look good. Light Reflectance Value (LRV) plays a big role in making sure the washroom is accessible, comfortable, and practical for everyone. We had a quick chat with Consultant Rhain to get the lowdown on why LRV matters and how it affects washroom design.
So, Rhain, what exactly is LRV, and why should we care about it in washroom design?
LRV, or Light Reflectance Value, is basically a measure of how much light a colour reflects. It’s on a scale from 0 to 100, where 0 is pitch black, soaking up all the light, and 100 is bright white, bouncing it all back. In washroom design, getting the LRV right can really make a difference in both how the space looks and how easy it is to use.
How does LRV help with making washrooms more accessible?
Accessibility is super important, especially for people with visual impairments. Using colours with contrasting LRVs between different surfaces is key. The recommended contrast between building elements is 30 LRV points or more. For example, pairing a high LRV colour like Iceberg White (LRV-79) with a low LRV colour like Dark Damson (LRV-5) gives a strong contrast of 74 points, which is ideal for helping people easily tell apart things like walls, doors, and fixtures. This kind of contrast is crucial because it helps those with limited vision navigate the space more safely and comfortably.
Can you give us an example of how LRV can be used to create a calming vibe?
Sure thing! Let’s say you’re using a colour like Lavender (LRV-48), which is kind of in the middle of the LRV scale. If you pair that with Elephant Grey (LRV-55), the contrast is only 7 points, which doesn’t quite meet the minimum recommendation of 20 points. Instead, you might want to pair Lavender with something like Charcoal (LRV-9), giving you a stronger contrast of 39 points, which is much more effective. This kind of combination is still calming but offers better visibility.
Beyond accessibility, how does LRV affect the overall look of a washroom?
LRV has a big impact on the feel of the space. High LRV colours like Fresh Lime (LRV-61) and Caribbean Blue (LRV-61) can make a washroom feel brighter and more open because they reflect more light. However, since they have the same LRV, they wouldn’t provide enough contrast if used together. Instead, you could pair Fresh Lime with Dark Blue (LRV-6) to get a strong contrast of 55 points, which would make the space both visually striking and accessible.
What about combining colours to make the washroom stand out? Any tips?
Definitely! If you want a washroom that’s lively and energetic, you might go for a contrast like Sunshine Yellow (LRV-46) and Dark Blue (LRV-6). The 40-point difference here creates a bold combo that really pops. But if you’re after something more natural and calming, try pairing Apple Green (LRV-41) with Battleship Grey (LRV-26). The 15-point difference is less than ideal, so instead, pairing Apple Green with Charcoal (LRV-9) would give you a much stronger contrast of 32 points, making the design both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
Are there any practical stuff we should think about when choosing colours and LRVs for washrooms?
Oh, for sure. High LRV surfaces tend to show less dirt and smudges, which is great for busy areas because they’re easier to keep clean. Darker colours, while they can look super sleek, might need a bit more upkeep to stay looking sharp. Also, using colours with higher LRVs can help save on energy costs because they reflect more light, so you might not need as much artificial lighting.
What about any specific technical considerations?
Yes, these are definitely worth knowing. The recommended LRV contrast between different elements in a building is at least 30 points, but sometimes a 20-point difference might be acceptable. This could be the case when the surface illuminance is 200 lux or more, or if you're dealing with large areas. However, contrasts of less than 20 points usually won’t provide enough distinction for people with visual impairments, so it’s best to stick to higher contrasts whenever possible.
What’s the main takeaway for people working on washroom design?
Light Reflectance Values are really important in washroom design. They make sure the space isn’t just good-looking, but also accessible and practical for everyone. At Trovex Washrooms, we offer a wide range of colours and finishes, so designers have plenty of options to create spaces that are both attractive and functional. By choosing colour combinations based on their LRVs, you can make the washroom a more comfortable, safe, and enjoyable place for everyone.
