Understanding Light Reflectance Value (LRV) in Accessible Washroom Design

Key Factor in Washroom Design: Light Reflectance Value (LRV)

A crucial aspect of designing compliant washroom spaces is the Light Reflectance Value (LRV). This value is part of the guidance for Building Regulations Approved Document M (Doc M) and ensures that elements within the space are visually distinguishable from each other.

What is LRV?

Light Reflectance Value is the total quantity of visible light reflected by a surface at all wavelengths and directions when illuminated by a light source. It is used in architecture and interior design to determine how much light a surface reflects or absorbs. Essentially, it is a universal value used to assist with determining visual contrast. LRV represents a relative darkness to lightness value rather than referencing any particular colour.

Why is LRV Important?

The Equality Act 2010 mandates that all new or refurbished public buildings should offer equal ease of access and use to all, regardless of disability, age, or gender, ensuring safe entry, exit, and passage through the building. In relation to visual impairments, British Standard BS8000-2:2018 states there must be adequate visual contrast between building surfaces and their surrounding areas—this includes fixtures and fittings such as accessible bathroom products.

People with good vision can easily recognise the hue (nature of the colour) and chroma (intensity) of the objects and structures around them—but good contrast is still crucial when designing spaces. Identifying the nature and intensity of colour is more challenging for people with sight loss. Most people registered as blind still have some degree of colour vision, and only 5% can see nothing at all. Even within this group, sensitivity to light vs. shade makes contrast an important tool for improving accessibility.

"Even people with some degree of sight loss benefit greatly from environments designed with high visual contrast."

The LRV Scale

The LRV scale runs from 0, a perfect light-absorbing surface finish (totally black), up to 100, a perfect reflective surface finish (brilliant white). It’s rare to find these ‘perfect’ examples in everyday environments. For example, a wall painted in Brilliant White Matt emulsion usually returns a value of about 85. A completely black surface typically has a value greater than 0. The importance of LRV lies in the contrast between items. Guidance from Approved Document M states:

• The LRV between two surfaces should be greater than 30 points.
• Where illumination on a surface is greater than 200 lux, the difference in LRV should be a minimum of 20 points.

LRV in a Doc M Washroom

There are several key elements and surfaces to consider for LRV compliance in a washroom. These include the built aspects of the space and any Doc M accessories added. For instance, it’s vital to have contrast between the walls and the floor and between the doors or door frames and the walls so that people can see where they’re going. The contrast between grab rails and the wall they are mounted on is vital for an Approved Doc M space.

Contrast between elements like grab rails and walls is essential for creating a compliant and accessible washroom.

Fitzroy of London Standard Finishes and Their LRV Figures

We offer support to architects, specifiers, and contractors when it comes to making appropriate surface finish selections for LRV compliance. For the most part, it is the metallic parts of our products that significantly affect visual contrast in a Doc M compliant space. Our standard range of finishes has been carefully curated to provide a variety of options when planning a compliant washroom.

Examples of LRV Compliance:

• Grab Rails, Hinged Rails, Back Rests, and Shower Seats: These should contrast with the wall they are mounted on.
• Sanitary Fittings: These should contrast with the walls.