Getting LRV and Colour Contrast Right in Floor Design

When designing inclusive spaces, one often‑overlooked element is the transition between different flooring materials. Whether in a commercial, residential, or public setting, understanding LRV and colour contrast can make all the difference in supporting accessibility and safety.

What is LRV?

LRV is measure of how much visible light a surface reflects. It’s rated on a scale from 0 (which absorbs all light) to 100 (which reflects all light). In practical terms, LRV helps predict how light or dark a surface will appear — which is critical when selecting flooring materials, especially at transition points between finishes.

For a more detailed overview, we recommend reading our previous post: Understanding LRV and Why It Matters in Carpet Design. This follow-up blog builds on that foundation to explore how LRV and colour contrast specifically impact flooring transitions.

The Increase in Visual Impairment

According to the RNIB, over 2 million people in the UK are currently living with sight loss, including individuals who are blind or partially sighted. Furthermore, this number is expected to rise significantly in the coming years, driven by an ageing population and increasing rates of conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. It is predicted that by 2050 the number of people with sight loss in the UK will double to over four million.

As visual impairment becomes more widespread, it’s crucial that our built environments adapt to meet the needs of a growing number of people who rely on visual cues to navigate spaces safely.

Why Colour Contrast Matters

Flooring transitions, where one type of floor ends and another begins, are present in nearly every interior. These changes can be subtle, but when there’s insufficient visual contrast, they can pose several risks:

• Trip hazards for people with low vision or mobility issues

• Wayfinding difficulties in large or unfamiliar environments

• Non-compliance with accessibility regulations such as the Equality Act 2010 (UK) and other global standards

Ensuring a clear contrast in floor finishes helps individuals perceive and navigate spaces more safely and independently.

What LRV Differences Are Required?

When specifying flooring materials, it is essential to consider LRV differences to meet recognised accessibility standards such as BS 8300-2:2018 and Approved Document M of the UK Building Regulations.

According to these guidelines:

A minimum LRV difference of 30 points is recommended to provide a visual contrast that can be perceived by most people with impaired vision, particularly in new-build and major refurbishment projects.

Visual contrast can be determined by comparing manufacturer-supplied LRV data or using portable LRV meters on-site for accuracy. For specific LRV measurements for each of our products in various colours, you can download the Heckmondwike brochure.

Best Practices for Flooring Transitions

Given how widespread visual impairment is, these best practices are essential for creating safe, inclusive, and regulation-compliant environments:

• Measure the LRV of all flooring materials before installation. Most flooring manufacturers provide this data, and it should form a standard part of the specification process. At Heckmondwike, our specialist technical team tests the LRV of all our fibre-bonded products to ensure consistency and accuracy. For more detail on our process, you can read our blog: How We Measure LRV.

• Ensure sufficient contrast at transitions — aim for a perceptible LRV difference of at least 30 points. This helps visually impaired users detect changes in floor finishes and navigate safely

• Use transition strips or edging in contrasting colours or textures to clearly define boundaries between different flooring types or levels. This is particularly important in areas where there’s a change in height or surface material

• Incorporate appropriate lighting. Even with effective LRV contrast, poor lighting or shadows can reduce visibility. Transition zones should be well-lit, with minimal glare and even illumination to maintain their visual effectiveness

• Install compliant stair nosings that contrast clearly with both the stair tread and riser. These should be non-reflective, durable, and wide enough to be easily seen

Tailoring Contrast to Different Environments

Different settings may call for different approaches to colour contrast in flooring:

• In educational environments, bright and bold flooring transitions can promote wayfinding, engagement, and space definition for children

• In healthcare settings, particularly dementia-friendly environments, care must be taken. High-contrast transitions or dark thresholds may be misinterpreted as a step, hole, or barrier, potentially causing distress or hesitation. In these contexts, tonal transitions with clear but gentle contrast are often more appropriate

Designing with Purpose: Why LRV and Contrast Matter

Getting LRV and colour contrast right isn’t just a design detail; it’s a vital part of inclusive design. With over 2 billion people worldwide living with visual impairment, many of whom could benefit from even small design considerations, thoughtful flooring transitions are not optional, they’re essential.

Whether you’re an architect, designer, or facility manager, factoring LRV and visual contrast into your specifications ensures you’re not just building to code — you’re building for people.