Understanding Light Reflectance Values

When specifying architectural ironmongery, it is important to consider the visual contrast between operable door furniture and the surface on which it is mounted.

Adequate visual contrast helps ensure that door hardware can be easily identified and operated by people with visual impairments, supporting both accessibility and inclusive design principles.

What are Light Reflectance Values (LRVs)?

A Light Reflectance Value (LRV) measures the percentage of visible light reflected from a surface on a scale of 0 to 100, where 0 represents black (absorbing almost all light) and 100 represents white (reflecting almost all light); the higher the LRV, the lighter the surface appears, and the lower the LRV, the darker it appears.

How is visual contrast measured?

Visual contrast is determined by comparing the LRVs of adjacent surfaces. In the context of door sets, this typically refers to the difference between the LRV of the architectural ironmongery and the LRV of the door leaf.

Visual Contrast (LRV Difference) = Higher LRV − Lower LRV

A greater difference in LRV indicates a higher level of visual contrast, making the door hardware easier to identify and use.

Recommended visual contrast

Accessibility standards, including BS 8300 and Approved Document M, recommend that projecting door furniture, such as lever handles, pull handles and push plates, achieves a minimum Light Reflectance Value (LRV) difference of 15 points from the door surface on which it is mounted.

When assessing visual contrast, consideration should also be given to factors such as lighting conditions, surface finishes, reflections and glare, as these can affect the perceived visibility of door furniture in use.

Where can LRV data be obtained?

LRV data can be obtained for each project from your chosen architectural ironmongery and door suppliers. As LRV values can vary between manufacturers, they should always be verified for the specific products selected for each project.

By working in partnership with your architectural ironmonger and door manufacturer, you can identify combinations of architectural ironmongery and door finishes that achieve the required level of visual contrast while meeting the aesthetic and functional objectives of your project.

Selecting the Appropriate Finish

The choice of finish should balance design requirements with accessibility considerations. Comparing the LRVs of proposed architectural ironmongery and door finishes will enable you to determine whether sufficient visual contrast has been achieved to satisfy project-specific and regulatory requirements.

By working collaboratively during the specification process, suitable architectural ironmongery and door finish combinations can be identified that satisfy both aesthetic objectives and accessibility requirements.

Better Together………