Blog - Colour and Contrast

Specifying Flooring Solutions 

Key considerations in relation to Visual impairments 

alt placeholder

Lighting design, colour and material choice combine to create stimulating, visually comfortable and inclusive environments. Any flooring specification should however consider how all of these elements can work together successfully. In relation to this, of particular note for consideration are Visual impairments.  

alt placeholder


In general, colour is usually detected by the intensity of the colour itself, its ability to reflect light, or a combination of the two.

Visual impairment affects colour vision in many ways, with some people being unable to see colours very well while others may see colours differently from others using the same space. However, regardless of what colour is actually seen, most visually impaired people are able to detect a contrast between adjacent colours. It is vital to make the most of contrast and lighting design to enhance people’s spatial awareness and help them use their residual vision to navigate buildings.  

alt placeholder

When entering a space, most people look around to understand the area they have entered. People with good vision usually do this instantly. Visually impaired people, however, often pause to gather information about the space or adjust to changing luminance. They often first try to discern the visual contrast at the wall/ceiling junction, usually the least cluttered area of a room, to establish a change of surface area or feature. When they start to move, they concentrate their vision downwards, within 2m, and scan the area in front of them for contrasts between features.

Light Reflectance Values (LRVs) indicate the amount of visible and useable light that is reflected off a surface when illuminated by a light source. Colour is a key variant with typically the brightest whites having an LRV of 85 points and the darkest blacks 5 points. 

Part M of the UK Building Regulations stipulates a minimum difference in LRV between two adjoining surfaces of 30 points. The UK Equality Act 2010 and the British Standards’ Code of Practice*1 also state this measurement. Practical examples include skirting boards to be in a contrasting colour to the floor covering. 

Colour choice and light contrast provide safe wayfinding throughout the building. Essential to those with visual impairment, particular attention is necessary between areas of raised flooring, steps, and gradients.  

*1 BS 8300-2: 2018 Design of an accessible and inclusive built environment – Buildings. Code of Practice. 

alt placeholder

Shaw Contract EMEA CPD: Colour and Contrast for Workplace Flooring Solutions

This CPD discusses the important role of using colour and contrast in inclusive design. It explores the key consideration factors for workplace flooring design and provides an overview of aesthetic and practical workplace flooring solutions, including modular carpet tile and LVT systems.

The presentation is RIBA Accredited, so you can gain 1 formal CPD Point. 

learn more

For more information, please contact your Account Manager