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Document M 2013: Light Reflectance Values (LRV)
Light Reflectance Values, or LRV, is a way to measure how much light is reflected from a surface when it is hit by light. Read our guidance on the LRV scale and how to use it when specifying timber doors.
Published 16 April 2013
WHAT ARE LIGHT REFLECTANCE VALUES (LRV)?
Light Reflectance Values, or LRV, is a way to measure how much light is reflected from a surface when it is hit by light. Architects and designers use it to see how much light a colour reflects or absorbs.
The scale goes from 0-100. Zero is completely black and absorbs all light, while 100 is completely white and reflects all light.
The amount of light reflected is measured based on how much light is reflected off the surface, not how much light hits it.
WHY IS IT CRUCIAL TO CONSIDER LIGHT REFLECTANCE VALUES?
Light Reflectance Values are important because they help make sure that buildings are safe and easy for everyone to use.
The British Standards (BS 8300-2:2018) also say that buildings must have enough contrast between surfaces and the areas around them so that people who have trouble seeing can still use the building safely.
WHAT BS 8300-2:2018 SAYS
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Approved Document M - Access to and use of buildings (2013) Section 3 - Horizontal and vertical circulation in buildings other than dwellings 3.8 The presence of doors, whether open or closed, should be apparent to visually impaired people through the careful choice of colour and material for the door and its surroundings. For example, when a door is open, people with impaired sight should be able to identify the door opening within the wall, as well as the leading edge of the door. 3.10 e) all door opening furniture contrasts visually with the surface of the door. 3.10 f) the door frames contrast visually with the surrounding wall. 3.10 g) the surface of the leading edge of any door that is not self-closing, or is likely to be held open, contrasts visually with the other door surfaces and its surroundings. |
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM CONTRAST NECESSARY BETWEEN LIGHT REFLECTANCE VALUES?
The way buildings are lit needs to be safe for everyone, so there are rules about how much contrast there should be between different surfaces.
There are some exceptions but generally, the standards say that there should be a difference of at least 30 points in LRV between surfaces. To find out more, you can check out Building Regulations Approved Document Part M – Volume 2 and BS 8300-2:2018, Annex B.
This table demonstrates the standard recommended contrast difference (30 points) lighter and darker than the LVR value to pair with.
LIGHT REFLECTIVE VALUES FOR FORZA PRODUCT OPTIONS
The expendable headings below show average Light Reflectance Values for our popular veneer, laminate and ironmongery options.
To obtain the veneer LRV readings multiple samples of each finish were tested using our in-house LRV meter. Each sample was tested in three different areas, these results were then averaged.
Though great care has been taken to ensure accuracy, please note that because exact finishes and conditions may differ, these values are meant to serve as a general guide only.
Ironmongery LRV
Explore materials & finishesFilter by your desired LRV on our materials & finishes page, order free samples and choose which finishes work best for your project.