Light Reflective Value (LRV) refers to the percentage of light a surface reflects, which is influenced by its colour and texture—white reflects 100% of light (LRV 100), while black reflects none (LRV 0). LRV helps determine how light or dark a surface appears and how visible it is, which is especially important in safety applications such as stair nosings. Measuring LRV when installing stair nosings is essential for ensuring visibility and safety, particularly for people who are partially sighted. The current guidance under BS8300:2009 regulations states that adequate visual contrast is provided when the difference in LRV between the stair edging and the surrounding floor covering exceeds 30 points. For example, if the flooring has an LRV of 60, the stair nosing should have an LRV between 0–30 or 90–100 to create sufficient contrast. This contrast helps make step edges more visually distinct, reducing the risk of trips and falls and ensuring compliance with accessibility standards. Such considerations are particularly relevant in a wide range of non-residential buildings, including hospitals, schools, hotels, and theatres.

For more information please take a look at our LRV page here.