What is LRV? Light Reflectance Value Explained

LRV is measured on a range of 0% to 100%. The scale above illustrates this: 0% represents absolute darkness, and 100% represents a completely reflective white.

Colours having a greater LRV will reflect more light into a room, whereas darker colours below the midpoint of 50% will absorb more light from it.

Environmental design for people with dementia

It's critical to understand LRVs when designing care facilities, particularly for patients with dementia or those with visual impairments. When it comes to care home design, colour is crucial. Colour has an impact on a patient's attitude and sense of direction.

One of the most crucial things to consider when designing for people with contrast sensitivity is providing a clear, high level of contrast. The degree of contrast between surfaces—such as doors and furniture, walls and ceilings, etc.—is crucial in helping the blind understand the layout and possible path across a space.

Light Reflectance Values provide the most accurate contrast measurement. Every substance, paint, and cloth has an LRV indicated out of 100 points. A minimum of 30 points of difference in LRVs should exist between neighbouring surfaces, like walls and floors, in order for the standards to be met.

The Role of Seating in Dementia Care

Clinical seating plays a vital role in supporting environmental design. The adaptation of seating to mirror familiar domestic settings can have a calming effect, reducing confusion and disorientation frequently experienced by people with dementia. Colour choices which have contrasting LRV (light reflectance value) can help the person with visual difficulties distinguish between different surfaces, helping with better positioning in the chair and reducing levels of distress. Seating Matters can be consulted to recommend optimum colour options with contrasting LRVs or the floors and the walls to help the person with dementia navigate their environment safely and maximise their abilities.

For instance, if a patient's chair is placed on a dark floor, the cushions should be in a light colour, such as beige, with contrasting armrests in a colour such as a dune to ensure visibility. Seating Matters can provide recommendations for optimal colour choices with contrasting LRVs to enhance the safety and comfort of dementia patients.

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