Visual contrast is an important part of inclusive door design.
BS 8493:2008 recommends that there should be a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) difference of at least 30 points between the face of the door and the adjacent frame or wall. It also recommends a minimum difference of 15 points between the door face and any fitted ironmongery.
These contrast levels help make doors easier to identify and use, particularly for people with visual impairments or reduced contrast sensitivity. For this reason, colour and finish selection should be considered early in the design process so that compliance can be achieved across the full doorset.
When specifying timber doorsets, it is important to consider the combined appearance of the door facing, frame, surrounding wall finish, and ironmongery. Appropriate choices of colour, tone, and surface finish can all contribute to achieving the required level of visual contrast.
We recommend seeking advice at specification stage to ensure that proposed door finishes and ironmongery selections support the required contrast levels and the overall accessibility strategy of the building.
