Colour Schemes for the Partially Sighted

Choosing the correct colour scheme for a public or commercial property is particularly important if the building is to be used by the partially sighted.

The partially sighted benefit from the use of colour when navigating around an area and using colour differentiation correctly can create a real benefit.

By following a few simple rules, a suitable colour scheme can be developed:

• Use brilliant white on ceilings to aid light reflectance.
• The colour differentials between walls and floor should be sufficiently different to highlight the direction of the floor.
• Doors, door frames, skirting and handrails should all have significant contrast from their background.
• Don't use colours of the same tonal value. Colours of the same tone may appear to be the same colour.
• Highlight electrical sockets and light switches by using colour contrasts.
• Ensure that lighting is bright and even.
• Avoid shiny surfaces.  A matt or mid-sheen should be chosen to maximise the benefit of colour contrast.
• Avoid using patterns

To ensure that there is sufficient colour contrast between adjacent surfaces, it is advised that there is a difference of 30 points between the Light Reflectance values (LRV's) of these colours.

Below are some examples of colour schemes that are suitable for assisting the partially sighted.