12.1.2.3-12 Diffuse Reflectance

Diffuse reflectance should conform to the recommendations shown in Table 12.3.

Additional Information: The amount of light reflected from a surface depends on its color; typical reflectance values for various colors are given in Table 12.4. Surfaces adjacent to a visual display device should have a dull matte finish to reduce glare. Large surface areas should be covered with non-saturated colors, such as tints, pastels, and warm grays that are nonglossy. Some noncritical small areas such as door frames and molding may be glossy if ease of cleaning is essential. 0700, 5908, 1472G

 

 

 

Table 12.3 Recommended Workplace Reflectance Levels

 

 

Surface

Reflectances

Preferred

Permissible

Ceiling1

80%

60–95%

Upper Wall

50%

40–60%

Lower Wall

15–20%

 

Instruments/Displays

80–100%

 

Cabinets/Consoles

20–40%

 

Floor

30%

15–30%

Furniture

35%

25–45%

1 Recommended reflectances are for finish only. Overall average reflectance of acoustic materials may be somewhat lower. The upper walls (one to two feet below the ceiling) may be painted with the same paint as is used on the ceiling.

 

Table 12.4 Surface Color Reflectance Values

 

Color

Reflectance (%)

White light

Cream

75

Gray

75

Yellow

75

Buff

70

Green

65

Blue

55

Medium

Cream

75

Gray

75

Yellow

75

Buff

70

Green

65

Dark

Gray

30

Red

13

Brown

10

Blue

8

Green

7

Wood finish

Maple

42

Satinwood

34

English Oak

17

Walnut

16

Mahogany

12