Best Stair Nosing Colours for Safety & UK Compliance (2025)
8th Jul 2025
What Colour Stair Nosing Is Best? (For Contrast, Visibility & Compliance)
Choosing the right stair nosing colour isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s essential for safety, visibility, and legal compliance in public and commercial spaces. If you’re unsure which colour works best or what the UK regulations say, this guide breaks it down clearly.
View our Complete UK Stair Nosing Guide
Why Stair Nosing Colour Matters
Stair nosing improves grip, protects step edges, and — crucially — helps people see where each step begins and ends.
Poor visibility is one of the leading causes of stair-related accidents. Using a well-contrasted nosing can significantly reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls — especially for visually impaired users.
Contrast & Visibility: The Key to Choosing Stair Nosing Colour
What Is Contrast in Stair Nosing?
UK regulations focus on light reflectance value (LRV) — a measurement of how much light a surface reflects. A difference of at least 30 LRV points between the stair tread and the nosing is recommended.
- ✔️ Light grey step (LRV 60) + black nosing (LRV 10) = 50-point contrast ✅
- ❌ Dark grey step (LRV 25) + black nosing (LRV 10) = only 15-point contrast
It’s worth noting that the colour of stair nosing usually refers to the insert colour, not the metal carrier. This is important because the LRV contrast usually applies to these inserts. The insert is the visible strip that provides the visual contrast and slip resistance.These stair nosing inserts are available to purchase separately if you need to replace or customise them.
Download LRV Stair Nosing Guide (PDF)
Indoor vs Outdoor Settings
Indoors: Black or grey nosings often work well under artificial lighting.
Outdoors: Brighter, high-contrast colours like yellow or white are better for visibility in poor lighting or dirty environments.
Popular Stair Nosing Colour Options
| Colour | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Black | Offices, public buildings | High contrast on light floors, modern appearance |
| Yellow | Schools, warehouses | Highly visible and safety-focused |
| Grey | Homes, commercial interiors | Contemporary look; ensure it contrasts well |
| Brass | Luxury/heritage spaces | Elegant but may require a contrast insert |
| Silver/Aluminium | Neutral or modern interiors | Needs a coloured insert for DDA compliance |
UK Regulations: DDA & Part M Compliance
In public and commercial settings, nosing for stairs must meet the following requirements:
- At least 30-point LRV contrast between nosing and step surface
- Full width nosing coverage
- Non-reflective and anti-slip finish
- Compliance with Equality Act 2010 and Building Regulations Part M
Need help finding LRV values or selecting a compliant product? Contact our team.
What Colour to Use in Different Settings
Offices & Retail
Black or dark grey nosings on light floors offer modern appeal and strong visibility.
Schools & Hospitals
Yellow or white stair nosing ensures maximum visibility and meets safety requirements.
Residential
Aesthetic often takes priority, but avoid dark-on-dark combinations. Brass with white inserts balances style and compliance.
Outdoor & Industrial
Use bright, anti-slip nosing with reflective or high-contrast features that can withstand poor lighting and debris.
Final Thoughts: Visibility Saves Lives
Nosing for stairs is a small detail with a big safety impact. The right colour improves safety, meets regulations, and complements your space. Shop Commercial Stair Nosings
Read the full stair nosing guide
Speak to our team for tailored recommendations