Public washrooms, whether in offices, shopping centres, airports, hospitals or educational facilities, require special attention when it comes to their design and equipment. Every detail influences the user experience, from the layout of the space to the materials and finishes of the accessories.
Although they often go unnoticed, the finishes used in washroom equipment play a key role in how the space is perceived, the durability of the products and the ease of maintenance. Beyond being purely aesthetic, finishes directly influence hygiene, functionality and the image conveyed by the washroom environment.
Choosing them correctly therefore makes it possible to create public washrooms that not only fulfil their function but also provide a more pleasant experience for users.
How finishes influence the perception of space
Finishes can completely transform how a public washroom is perceived.
Depending on the material or surface treatment, the same space can convey very different sensations.
Among the most common are:
- Brightness and cleanliness: Gloss finishes reflect light and help the space appear larger and better maintained.
- Elegance and understated style: Matte or matt-effect finishes provide a contemporary aesthetic highly valued in modern architectural projects.
- Balance between design and functionality: Satin finishes offer a professional and timeless appearance without excessive reflections.
Finish and colour are usually considered together when designing a space. The choice of both can reinforce the feeling of cleanliness, spaciousness, modernity or warmth.
To explore further how colour influences the perception of public washrooms, you can read our article “The importance of colour and finishes in public washroom equipment”.
A good example of the versatility of finishes can be found in the Machflow Flow Plus Brushless hand dryer by Mediclinics, available in white, black or satin or bright stainless steel. This allows it to integrate easily into different design styles, from more technical washrooms to spaces with a more refined aesthetic.
Finishes designed to withstand intensive use
Public washrooms are spaces exposed to constant use and demanding conditions such as humidity, frequent contact and intensive cleaning.
For this reason, the finish of the equipment must not only be attractive but also resistant and durable.
Recommended materials and finishes:
AISI 304 stainless steel: Corrosion-resistant, easy to clean and highly durable. Ideal for soap dispensers, paper dispensers and waste bins.
Satin finishes: These conceal signs of use and maintain a well-kept appearance even in high-traffic facilities.
Equipment such as Mediclinics grab bars combine these qualities to balance durability, ease of cleaning and design.
Premium finishes for premium design projects
In hotels, restaurants or corporate buildings, public washrooms also form part of the aesthetic experience of the space. Finishes can therefore become a key differentiating element.
Here are some options that can have a strong visual impact and add a distinctive and exclusive touch to your washroom projects:
PVD: Elegance and exclusivity
In addition to offering resistance to wear, scratches and corrosion, Mediclinics’ PVD finishes, available in shades such as gold, bronze, anthracite or copper, enhance the perception of quality and exclusivity in washroom spaces.
A clear example can be found in Mediclinics Babymedi baby changing stations.
Black epoxy: Modern contrast
This finish creates an attractive visual effect, particularly in washrooms with light-coloured walls or natural materials. It can be found in some paper dispensers and waste bins from Mediclinics.
Finishes that improve hygiene and facilitate maintenance
Hygiene is a fundamental aspect in public washrooms. For this reason, beyond their aesthetic value, finishes should make cleaning tasks easier and help maintain the space in optimal condition.
In this regard, we recommend choosing equipment with smooth, non-porous surfaces, as they offer several advantages:
- Dirt can be removed more easily
- The accumulation of bacteria is reduced
- They are more resistant to cleaning products
In addition, materials such as stainless steel or certain technical polymers maintain their appearance even in environments with intensive use.
Finally, it is worth highlighting technologies such as Biocote, which inhibits the growth of microorganisms across the entire surface of the equipment, improving hygiene and user health conditions. Some Mediclinics products, such as the Mediclinics Dualflow Plus hand dryer, incorporate this antimicrobial technology directly into their materials.
Conclusion
Finishes in public washroom equipment go far beyond aesthetics. They influence key aspects such as:
- Product durability
- Ease of maintenance
- Hygiene of the space
- The perception users have of the environment
Choosing the right finishes makes it possible to create public washrooms that combine functionality, durability and design.
When these elements are integrated coherently into the architectural project, the washroom ceases to be merely a functional space and becomes part of the building’s overall experience.
Laura Villacañas
Marketing Dpt.