Commercial Lift Interior Refurbishment


Lift interiors get tired and grubby in just the same way that every other interior does. Regular users of your passenger lift may not notice the gradual decline, but you can be sure that visitors and clients will. Passengers tend to spend most of their time in lifts avoiding eye contact with fellow passengers. Which gives them plenty of time to examine the worn flooring, and scratched side panels.

Regular interior refurbishment of your passenger lift, often integrated as part of a broader lift modernisation, is an effective way to improve the perceptions of both regular passengers and visitors to your building. Since 2006, Tower Lifts has been delivering a whole range of lift services, including lift design, lift installation, and lift interior refurbishment, to businesses across the UK. In this blog we take a look at the ways we can transform your commercial lift interior.


What is Lift Interior Refurbishment?

There’s no standard approach to lift interior refurbishment, rather there’s a range of options that can be considered in order to improve the look and feel of the lift cabin. This includes refreshing or renewing the walls, flooring, control panel and decor of the lift. The aim of lift interior refurbishment is to improve the visual appeal, functionality, and overall user experience for passengers.

Lift refurbishment may involve modernising outdated design elements, replacing components that are showing wear and tear, upgrading materials for durability and aesthetics, and incorporating contemporary technologies.

Ways to Lift the Look of Your Passenger Cabin

It’s not always the case that everything needs to change in order to make a difference. Sometimes the simplest alterations can transform perceptions of your lift car:

1. Side Panels

Side panels are what passengers tend to notice most, and they come in for the heaviest wear and tear. The priority for lift owners, therefore, is to choose a material that is easy to keep clean, such as plastic laminates or brushed metal. The laminates come in a range of finishes, from painted to wood, fibre or stone and the panels can be supplemented with a rail for passenger stability.

Light-coloured wall panels, preferably with a slightly reflective finish visually expand the space and brighten the interior, especially in smaller cabins. Large mirrors will visually expand the space and add depth to the lift cabin.

Accessibility compliance – Materials need to meet accessibility regulations regarding tactile indicators and contrasting colours for visually impaired passengers.

2. Floors

Passengers using lifts are often entering a building from outside. This can lead to mud, or moisture being transferred to the lift floor. On a rainy day, umbrellas can even leave puddles. For this reason, lift floors tend to be made out of non-slip materials such as materials such as rubber, vinyl or stone. We recommend stone or polished concrete for a luxury experience.

Passenger lift floors need regular, thorough cleaning.

3. Lighting

Dim lighting within a lift car can negatively impact the passenger experience, potentially creating a subdued atmosphere or even a sense of unease. A lighting design that imitates natural light is recommended. Alternatively, a dynamic lighting system that adjusts throughout the day, mirroring the building’s interior lighting scheme, will provide a more pleasing experience for passengers.

To further enhance the passenger experience and promote sustainability, the incorporation of LED lighting is advised. LED technology offers superior energy efficiency and longevity compared to conventional lighting options, contributing to reduced operational expenses and a smaller environmental footprint.

4. Control Panels

Lift control panels these days offer a surprising amount of flexibility in design, so you can make them look great and work seamlessly with the building’s style.

For the displays inside the lift:

  • Digital displays are clear and reassuring! They provide floor numbers, estimated arrival times, and any important announcements.
  • Why not add your company logo or some custom graphics to the display? It’s a great way to reinforce your brand and make the experience more engaging for passengers.
  • And don’t forget about the materials. Sleek finishes like glass and metal can give the panel a modern and sophisticated look.
lift control panels

For the buttons on each floor:

  • Durability is essential. Stainless steel is a popular choice because it can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
  • You can also choose from a variety of buttons, from standard designs to options that are resistant to vandalism or designed for outdoor use.

Making it easy for everyone:

  • No matter how stylish your control panel is, it needs to be user-friendly. Buttons should be clearly labelled, easy to press, and provide tactile feedback so people know they’ve pressed them.
  • The display layout should be intuitive, and the controls should be in the same place on every floor, making for a smooth and effortless experience for passengers.
Bespoke Lift Car Interiors

5. Bespoke Lift Car Interiors

Imagine your lift as more than just a function that moves people between floors. Turn it into a dynamic space that reflects your building’s design and tells your brand’s story in a way that connects with passengers.

We’re experts at creating lift car interiors that capture the essence of your brand, whether you’re after the timeless elegance of gold leaf or the classic beauty of patterned marble.

And the experience can start even before people step inside! Think about adding eye-catching graphics to the lift doors – showcasing your logo or a key message. Even the control panels can be transformed into design features with high-tech touchscreens or the charm of retro buttons.

By blending functionality and style, we can turn ordinary lift journeys into a memorable experience.


Tower Lifts is Committed to Passenger Safety and Comfort

At Tower Lifts, we’re all about passenger safety and comfort. Whether you’re looking to impress clients or create a comfortable space for employees, the lift interior matters. It shows you care about the people using it and reflects your company’s values.

Plus, a visually appealing and comfortable lift can boost people’s mood – and that’s always good for business! Our lift interior refurbishment service is a simple and affordable way to transform your lift and create a better experience for everyone.

Our commitment to quality is affirmed by our ISO9001:2008 Lift Cert and UKAS approval, ensuring strict adherence to current Lift Regulations.


Is your lift in need of interior refurbishment? Call the Tower Lifts design team on 01525 601099 to find out about the range of improvements we can provide to your elevator interior.