Trends in Elevator Cab Design

Elevators are modern technology’s invention. They transport luggage and people from one floor to another within a building. In earlier days, elevators had traditional designs. But now, there are various trends in elevator cab designs. Those designs highly affect the aesthetics of buildings.

 

Moreover, the design of an elevator also impacts the safety of users. So before installing an elevator in your building, you must know elevator cab designs. Are you unfamiliar with those trends in elevator designs? Fret not! In this article, I will explore various luxury elevator cab designs. So let’s get started!

Elevator Materials:​ Polished Stainless Steel Sheet​ 

Before we go into design trends, let’s first discuss the manufacturing materials for elevator cabs. Different materials are available that are used to make elevator cabs. Among all those, stainless steel is widely used. Let me explain why. The first and most important reason is its durability. It can withstand wear and tear and easily hold significant weight. 

 

Moreover, its highly reflective nature gives elevators a mirror-like appearance. When making elevator cabs, polished stainless steel sheets are the most prominent material. These sheets offer both long-lasting and aesthetic looks. In the section below, I will discuss some stainless steel sheets with different polishes used in elevator design.

 

1- Bead Blasted Stainless Steel Sheet​ 

 

Bead-blasted stainless steel sheets are created using bead bombardment. In this process, tiny beads are thrown with high pressure on the sheet. They make the surface of the sheet smooth and clean. Moreover, this process enhances the durability of sheets. Therefore, these sheets are widely used in elevator cabs. You’ll see bead-blasted sheets in the ceilings, wall panels, and handrails of the elevator. 

2-  Vibration Finish Stainless Steel Sheet​ 

 

Stainless steel gains a vibration finish through non-directional brushing. This method creates a non-linear swirl pattern. Such a pattern helps enhance visual effect in those areas where light angles vary. Thus, vibration stainless steel sheets are a good option for making elevator doors and trims. Moreover, vibration finishing can be applied to several grades of stainless steel. Those grades have unique capabilities and increase customization. 

3- Brushed Stainless Steel Hairline Sheet​ 

 

Brushed stainless steel hairline sheet is another widely used material in elevators. These sheets have long, linear grain patterns that offer an architectural look. Their smooth touch and durability make them stand out. Also, these sheets appear like other elegant materials such as glass and wood. 

 

But unlike those materials, they offer low maintenance and easy cleanliness. This is the reason brush sheets are used to make control panes and doors. These sheets are more common on elevators that remain in use. Examples include the elevators present in shopping malls or any other commercial building.

4- Stainless Steel Etched Sheet​ 

 

Stainless steel etched sheets are created by using a chemical process. In this process, some corners of the sheets are removed, which creates a sunken or hollow pattern. These hollow parts are then customized by using different coatings. 

 

Therefore, these sheets are widely used for elevator design, as you can customize them with logos. Moreover, etched sheets are also promising in terms of durability. Hence, such sheets of stainless steel are used in doors and frames of elevators. 

Different Elevator Interior Design Ideas​ 

 

We are now into our main topic, which is the trendy designs of elevator cabs. I know that it is most confusing when you are getting an elevator installed at your building, but you don’t have any idea about interior design. 

 

Are you also stuck in this situation? You need not worry! Below, I will discuss several elevator interior ideas and their key features. Understanding those ideas will make selecting the design that meets your requirements easy. 

1- Modern Elevator Interior​ 

 

In modern elevator interior design materials, aluminum, glass, and stainless steel are used. Streamlined detailing on these materials further enhances aesthetics. Moreover, small color-changing LED lights can also be used in this design. Touchless buttons and music make riding more enjoyable. Designers also use traditional art on the walls of the elevators. Modern interior design of elevators is best suited for luxury apartments. 

2- Luxury Elevator Interior Design​

 

A luxury elevator design is recommended for premium places. The signature materials used in this design are marble and granite. Those materials are designed with elegant artwork. Tiny LED lights that change their tone at different times of the day are also used in this interior design. The elevator, with a luxury interior, also features a seating place for comfort. You can also find multimedia systems in this design feature. But remember, this multimedia system is optional, and I don’t recommend having it on the elevator.

3- Residential Elevator Interiors​ 

 

This interior design is relatively simple and suitable for homes. You can choose the material according to your preferences. Designers mostly prefer wood veneers and frosted glass for this design. Soft LED lights in the ceiling of elevators are a feature of this design. Even though this idea offers you a simple design, it still features innovative technology, i.e., voice activation. 

 

What I like about this design is that it comes with safety measures. For example, it features a non-slipping floor and stable handrails.  Remember, having a non-slip floor is crucial, as your kids may use the elevator. It ensures that you and your family will have an excellent and safe riding experience.

4- Fancy Elevator Interior​ 

 

The fancy elevator design is a sign of luxury. If you are a five-star hotel owner, you should consider this design. Indirectly, this design is an advertisement for your business place. It features marble and stones for the floor and gold-plated finishes for wall panels. The ceiling of fancy elevators is designed with mirror-finishing. 

 

One surprising thing about this design is its mood control system. It contains different lights and fragrance modes. You can switch those lights and fragrances to match your mood. Moreover, digital displays on the walls further attract users.  I don’t recommend this interior design for elevators if you have a small business or building due to its cost.

5- Small Lift Interior Design​ 

 

It is very challenging to design a small lift interior. The engineers who create a design will agree with me. It requires top-notch creativity from the designer. The reason is that designers get tiny places to play with design. But I’ve got an idea that the designer can use a mirror on one of the elevator’s walls. 

 

This mirror will create an optical illusion that feels like the cab is larger. Due to the small space, these lifts can have white lights that enhance the visual effect. These lifts are used in houses and small industries, so they can feature emergency phones. Lastly, the mirrored ceiling and the pop of vibrant shades give a cheerful touch to the small lift.  

Trends in Elevator Design​ 

 

The above section gave you different ideas that you can use for the interior of elevators. That idea will provide a welcoming feel when someone enters the lift.  However, the trends in elevator design are different for wall panels, ceilings, and doors. In the section below, I will discuss various trends for those parts separately.

1- Wall Panel Elevator Cab Interior Trends​

 

First, sleek finishes are a famous trend for wall panels in elevator cabs. These finishes include etched, brush, and vibration. All these finishes suit different materials, such as aluminum, stainless steel, and copper. They provide an elegant look and durability.

 

Wall panels with 3D texture create an aesthetic environment. They make the ride more pleasurable. Moreover, the addition of large mirrors for small lifts is another trend. As I said above, this creates an optical illusion and makes it feel like an ample space. Furthermore, the lighting you choose for interior design also matters.

 

For example, trending LED lights with vibrant colors enhance the interior’s aesthetics. Lastly, thematic walls with abstract art catch the passengers’ attention. You can also incorporate the thematic wall of your company logos. It will match the building’s character and create an inspiring environment. 

2- Elevator Ceiling Panels​ 

 

Elevator ceiling panels also feature a variety of design trends, including suspended styles. These ceilings offer versatility and are easy to replace and install. Another trending design for ceilings is illuminated panels. These ceiling panels have a small LED or RGB lighting system. This not only enhances visibility but also saves energy.

 

Perforated ceiling panels are also a trend nowadays. These ceilings have tiny pores that enhance ventilation and lightning. If you feel suffocated in an elevator, these ceilings are the best option for your home elevators. Other trends include wooden-finished ceilings. Such ceilings provide a natural and architectural theme to the elevators. 

 

Quick Tip: You can use ceiling panels based on your own feelings. However, I recommend using them according to the spirit of the building. For example, if you have a shopping mall, use those panels with LED-based color lights. On the flip side, if you have a shop selling more natural products, go for wooden-finished ceiling panels.

3- Elevator Door Panels​ 

 

The modern elevators’ door panels consist of stainless steel material. As you know, stainless steel is well-known for its durability and corrosion resistance. Therefore, it prevents scratches and lasts for a long time, ensuring users’ safety. 

 

Moreover, you can have a different colored polish to give it a shiny look. You can also use tempered glass doors, but I don’t recommend using them on the elevator. They are less prone to scratches and are easily cleanable. But they, to some extent, affect the privacy of riders. However, their use is becoming popular. 

 

Acoustic door panels are inventions of the modern era. These doors are designed to nullify the effect of noise. Thus, they provide comfortable rides to the users and are best suited for noisy places. Another design of elevator doors is in wooden form.

 

These doors come in various designs, from simple ones with less cost to customized ones with more cost. These doors are best for industrial places as they are stronger than above. Lastly, you have the etched door design of elevators. This design allows you to incorporate a business logo, which provides a professional look. 

 

Maintenance and Care for Elevator Interior Design

 

As you know, the interior design of elevators is costly. So, their proper maintenance is crucial to value money. If not, the elevator interior design will become dull over time, affecting the user experience. In the section below, I will share some tips to help you maintain elevator interior design integrity.

• Regular cleaning is key for maintenance. As several people use the elevators, they become dirty more quickly. So, it is better to clean the door and walls using soft abrasives or cleaning solutions.
• With time, the polishing of interior design becomes dull. It decorates the entire aesthetic of the elevators. So, you should apply polishes frequently to maintain its look. But remember, use polishing that is compatible with the material.
• You should frequently check for wear and tear. It is crucial for the user’s safety. If you notice any elevator part getting damaged, replace it immediately. Moreover, carpets on the floors deteriorate more quickly. So they should be changed with time.
• Lightning is a crucial component in elevators. Due to their continuous use, they often get damaged. So, when you see a dim light that is not working correctly, replace it. Moreover, you should also prefer LED lights. They are energy efficient, so they require less energy when used in lifts.
• Keeping the control panel and buttons functional is crucial. As they remain under use continuously, they require more maintenance. They should be clean to ensure proper functionality. If any malfunction occurs, ask the experts to repair it. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What are the primary design considerations in an elevator?

 

The primary design considerations in an elevator include:

• Functionality of elevator
• Reliability
• Cost-effectiveness
• Maintainability 

 

What is included in an elevator modernization?

 

Modernization of an elevator is a replacement of outdated parts and design. It includes installing door sensors, a display system, and a standard security system. Moreover, the sleek and modern design of the interior is also included in modernization.

 

What is a smart elevator system?

 

The smart elevator system includes a touchless button system. In this system, a control system for the push button is installed in the phone app. Only residents or staff members have access to this system. So, it is a more secure and advanced elevator design. 

 

Conclusion

 

Elevators are a crucial part of any significant or commercial building. From simple to advanced, there are several trends in elevator cab designs. In this article, I have covered some of those designs. For example, the wall panels come in a 3D texture and sleek finish. Moreover, trends in the door of elevator design are also versatile. 

 

For instance, doors have Acoustic designs and aesthetic wood doors. Like this, ceiling panels also have a variety of designs. They come in suspended and perforated designs. All these interior designs of elevators enhance the aesthetics and make the ride more comfortable and enjoyable.