INTRODUCTION/Chapter 1: Your Guide to Toilet Partition Colors

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Your Guide to Toilet Partition Colors

If you’re a business owner, chances are that you have a lot more to think about than bathroom partition colors. However, the details matter to your customers, especially when it comes to restroom cleanliness and comfort. Studies have shown that consumers are willing to spend more time and money at businesses that have clean, pleasant and well-maintained bathrooms. They’ll even choose a company over another if it offers a better restroom experience. Many consumers will not return to a business if the bathroom does not meet their expectations, and they won’t hesitate to tell friends and family about their experience — which can impact sales.

An attractive, clean bathroom also makes a difference for employees. Employees feel more appreciated when the restrooms are taken care of and were thoughtfully designed. A dirty, poorly maintained bathroom, on the other hand, makes employees feel like they aren’t valued. As most business owners know, that’s not a way to raise morale.

Fortunately, you don’t have to completely renovate your bathroom to make a great impression on employees and customers. With a few simple, affordable changes, you can make your business’s bathroom look and feel like new.

One way to improve your restroom is to upgrade its partitions. You can choose durable, easy-to-clean partitions in an attractive color that fits the bathroom’s overall design. By doing so, you’ll add comfort, privacy and aesthetic appeal, and create a more pleasant bathroom experience overall.

How do you choose the right bathroom stall color and material for your restroom? That’s what this guide is all about. In this guide, we’ll cover topics such as:

  • How to select toilet partition colors and materials
  • The benefits, color options and prices of each material type
  • Toilet partition trends by industry
  • Installation tips
  • How to get a quote with our online pricing tool

If you have any questions as you read this guide, reach out to us at One Point Partitions. Our design experts are here to help you make the best choice and find durable, appealing, American-made partitions for your bathroom.

Chapter 1: Toilet Partition Materials

Public restrooms trace back to Ancient Rome, but bathrooms were much less pleasant and private back then.Using a Roman public bathroom could be a terrifying experience, as users were afraid of being bitten by creatures lurking in the sewer channels or getting burned by flames due to methane buildup. They didn’t have any privacy either and sat right next to their neighbors as they used the facility.

Modern-day bathroom users have it made by comparison because partitions keep toilets separate and private. Business owners can further enhance the bathroom experience for their customers by selecting a quality partition material and attractive design.

In this chapter, we’ll explore different bathroom partition materials. We’ll also help you choose a material and color that’s suitable for your business. If you need any assistance along the way, we’re here for you at One Point Partitions.

What Is a Toilet Partition?

A toilet partition is a metal or plastic divider that separates toilets in public restrooms. The purpose of a toilet partition is to provide privacy and comfort for the person using the bathroom stall, as well as protect their belongings from theft. It helps customers feel secure as they use the facility, which is a big plus for business owners.

Toilet partitions have been used in public restrooms for over a hundred years. Architect Frank Lloyd Wright is credited with being a partition pioneer for having designed the innovative restrooms of the Larkin Building in Buffalo, New York, which was built in 1903. His new suspended partitions and wall-mounted toilets made it easier to mop the floors. In 1918, an inventor was granted a patent for metal toilet partitions.

Today, business owners face a wide range of bathroom stall materials and colors to choose from. Proprietors can easily find partitions that suit their durability needs, budget and desired look.

What Are Toilet Partitions Made Of?

Partitions are constructed from a range of materials. Some materials are designed to withstand frequent use and varying moisture levels. Here’s an overview of partition materials you can count on:

  • Powder-coated steel: Powder-coated steel partitions are the least expensive option and the most popular. Powder-coated steel partitions feature a honeycomb cardboard core that is sandwiched between durable metal sheets. The material is then coated with a high-quality powder and heated. Powder-coated steel partitions are lightweight, resistant to corrosion and stains, and sturdy. These widely available partitions will continue to be in demand as business owners search for affordable, quality restroom products.
  • Laminate: Laminate partitions feature a particleboard core and high-pressure laminate finish. Laminate is a cost-effective material and is available in a vast range of colors. Laminate partitions may be the go-to choice if budget and style are both a concern.
  • Solid plastic: Solid plastic, or high-density polyethylene (HDPE), is a durable and waterproof material. It’s resistant to mold, common cleaners and graffiti. Solid plastic partitions are an excellent choice for busy bathrooms.
  • Phenolic: Phenolic partitions are created by applying heat and pressure to layers of paper saturated in phenolic resin. Phenolic partitions are lightweight but extremely durable. Phenolic partitions are an easy-to-clean premier product ideal for high-traffic, high-moisture areas.
  • Stainless steel: Stainless steel consists of iron alloys and carbon. Chromium, in particular, makes stainless steel highly resistant to corrosion. Stainless steel partitions are top-of-the-line products that provide a luxurious contemporary look. It’s easy to remove dirt, scratches and other stains from stainless steel, which means it’s great for a range of environments. These types of partitions continue to be in demand for their aesthetic appeal and superior resilience.

How Tall Are Bathroom Partitions?

Bathroom partition heights vary, but generally, they are around 58 inches tall, or approximately 4 feet and 8 inches. Partitions are usually installed a foot off the ground, which brings the height closer to 70 inches. If you wish for greater privacy, you might choose partitions that measure 64 or 72 inches high. Please contact us at One Point Partitions to discuss height options and custom designs.

How Do You Choose a Bathroom Stall Material?

The type of partition material you choose depends on several factors, such as:

  • Budget: Before you start shopping, you need to know how much you can spend on new bathroom stalls. Your budget will help you narrow your options from the start. If your budget is tight, consider powder-coated steel, which is the most affordable option. If you have a little more room in your budget, you might invest in phenolic or stainless steel, which are both premium choices for higher upfront costs.
  • Traffic levels and customer expectations: Consider how many people regularly use your restroom and the level of durability you need. Also, think about your customer base and what they expect. For example, you might prioritize quality and design if you need partitions for a prestigious office building. If you need partitions for a high-traffic building like a mall or elementary school, you’ll want a material that can stand up to heavy use and is easy to clean.
  • Moisture levels: You need to think about the level of moisture present in your restroom. If your restroom is located in a highly humid area, such as next to a pool or showers, you don’t want to choose a material that’s more vulnerable to the effects of moisture. If your bathroom has high humidity, choose solid plastic or phenolic partitions, and avoid laminate and powder-coated steel.
  • Design: Consider how you want your bathroom to look and feel. Some materials have more options when it comes to color and patterns. For instance, laminate is available in a wide range of colors to suit just about any style. While stainless steel may not be available in a vast array of styles, it instantly conveys quality. Think about your brand and how you want customers to perceive your business.

How Do You Choose a Bathroom Partition Color?

Your new bathroom partitions will be a major element in your restroom. They can potentially add an energizing pop of color to the space, or, if you’re going for a more tranquil setting, can help create a sense of calm. Either way, you’ll want to select the color carefully, because your customers will notice if the bathroom stalls don’t seem to fit with the overall look. They’ll also see if the bathroom has been carefully designed and looks stunning. Here are factors to consider:

Color Psychology

Color psychology is basically the study of how different hues affect mood. For example, the color red is thought to stimulate appetite, which is why it’s a popular choice in restaurants. Blue, on the other hand, is associated with relaxation and is a popular shade for bathrooms and bedrooms. While you don’t need to be a color psychology expert to choose a suitable partition, it’s something you may want to consider. Here are a few different colors and their corresponding messages:

  • White: Fresh and clean
  • Red: Energy and confidence
  • Black: Power and mystery
  • Blue: Calmness and healing
  • Green: Nature and optimism

Current Color Scheme

Before you make any decisions, think about the colors already present in your restroom. As a general rule, you’ll want to balance neutral colors, such as beige, gray, ivory or black, with vibrant hues. For example, if your bathroom walls are gray, you might choose red partitions to make the room more stimulating.

If you stick to a neutral color scheme, which can create a soothing environment, you’ll want to balance light and dark to make the bathroom more interesting. You might refer to the color wheel to discover what colors go well together.

Number of Hues

The key to creating a well-designed bathroom is not to go overboard with color. Too much color can make the restroom feel overstimulating. That doesn’t mean you can’t hang artwork on the walls. It merely means you’ll want to think twice about adding red partitions if you have purple walls and yellow floors. In such an example, it might be better to choose black partitions.

In general, aim to include no more than three different colors in your bathroom. Choose one neutral color as the primary hue, which may be the wall paint. Then add a stronger shade, which would be the second most abundant color in the bathroom, or in this case, the partitions. Lastly, choose an accent color, which should be the most vibrant of all the shades in the room, but also used in the smallest amounts. This might be found in the artwork or other decor elements.

You can use this rule to combine neutrals in different ways, too, in case you don’t want to add anything extreme to your restroom. For example, a bathroom with soft green walls, wood-patterned partitions and gray tile floors uses all neutrals but is stunning nonetheless.

Maintenance Needs

How busy does your bathroom get, and how often is it cleaned? You’ll want to think about maintenance requirements when selecting a partition color because some hues hide dirt better than others. For example, even though white can make a bathroom feel clean, it also shows dirt more easily. So, if you choose white partitions, make sure an employee is available to wipe it down periodically throughout the day, especially if your bathroom sees a lot of traffic. Darker shades or patterns are better at concealing dirt and stains and might be the best choice for high-traffic restrooms.

Business’s Theme

Consider the type of business you own and the message you want to send customers when choosing a partition color. For example, if you want to convey luxury and elegance, choose dark shades or stainless steel. If your business encourages creativity, think about choosing bright, playful colors or patterns. Your bathroom should fit in with the overall look of your building’s interior and be consistent with the mood.

Bathroom Size

How big is your restroom? Generally, it’s better to use light colors in smaller bathrooms. This is because light colors are more reflective than darker shades and can make a room feel more open. On the other hand, if you have a large restroom, you have more freedom to experiment with dark colors.

Need some assistance with your bathroom ideas? Use our online bathroom partition layout program to get started with a new design.

Chapter 9: How to Get a Fast and Easy Quote for Your Partition Project Download