SIST EN 13721:2023

Furniture - Assessment of the surface reflectance

This document specifies a method for the assessment of the surface reflectance of furniture surfaces and relates to rigid surfaces of all finished products regardless of materials, except for finishes on leather and fabrics, which are excluded from this document.
This document is applicable to the test, intended to be carried out on finished furniture, but can be carried out on test panels of the same material, finished in an identical manner to the finished product, and of a size sufficient to meet the requirements of the test.
The test method is not applicable to some metallic paints and pearly coatings.

Möbel - Bewertung des Oberflächenreflexionsgrades

Dieses Dokument legt ein Verfahren zur Bewertung des Oberflächenreflexionsgrades von Möbeloberflächen fest und bezieht sich auf starre Oberflächen aller fertigen Produkte unabhängig von den Werkstoffen; nicht von diesem Dokument erfasst sind Oberflächenbehandlungen auf Leder und Textilien.
Dieses Dokument ist für die Prüfung anzuwenden, die für die Durchführung am gebrauchsfertigen Möbel vorgesehen ist, aber auch an Prüfkörpern durchgeführt werden kann, die aus dem gleichen Werkstoff mit identischer Oberflächenbehandlung wie das Möbel bestehen und groß genug sind, um den Anforderungen der Prüfung zu entsprechen.
Das Prüfverfahren ist bei einigen Metallic- und Perlmuttlackierungen nicht anzuwenden.

Ameublement - Évaluation de la luminance lumineuse des surfaces

Le présent document spécifie une méthode permettant d’évaluer la luminance lumineuse des surfaces des meubles et s’applique aux surfaces rigides de tous les produits finis, sans distinction de matériaux, à l’exception des finitions appliquées sur le cuir et les textiles, qui sont exclues du présent document.
Le présent document est applicable à l’essai destiné à être réalisé sur des meubles finis, mais il peut être mené sur des panneaux d’essai dont le matériau et la finition sont identiques à ceux du produit fini et d’une taille suffisante pour satisfaire aux exigences de l’essai.
La méthode d’essai ne s’applique pas à certaines peintures métallisées et certains revêtements nacrés.

Pohištvo - Ocenjevanje odbojnosti površine

Ta dokument določa metodo za ocenjevanje odbojnosti površin pohištva in se navezuje na trdne površine vseh končanih izdelkov ne glede na material, razen za zaključke iz usnja in blaga, ki so izključeni iz tega dokumenta.
Preskus naj bi se izvedel na končanem kosu pohištva, izvesti pa ga je mogoče tudi na preskusnih ploščah iz istega materiala, ki so obdelane na identičen način kot končan izdelek in dovolj velike, da ustrezajo zahtevam preskusa.
Preskusna metoda se ne uporablja za nekatere kovinske barve in biserne premaze.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Public Enquiry End Date: 02-Jan-2022
• Publication Date: 01-Jun-2023
• ICS: 97.140 - Furniture
• Technical Committee: POH - Furniture
• Current Stage: 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 23-May-2023
• Due Date: 28-Jul-2023
• Completion Date: 02-Jun-2023
• Ref Project: EN 13721:2023 - Furniture - Assessment of the surface reflectance

Relations

• Replaces: SIST EN 13721:2004 - Furniture - Assessment of the surface reflectance
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2023
• Refers: SIST EN ISO 23547:2023 - Measurement of radioactivity - Gamma emitting radionuclides - Reference measurement standard specifications for the calibration of gamma-ray spectrometers (ISO 23547:2022)
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: SIST EN ISO 18314-1:2018 - Analytical colorimetry - Part 1: Practical colour measurement (ISO 18314-1:2015)
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN IEC 62282-4-101:2022 - Fuel cell technologies - Part 4-101: Fuel cell power systems for electrically powered industrial trucks - Safety (IEC 62282-4-101:2022)
• Effective Date: 09-Feb-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN 17353:2020 - Protective clothing - Enhanced visibility equipment for medium risk situations - Test methods and requirements
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN ISO 5912:2020 - Camping tents - Requirements and test methods (ISO 5912:2020)
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN ISO 6185-3:2018 - Inflatable boats - Part 3: Boats with a hull length less than 8 m with a motor rating of 15 kW and greater (ISO 6185-3:2014)
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN 15060:2007 - Paints and varnishes - Guide for the classification and selection of coating systems for wood based materials in furniture for interior use
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN 342:2018 - Protective clothing - Ensembles and garments for protection against cold
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN ISO 6185-4:2018 - Inflatable boats - Part 4: Boats with a hull length of between 8 m and 24 m with a motor power rating of 15 kW and greater (ISO 6185-4:2011, Corrected version 2014-08-01)
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN 17353:2020+A1:2025 - Protective clothing - Enhanced visibility equipment for medium risk situations - Test methods and requirements
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN ISO 6185-3:2024 - Inflatable boats - Part 3: Boats with a hull length less than 8 m with a motor rating of 15 kW and greater (ISO 6185-3:2024)
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026

Overview

SIST EN 13721:2023 - Furniture - Assessment of the Surface Reflectance outlines a standardized method for evaluating the surface reflectance of rigid furniture surfaces. Developed by SIS (Slovenian Institute for Standardization) and harmonized with European norms, this standard ensures that manufacturers, laboratories, and quality controllers have a consistent procedure for measuring and reporting the light reflection qualities of finished furniture. Notably, finishes on leather and fabrics, as well as certain metallic paints and pearly coatings, are not covered within the scope.

Surface reflectance testing under SIST EN 13721:2023 can be performed both on the finished furniture and on identically finished test panels of sufficient size. The method is intended to reflect (and assess) the visual appearance and lightness factor of the surface, facilitating objective quality assessment and product comparison in the furniture industry.

Keywords: furniture surface reflectance, furniture quality testing, visual appearance, standardization, EN 13721:2023, furniture industry standards

Key Topics

• Scope and Applicability

  • Applies to rigid surfaces of all finished furniture products (excluding leather, fabrics, some metallic paints, and pearly coatings).
  • Tests may be conducted directly on finished items or on test panels with identical finish.

• Test Principles

  • Utilizes a photometric approach, where surface reflectance or the “lightness factor” is measured using standardized equipment and procedures.
  • The recommended measurement geometries are 45°/0° or d/8°, tailored by the texture and finish of the surface.

• Test Preparation

  • All test units and panels should be conditioned at specified temperature and humidity for at least 24 hours.
  • The surface must be flat, clean, and of sufficient size for accurate measurement.

• Instrumentation and Calibration

  • Requires use of a calibrated spectrophotometer or tristimulus colorimeter in accordance with established international colorimetry standards.
  • Calibration is essential before each test series to ensure accuracy.

• Assessment and Reporting

  • Surface reflectance is measured at multiple points, and the mean value is calculated.
  • Specific criteria define valid versus invalid measurement spreads, ensuring reliability.
  • Documentation requirements include details of the tested unit, instrument used, results, and test conditions.

Applications

• Quality Control in Manufacturing

  • Enables manufacturers to verify the consistency and visual appearance of surface finishes across different furniture batches or product lines.
  • Supports detection of inconsistencies that may impact customer satisfaction or product acceptance.

• Product Development

  • Assists in R&D by providing objective criteria to assess new finishing techniques, materials, or coatings.
  • Helps ensure furniture surfaces meet design specifications for aesthetic and functional properties.

• Market and Regulatory Compliance

  • Demonstrates compliance with European and international standards when entering new markets.
  • Meets the requirements of buyers and regulatory bodies focused on standardization and quality assurance.

• Comparative Benchmarking

  • Enables retailers and procurement professionals to compare surface finishes from different manufacturers based on standardized results.

Related Standards

• EN ISO/CIE 11664 Series

  • Covers colorimetry fundamentals, including standard colorimetric observers and illuminants used as the basis for reflectance measurements.

• EN ISO 18314-1

  • Provides methods for practical color measurement, crucial for calibration and operation of test equipment.

• CIE 1931 / CIE 1964

  • Establishes the standard colorimetric observer coordinates and recommendations.

• Other Furniture Standards

  • Often referenced in conjunction with EN 14322 (surface resistance), EN 15185 (surface gloss), and EN 17214 (surface durability) for comprehensive surface assessment.

By following SIST EN 13721:2023, organizations ensure objective, reliable, and comparable assessments of surface reflectance, enhancing product quality and buyer confidence in the global furniture market.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-julij-2023
Nadomešča:
SIST EN 13721:2004
Pohištvo - Ocenjevanje odbojnosti površine
Furniture - Assessment of the surface reflectance
Möbel - Bewertung des Oberflächenreflexionsgrades
Ameublement - Évaluation de la luminance lumineuse des surfaces
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 13721:2023
ICS:
97.140 Pohištvo Furniture
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN 13721
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
April 2023
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 97.140 Supersedes EN 13721:2004
English Version
Furniture - Assessment of the surface reflectance
Ameublement - Évaluation de la luminance lumineuse Möbel - Bewertung des Oberflächenreflexionsgrades
des surfaces
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 17 March 2023.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2023 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 13721:2023 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 3
1 Scope . 4
2 Normative references . 4
3 Terms and definitions . 4
4 Principle . 5
5 Viewing/illumination condition geometry . 5
6 Standard colorimetric observer and standard illuminant . 6
7 Equipment . 6
7.1 General. 6
7.2 Conditioning chamber . 6
7.3 Cleaning cloth . 6
8 Preparation and conditioning of test units/test panels. 7
9 Instrument calibration . 7
9.1 Calibration . 7
9.2 Reference scale . 7
9.3 Reference standards (primary and working) . 7
10 Test Procedure . 7
11 Test report . 8
Bibliography . 9

European foreword
This document (EN 13721:2023) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 207 “Furniture”,
the secretariat of which is held by UNI.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by October 2023, and conflicting national standards shall
be withdrawn at the latest by October 2023.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN 13721:2004.
The main changes compared to the previous edition are listed below:
— revised scope: test method is not applicable to some metallic paints and pearly coatings;
— normative references updated;
— additional terms and definitions “final inspection”, “colorants control” added;
— revised Table 1 Recommended measurement geometries;
— additional 7.2 Conditioning chamber and 7.3 Cleaning cloth added;
— document editorially revised in its entirety.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards body.
A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia,
Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland,
Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North
Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the United
Kingdom.
1 Scope
This document specifies a method for the assessment of the surface reflectance of furniture surfaces and
relates to rigid surfaces of all finished products regardless of materials, except for finishes on leather and
fabrics, which are excluded from this document.
This document is applicable to the test, intended to be carried out on finished furniture, but can be carried
out on test panels of the same material, finished in an identical manner to the finished product, and of a
size sufficient to meet the requirements of the test.
The test method is not applicable to some metallic paints and pearly coatings.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN ISO/CIE 11664-1:2019, Colorimetry - Part 1: CIE standard colorimetr
...