Elevator design is no longer just about functionality—it’s now a crucial element of a building’s overall aesthetic and operational efficiency. As commercial property managers look to upgrade their spaces, staying on top of emerging trends for 2025 is essential. These trends emphasize cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and user experience, setting a new standard for vertical transportation.
Whether you’re modernizing an old system or designing from scratch, here’s a deep dive into the styles and technologies that are defining the future of elevator design.
Why Elevator Design Matters in 2025
An elevator isn’t just a way to get from floor to floor. It’s a critical touchpoint in a building’s design, influencing first impressions and reflecting the values of the property. Elevators that integrate seamlessly into the interior aesthetic, prioritize eco-friendly materials, and offer advanced features create a memorable experience for tenants and visitors alike. The trends for 2025 are all about pushing these elements to the next level.
Key Themes in Elevator Design
1. Sustainability: Doing More With Less
Sustainability is no longer optional—it’s a cornerstone of design across industries, and elevators are no exception.
- Eco-Friendly Materials: Expect to see recycled metals, bamboo, and other sustainable materials dominating elevator interiors. These options reduce environmental impact while providing a polished, contemporary look.
- Energy Efficiency: Technologies such as LED lighting and regenerative drive systems help reduce electricity usage. Even paints and adhesives are shifting to low-VOC options, contributing to healthier indoor environments.
- Tenant Appeal: Eco-conscious tenants increasingly prefer buildings that reflect their values. A sustainably designed elevator can make a big difference in leasing and occupancy rates.
2. Cutting-Edge Technology
The integration of advanced technology is another major trend driving elevator design.
- Smart Systems: Features like destination-based dispatching improve efficiency, reducing wait times and energy consumption.
- Touchless Controls: Post-pandemic concerns around hygiene have made touchless, voice-activated, and app-controlled elevators a priority.
- Personalization: Online design tools allow property managers to customize interiors with ease, ensuring alignment with the building’s overall theme.
Smart technology not only enhances functionality but also creates a seamless and modern user experience, making buildings more appealing and competitive in a crowded market.
Popular Materials and Finishes for 2025
Materials and finishes can transform the feel of an elevator. The trends for 2025 focus on luxurious yet sustainable options that balance durability with aesthetic appeal.
Exotic and Traditional Wood Veneers
Wood veneers are making a strong comeback due to their natural warmth and elegance. Options like mahogany, oak, and bamboo offer timeless beauty and align with sustainability goals since veneers require less timber compared to solid wood.
- Why It’s Trending: Wood veneers provide versatility, allowing property managers to balance sophistication with eco-friendliness.
- Best Uses: Office buildings, high-end commercial spaces, and boutique hotels.
Patterned and Colored Stainless Steel
Stainless steel remains a favorite for its durability, but 2025 will see it dressed up with patterns, etchings, and color coatings.
- Benefits: It combines industrial strength with a modern, customizable aesthetic.
- Applications: Sleek corporate environments and modern retail spaces.
Thin Cut Stone Veneer
Natural stone is a go-to for designers looking to add elegance, and thinner veneers make it more sustainable and cost-effective.
- Why It’s Popular: Stone veneers bring a biophilic touch to elevator interiors, connecting users with nature while maintaining durability.
- Examples: Marble, granite, or limestone finishes.
Features That Enhance Passenger Experience
Going beyond materials, the best elevator designs incorporate features that delight users while enhancing functionality.
Custom Image Backlit Glass Panels
These panels allow property managers to incorporate unique branding, artistic designs, or wayfinding cues directly into elevator interiors. Energy-efficient LED lighting enhances their appeal.
- Key Advantage: Customizability ensures alignment with a building’s theme while adding a wow factor.
- Sustainability: LED backlighting supports eco-friendly practices.
Leather-Wrapped Stainless Elements
Combining the durability of stainless steel with the luxury of leather creates a tactile and visual contrast that screams sophistication.
- Where It Works: Luxury residential towers and high-end office spaces.
Pantone-Matched Backpainted Glass
Pantone-matched glass ensures a seamless integration of colors, perfect for properties that want elevators to reflect their branding or design themes.
- Added Value: Low-VOC paints used in backpainting align with sustainability goals while ensuring vibrant and lasting color.
Smart Elevator Technologies: The Future of Customization
2025 is bringing a revolution in how property managers can plan, design, and maintain elevator interiors.
Online Elevator Cab Design Tools
These tools are game-changers for anyone looking to streamline the design process.
- Real-Time Visualization: Experiment with different materials and finishes, and see how they’ll look in your space instantly.
- Ease of Collaboration: Share designs with stakeholders for faster approval.
- Cost Savings: Avoid costly mistakes by visualizing your decisions before they’re implemented.
Destination-Based Dispatch Systems
These systems group passengers traveling to the same floors, reducing wait times and energy use. They’re a perfect fit for busy office buildings where efficiency is key.
How to Stay Ahead
Elevator design trends for 2025 are exciting, but keeping up with them requires a proactive approach. Here’s what property managers can do to ensure their buildings remain competitive:
- Prioritize Sustainability: Incorporate eco-friendly materials and energy-saving technologies in every upgrade.
- Leverage Technology: Use online design tools to customize interiors and explore smart systems for better efficiency.
- Focus on Aesthetics: Invest in modern materials like wood veneers, stainless steel, and backlit glass to create a cohesive design that aligns with your building’s overall style.
- Consider the Passenger Experience: Features like touchless controls, custom branding, and luxury finishes can set your elevators apart.
Ready to Elevate Your Building?
At Moseley Elevator, we specialize in helping property managers bring the latest trends to life. Whether you’re planning a complete modernization or a smaller design refresh, our team has the expertise to guide you through every step of the process.
Contact Moseley Elevator today to explore cutting-edge solutions tailored to your building’s needs. Let’s create an elevator experience that reflects the future of design—efficient, sustainable, and unforgettable.
Dan Devault spearheads Moseley Elevator, a company renowned for its exceptional elevator installation, maintenance, and modernization services. Dan’s extensive experience in the elevator industry, coupled with a deep understanding of mechanical systems, ensures that Moseley Elevator delivers solutions that are not only reliable but also innovative and tailored to each client’s needs. Under his leadership, the company is dedicated to elevating the standards of vertical transportation, emphasizing safety, efficiency, and design. Moseley Elevator prides itself on sharing expertise and insights into the evolving world of elevator technology, helping clients make informed decisions for their buildings.
