Designing seat covers that speak to the senses

For many of us, flying is second nature. But for blind and visually impaired travellers, navigating an aircraft cabin can present real challenges. Whether it’s accessing safety information or finding a seat in dim lighting, they often require assistance from crew members – limiting their independence and adding unnecessary stress.

Over the last few years, accessibility features have become a staple of modern aircraft interiors. However, implementing intuitive tactile and visual cues to aid passengers has often meant sacrificing aesthetics for accessibility.

Building on the success of last year’s Sensation collection, we’re thrilled to unveil the next evolution of our people-first design approach: a collection tailored to the needs of blind and visually impaired passengers.

By integrating raised seat numbers, Braille-embossed safety instructions, and high-contrast colour palettes, our new leather seat cover concepts demonstrate how materials and textures can help create a more accessible and inclusive onboard experience.

Jamie O’Donnell, Lead Designer at Muirhead, says: “Blind and visually impaired passengers deserve cabin interiors that empower them to travel with confidence and dignity. Thoughtful seat cover design plays a crucial role in making that possible.”

By making design choices that reflect the needs of blind travellers, airlines can create a more intuitive and comfortable experience for everyone – enhancing accessibility without compromising on style or quality.

Thoughtful design

Seat covers are often overlooked as a tool for inclusive cabin design. While other components of aircraft interiors – such as lighting and in-flight entertainment – are being adapted to support accessibility, seat covers remain an underutilised resource.

Trusted by over 160 airlines worldwide, Muirhead is no stranger to balancing aesthetics, performance, and accessibility. The latest edition of our Sensation collection builds on this expertise, proving that accessible seat cover design and premium aesthetics can go hand-in-hand.

For passengers with low vision, colour contrast is crucial. While cabin crew are usually on hand to escort travellers to their seats, our new design concept encourages airlines to enable a more independent travel experience by making seat numbers and key cabin features easier to identify.

Inspired by last year’s sensory-friendly design collection, we developed a colour palette that is both calming and practical. High-contrast colours help visually impaired passengers distinguish between seat areas and navigate the cabin aisle with confidence.

Using high-contrast digital print, seat numbers on headrests and literature pockets remain visible in different lighting conditions. These adjustments don’t just benefit visually impaired travellers – they can help any passenger find their way more easily.

Small design details, such as tactile features, can make a huge difference. The new Sensation collection features embossed seat numbering integrated directly into the seat cover, allowing passengers to identify their row and seat through touch alone.

To further enhance accessibility, Braille safety instructions have been embossed onto leather literature pockets, providing vital information in a format that many blind passengers can access independently. The Braille instructions were transcribed for Muirhead by students from the Royal National College for the Blind.

Material innovation

Aircraft seat covers must ensure constant use while maintaining their premium look and feel. While Muirhead’s aviation leather is already known for its durability and sustainability, the 2025 Sensation collection takes this further by incorporating unique design elements that enhance both comfort and accessibility.

The embossed – rather than top-stitched – dress cover reduces potential irritation and ensures a smoother, uninterrupted surface. Meanwhile, textured seat bolsters provide a reassuring touchpoint for passengers, offering both functional and sensory benefits.

With our in-house embossing and digital printing capabilities, these features are seamlessly integrated into the seat cover without compromising on performance or durability.

Experience the Sensation Collection at AIX 2025

For CMF designers envisioning the next generation of aircraft interiors, Muirhead’s latest Sensation collection offers new possibilities in accessibility-focused seat cover design.

Visitors to Booth 6E95 at AIX 2025 will have the chance to experience the benefits of people-focused seat covers firsthand, and learn how Muirhead is redefining the role of seat covers in creating a more independent and comfortable passenger experience for all.