Fire Retardant Curtains: Combining Safety, Compliance, and Style in Modern Spaces

Curtains and the Hidden Fire Risk

Curtains are often chosen for their colour, texture, or how they complement a room’s design. But beyond aesthetics, curtains play a less obvious—yet critical—role in fire safety.

Ordinary fabrics can ignite quickly and allow flames to spread fast. That’s why fire retardant curtains are becoming a must-have, not just for commercial spaces like hotels, schools, and theatres, but also for homes where safety and peace of mind matter most.

Here’s an important distinction many people miss:

• Fire retardant curtains → Decorative drapes, blackout curtains, and window dressings made from flame-resistant fabrics.
  
• Fire curtains → Active fire safety barriers used in building engineering (not the subject of this article).
  

This guide focuses on the first—fire retardant curtains as soft furnishings—which combine style, compliance, and safety.

What Are Fire Retardant Curtains?

Fire retardant curtains are designed to resist ignition and reduce flame spread. They provide valuable extra time for people to react and evacuate in the event of a fire.

They are made from two types of fabrics:

• Inherently flame-resistant fabrics – such as modacrylics, which are fire-resistant by their nature.
  
• Chemically treated fabrics – standard textiles coated with fire-retardant solutions that make them resistant to flames.
  

Unlike fire curtains used in structural fire protection, these are window dressings and drapes, offering decorative function and safety combined.

Why Fire Retardant Curtains Matter

Fire Safety

Curtains are often close to windows, radiators, heaters, or stage lights. Untreated fabrics act as accelerants. Fire resistant curtains help stop flames from spreading.

Compliance with UK Standards

Hotels, schools, and theatres are legally required to use BS5867-certified fire retardant curtains. Non-compliance can result in penalties.

Peace of Mind at Home

In homes, fireproof blackout curtains in bedrooms, nurseries, and kitchens provide an extra layer of protection.

Style + Function

Gone are the days when flame-resistant fabrics looked dull or industrial. Today, decorative flame resistant curtains come in luxury styles, bold colours, and modern finishes.

Fire Retardant Curtains in Different Settings

Hotels & Hospitality

Hotels are legally required to comply with BS5867 UK standards for curtains. Fire retardant blackout curtains provide privacy, light control, and compliance all at once.

Offices & Workplaces

Workplaces often feature fabric dividers or drapes. Office fire resistant curtains reduce risks in high-traffic areas.

Theatres & Stages

Large stage curtains are iconic—but without flame resistance, they can be hazardous. Fire retardant stage curtains are essential for audience and performer safety.

Schools & Public Buildings

School halls and public auditoriums must use certified fire resistant window coverings to protect large groups of people.

Homes

While not legally mandated, fire retardant curtains in homes can be a life-saving choice—especially in bedrooms and kitchens.

Types of Fire Retardant Curtains

• Blackout Fire Retardant Curtains – Perfect for bedrooms and hotels.
  
• Decorative Flame Resistant Drapes – Stylish, versatile, and compliant.
  
• Stage & Theatre Curtains – Large, durable, and certified.
  
• Washable Fire Retardant Curtains – Easy to maintain for schools and hospitality.
  

UK Standards and Certification (BS5867 Explained)

In the UK, the key regulation is BS5867 Part 2, which tests how fabrics perform when exposed to flames.

• Commercial spaces (hotels, schools, theatres) must use certified fabrics.
  
• Certification means fabrics are tested and proven to slow flame spread.
  
• Residential use – not mandatory, but highly recommended for added safety.
  

Always check for certified fire retardant curtains when buying for compliance.

How to Choose the Right Fire Retardant Curtains

When buying, consider:

• Fabric Type – Inherent vs chemically treated.
  
• Style – Blackout, decorative, or stage-specific.
  
• Custom vs Ready-Made – Custom ensures exact fit and compliance.
  
• Maintenance – Some fabrics are washable, others require retreatment.
  

Where to Find Certified Fire Retardant Curtains

Not all products marketed as “fireproof” meet standards. Choosing certified suppliers is key.

For example, commercial projects and homeowners looking for BS5867-certified fire retardant curtains can rely on Space Commercial Interiors, a trusted supplier offering solutions that blend compliance with design.

Caring for Fire Retardant Curtains

• Cleaning: Follow manufacturer guidelines; improper washing can reduce flame resistance.
  
• Re-treatment: Some treated fabrics may need fire-retardant reapplication.
  
• Inspection: Check regularly for wear and fading.
  

Common Myths About Fire Retardant Curtains

• “They all look industrial.”
  Modern designs are stylish and decorative.
  
• “They’re the same as fire curtains.”
  Wrong—fire curtains are engineered fire safety barriers, not decorative drapes.
  
• “Once treated, they’re always safe.”
  Maintenance is necessary—fire resistance can fade over time.
  

Safety and Style Hand in Hand

Fire retardant curtains prove that safety doesn’t mean sacrificing design. Whether in homes, offices, hotels, or theatres, they provide peace of mind, compliance, and aesthetic appeal.

For high-quality, certified solutions that merge safety with style, visit Space Commercial Interiors. Protect your interiors and the people inside them—without compromising on design.