Curtains are often chosen for their look and feel. The right fabric brings warmth, elegance, and personality to any space. But what if those curtains could also provide an invisible layer of protection—resisting flames and slowing fire spread?
That’s exactly what fire retardant curtains do. Unlike standard fabrics, they’re engineered to meet strict fire safety standards while still offering the same luxury textures, patterns, and colours you’d expect from premium window dressings.
In this guide, we’ll explore:
- What makes fire retardant curtains different
- The types of fabrics available (inherent vs treated)
- Why UK fire safety compliance is crucial
- Design and style choices, including blackout and dimout fabrics
- Care, cleaning, and longevity tips
- Certificates and large-scale project considerations
Whether you’re a homeowner looking for peace of mind or a business sourcing curtains for hotels, offices, or schools, this article will give you everything you need to make an informed choice.
What Are Fire Retardant Curtains?
It’s easy to confuse fire retardant curtains with fire safety barriers sometimes called fire curtains. But they are two very different things:
- Fire curtains (safety equipment) – used in theatres, auditoriums, and industrial buildings to physically block flames and smoke during a fire.
- Fire retardant curtains (window dressings) – regular-looking drapes made with fabrics that resist ignition and slow down flame spread.
In this article, we’re focusing on decorative fire retardant curtains for homes, offices, and commercial interiors.
Inherently Fire Retardant vs Treated Fabrics
Not all fire retardant fabrics are created equally. Here’s the key distinction:
Inherently Fire Retardant Curtains
- The flame resistance is woven into the fabric’s fibres during manufacturing.
- The protective qualities last for the lifetime of the fabric.
- Safe to wash and maintain without losing flame resistance.
- Best suited for high-use, long-term environments such as hotels, care homes, and schools.
Treated Fire Retardant Curtains
- Ordinary fabrics are treated with a chemical flame-resistant coating.
- Effective, but the coating may diminish over time, especially after repeated washing.
- Sometimes requires re-treatment to remain compliant.
- Often chosen for short-term projects or budget-conscious installations.
Tip: For maximum durability, especially in commercial settings, opt for inherently fire retardant fabrics.
Why Fire Retardant Standards Matter
Fire retardant curtains aren’t just about peace of mind—they’re often a legal requirement.
UK Standards
- BS 5867 Part 2 (Type B & C): The most common UK fire safety test for fabrics used in curtains.
- Type B is suitable for small-scale use.
- Type C is required for hotels, hospitals, and public spaces.
European Standards
- EN 13773: Categorises fabrics into flame-resistance classes (Class 1–5).
- Used widely across the EU for commercial projects.
US Standards
- NFPA 701: The American test for flame propagation in textiles.
When ordering curtains for a business, hotel, or rental property, always check that they come with certification documents. These certificates will be needed for building inspections, safety audits, and insurance compliance.
Style Without Sacrificing Safety
A common misconception is that fire retardant curtains look stiff or “industrial.” In reality, today’s fabrics are indistinguishable from ordinary drapes.
Design Options Available
- Blackout fire retardant curtains – completely block external light, perfect for bedrooms, hotel suites, and theatres.
- Dimout fire retardant curtains – reduce glare while allowing some daylight, ideal for offices, classrooms, and meeting rooms.
- Sheer FR curtains – maintain a light, airy aesthetic while still being flame resistant.
- Printed and custom fabrics – many suppliers can match brand colours or create bespoke designs for corporate interiors.
In other words, you can still have the texture, drape, and elegance of standard curtains—just with added safety.
Cleaning and Maintenance
One of the biggest questions people ask: Do fire retardant curtains require special cleaning?
Here’s what you need to know:
- Inherently FR fabrics
- Can be machine-washed or dry-cleaned without losing flame resistance.
- Safe for long-term use in high-turnover environments like hotels.
- Treated FR fabrics
- Washing may reduce flame resistance over time.
- Some require specialist dry cleaning to maintain certification.
- May need periodic re-treatment.
Pro tip: Always request a cleaning guide from your supplier to avoid damaging the fabric or voiding compliance.
Certificates & Compliance
If you’re sourcing curtains for a commercial property, you’ll need documentation to prove compliance.
- Fire test certificates should be provided for both the main fabric and the lining.
- These documents are vital for contractors, architects, and building inspectors.
- A reputable supplier will automatically issue certificates with every order.
Without them, you risk failing safety inspections or invalidating insurance policies.
Fire Retardant Curtains for Large-Scale Projects
Fire retardant curtains aren’t just for homeowners. They’re widely used in:
- Hotels and hospitality venues
- Student accommodation and rental schemes
- Schools and universities
- Hospitals and care homes
- Offices and conference centres
For these projects, it’s important to choose a supplier who can:
- Manufacture at scale without delays
- Install UK-wide with trained teams
- Match décor across multiple sites
- Provide certificates for every curtain installed
This ensures compliance, consistency, and peace of mind across all locations.
Where to Buy Fire Retardant Curtains
If you’re looking for a trusted supplier, Space Commercial Interiors is a strong choice.
They offer:
- A wide range of inherently fire retardant and treated fabrics
- Options in blackout, dimout, and decorative styles
- Fire safety certificates with every order
- UK-wide supply and installation for large projects
By working with a specialist provider, you avoid the risk of uncertified fabrics and guarantee compliance with UK safety standards.
Common FAQs
Do fire retardant curtains fade over time?
No more than standard fabrics. Inherent fabrics keep their flame resistance for life.
Are they mandatory in homes?
No, but they’re increasingly popular for families who want extra peace of mind.
Can I customise them to my décor?
Yes, suppliers can match brand colours, patterns, and even print bespoke designs.
How long do treated curtains remain flame resistant?
It depends on cleaning frequency, but many need re-treatment every few years.
Do I need certificates for residential curtains?
Not usually, but for commercial spaces, certificates are essential.
Fire retardant curtains bring together the best of both worlds: luxury design and proven safety. Whether you’re renovating a hotel, fitting out student housing, or simply upgrading your living room, they offer an investment in both aesthetics and peace of mind.
From inherent fabrics that last a lifetime to treated options for short-term projects, the key is choosing certified products from a trusted supplier.
Ready to take the next step?
Explore Space Commercial Interiors’ fire retardant curtain collection today to discover fabrics that are as stylish as they are safe.
