Fire Retardant Curtains: What UK Hotels, Care Homes & Commercial Spaces Must Know
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Fire retardant curtains are not optional in UK commercial buildings.
They are a legal requirement — and one that is frequently misunderstood.
Whether you’re fitting out a hotel, care home, student accommodation, school or public building, all curtains and drapes must comply with UK fire safety regulations. Failure to do so can delay sign-off, invalidate insurance, or worse.
What are fire retardant curtains?
Fire retardant curtains are manufactured or treated to slow the spread of flame, reduce smoke development, and give occupants time to escape in the event of a fire.
In the UK, commercial curtains must typically comply with:
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BS 5867 Part 2 Type B or Type C
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Or equivalent tested standards recognised by UK fire authorities
Common mistakes when specifying fire retardant soft furnishings
We regularly see the same issues:
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Domestic fabrics used in commercial settings
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“Fire resistant” products confused with fire retardant ones
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Missing or unverifiable certification
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Non-compliant linings, trims, or interlinings
Fire compliance applies to the entire curtain construction, not just the face fabric.
Why compliance matters
Non-compliant curtains can:
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Fail fire inspections
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Delay building handover
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Invalidate insurance policies
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Create legal exposure for operators and contractors even at a granular level.
This isn’t a box-ticking exercise — it’s about occupant safety.
Fire retardant curtains from CreateFR
CreateFR supplies certified fire retardant curtains designed specifically for commercial use.
Every product:
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Meets UK fire safety standards
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Comes with clear, traceable compliance
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Is suitable for hotels, care homes and public buildings