Fire Retardant Velvet Curtains

Can velvet be fire retardant?

Yes, and without compromise. The velvets on this page are woven from inherently fire retardant yarns, FR polyester or Trevira CS, so the pile itself resists ignition and the rating is permanent rather than a finish that cleaning removes. Every one is tested to BS 5867 Part 2 for curtain use, and many also carry Crib 5 (BS 5852) so the same cloth can cover banquette seating, headboards and cushions in the same room with a single certificate trail.

Why velvet in contract interiors

• Depth of colour. Pile absorbs and reflects light differently across its surface, which is why a velvet reads richer than a flat cloth in the same shade. It is the fabric that makes a restaurant or bar feel expensive.
• Acoustics. Heavy velvet is one of the most effective soft-furnishing absorbers of reverberation, which is why it is the traditional choice for theatres, cinemas and function rooms, and increasingly for loud restaurants.
• Light control. The weight and density of velvet give near-dimout performance on their own, and several qualities here are woven as true blackouts for hotel bedrooms.
• Drape. Velvet falls in deep, even folds. Pinch pleat and wave headings show it best; generous fullness matters more here than with any other cloth.

Choosing a velvet

• Plain or printed. Plain velvets carry most schemes; printed and crushed velvets are statement pieces for suites, private dining and feature walls.
• Pile direction. Velvet looks different depending on which way the pile runs, so all curtains in a room should be cut the same way. We make them up consistently, but note it on the order if a scheme spans several rooms.
• Sample under the venue's lighting. Velvets shift colour more than any other fabric between daylight and warm evening lighting. Always view a sample in situ.
• Cleaning. Most contract velvets are dry-clean or professional wet-clean; the product page gives the care guidance. The FR rating is inherent and unaffected.
• Weight on the track. A full-height velvet on a wide window is heavy. Specify a track rated for the load; ask us and we will match it.

Specifying and ordering

Every curtain is made to measure in the UK. Choose the velvet, enter your drop and width, select a heading, and the configurator prices it immediately. For a fit-out or a group rollout, request a quote with your window schedule and any upholstery metreage, and we will price both as a single quotation with the certificates for your fire risk assessment and O&M files. Samples are available on every fabric.

Velvet curtain FAQs

Do fire retardant velvets feel different from ordinary velvet?

No. Inherently FR polyester and Trevira CS velvets are woven and finished like any other; the handle and sheen are the same, and they are generally more resilient to crushing than cotton velvet.

Can the same velvet be used on chairs and curtains?

Where the velvet carries Crib 5 as well as BS 5867, yes. Filter to Crib 5 fabrics to see them.

Are velvets suitable for care homes?

For lounges and dining rooms, yes; they add warmth and quiet. For bedrooms and clinical areas, a washable dimout or print is usually more practical.