Selecting the Right Fabrics

Fire safety standards (BS 5867 Part 2 Type B & C).

In hotels, curtains and drapes must comply with BS 5867 Part 2 fire safety standards. For bedrooms, Type B compliance is typically required, ensuring fabrics resist ignition when exposed to flame. In some cases — particularly in care-style hotel environments or where additional risk factors exist — Type C compliance may be specified. Always check local fire safety assessments to confirm which applies.

Inherent vs treated fabrics.

Hotels demand curtains that can withstand frequent use and regular laundering. Inherent FR fabrics are woven from fibres with built-in flame resistance, ensuring compliance even after multiple washes. While chemically treated fabrics may meet initial requirements, their flame resistance diminishes with repeated cleaning — making inherent fabrics the smarter choice for hospitality.

Blackout & dimout.

Guest experience is paramount, and sleep quality is non-negotiable. Blackout-backed fabrics block almost all light, ensuring guests aren’t disturbed by early sunrises or street lighting. Dimout fabrics, which reduce but don’t completely block light, may be suitable for some spaces where softer light is desirable. Both options can be seamlessly integrated into hotel design schemes.

Patterns & textures.

Hotel design is highly brand-led — fabrics must not only be compliant but also reflect your property’s identity. Textured weaves, rich colours, or subtle patterns can elevate a room, helping create a premium atmosphere. Coordinating curtains with upholstery, bed runners, or cushions reinforces a cohesive design scheme.

Washing compliance.

Housekeeping cycles in hotels are rigorous. Fire-retardant fabrics and linings must maintain compliance even after 50 wash cycles, as stipulated in UK regulations. Inherent fabrics are best positioned to deliver this performance over time.

The Best & Safest Heading Styles

Eyelet curtains.

Eyelet curtains, with metal rings running through a pole, offer a sleek, modern finish ideal for contemporary hotels. They glide smoothly for easy guest use and are robust under repeated handling. Secure fittings also reduce the risk of damage in high-turnover rooms.

Pinch pleat curtains.

A luxurious choice, double or triple pinch pleats create a tailored, sophisticated look perfect for upscale hotels. Goblet and cartridge pleats add further grandeur, especially in suites. Built-in hook systems ensure a neat finish that can withstand frequent opening and closing by guests.

Pencil pleat curtains.

An economical and versatile option, pencil pleats suit mid-range and budget hotels. They use less fabric, making them cost-efficient without compromising on style. When dressed correctly, they still create an inviting, professional appearance in guest rooms.

Choosing Linings & Interlinings

Blackout lining.

For hotels, blackout lining is essential. Guests expect full darkness for undisturbed sleep, and blackout linings deliver this even when the face fabric itself is not blackout.

Thermal & sateen linings.

Thermal linings improve insulation, helping regulate room temperature and reducing energy costs — a key benefit for hotels managing dozens or hundreds of rooms.

Sateen linings offer a lighter-weight option, protecting the main fabric and enhancing drape while letting some light through — ideal for hotels balancing ambience and practicality.

Interlinings.

Adding interlining between fabric and lining creates a thicker, more luxurious finish while improving acoustic and thermal performance. This enhances guest comfort by reducing external noise (e.g. city traffic) and improving warmth in colder climates.

Compliance & Certification

Fire certificates.

Every fabric and lining supplied should come with a fire safety certificate — available digitally or in print. These are vital for hotel operators’ fire risk assessments and must be readily available for inspections.

Product tagging.

All fire-retardant curtains in hotels should be clearly tagged with compliance details, ensuring staff, auditors, or inspectors can immediately verify certification without ambiguity.

Finishing Accessories

Curtains can be complemented by coordinated accessories to elevate the guest experience:

Tiebacks – Practical and stylish, tiebacks hold curtains neatly open to maximise light and views while preventing obstruction of access routes.

Bed runners & cushions – Using matching or contrasting fabrics across soft furnishings ties the room design together and reinforces brand identity.

Tablecloths & upholstery – Coordinated finishes across furniture and décor extend the hotel’s aesthetic throughout guest rooms.

Summary

For hotel bedrooms, curtains are not just décor — they are a compliance requirement, a guest experience enhancer, and a key part of brand identity. All fabrics must meet BS 5867 Part 2 standards, with inherent FR fabrics strongly recommended for durability under hotel washing regimes. Blackout options are essential for sleep quality, while thermal and interlinings add acoustic comfort and energy efficiency.

Heading styles can be tailored to the property’s positioning: sleek eyelets for modern hotels, pinch pleats for luxury spaces, and pencil pleats for cost-effective consistency. Compliance must be documented with certificates and tagging, ensuring safety audits are simple and transparent. Finally, finishing touches like tiebacks, cushions, and bed runners complete the look — creating safe, stylish, and memorable hotel bedrooms that leave guests with the best impression.