Why Fire Retardant Curtains Are a Legal Must for UK Hotels
In the UK hotel industry, guest safety isn't just a best practice—it’s a legal obligation. One critical aspect that’s often overlooked? Fire retardant curtains.
Curtains, blinds, and other soft furnishings may seem like decorative details, but in the event of a fire, they can become dangerous accelerants. If your window treatments aren’t compliant with UK fire safety regulations, your entire risk management strategy could be compromised.
Let’s explore why fire retardant curtains are a legal necessity for UK hotels, what the law requires, and how to ensure your rooms remain both stylish and safe.
What the Law Says About Fire Safety in Hotels
Since the introduction of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, it’s the legal duty of hotel owners and operators to assess and mitigate fire risks in all areas of their property. This includes fire retardant soft furnishings like curtains, drapes, and blinds.
One critical regulation to understand is BS 5867 Part 2, the British Standard that governs the fire performance of curtains in public and commercial buildings.
Key Legal Requirements:
- Curtains in hotels must be tested to BS 5867 Part 2 Type B or Type C
- A valid certificate of compliance should be available for inspection
- Fire officers, insurers, or local councils may ask for documentation during inspections
Failing to comply not only exposes your guests to risk but can also lead to serious penalties, including fines, prosecution, or forced closure.
The Risks of Non-Compliance
Non-compliant furnishings can have devastating consequences. If a fire spreads due to non-fire-retardant curtains, insurers may refuse to pay out. Worse, lives could be lost—and the media fallout could permanently damage your hotel’s reputation.
A 2023 UK fire audit revealed that over 60% of small hotels failed on soft furnishing compliance during routine fire risk assessments.
What Makes a Curtain Fire Retardant?
A fire retardant curtain is designed to slow the spread of flames, giving people more time to escape and firefighters more time to respond. These curtains are tested in controlled environments to ensure they meet strict flammability standards.
Types of Fire Retardant Fabrics:
- FR (Fire Retardant): Treated with a chemical finish; must be re-treated after washing.
- IFR (Inherently Fire Retardant): Woven with fire-resistant fibres; retains properties after washing.
- NDFR (Non-Durable Fire Retardant): Only suitable for single-use or dry-cleaned applications.
Always ask your supplier for documentation proving the curtain meets BS 5867 Type B or C requirements.
How to Choose Compliant Curtains for Your Hotel
When selecting curtains for hotel rooms, lobbies, or function spaces, you need to balance style, durability, and fire safety compliance.
Selection Checklist:
- Fabric tested and certified to BS 5867 Part 2
- Proper labels and documentation provided
- Curtain remains fire retardant after cleaning
- Matches interior design aesthetics
- Installed by professionals who understand fire risk zones
Pro tip: Curtains behind beds, near heaters, or in public lounges should always be Type C certified for higher-risk areas.
Hotel Fire Safety: A Quick Compliance Checklist
Before your next fire audit, ask yourself:
- Do all curtains and blinds in your property meet BS 5867 standards?
- Can you provide certificates or test reports for all fire retardant soft furnishings?
- Have they been washed or replaced in a way that affects their fire performance?
- Are your suppliers experienced in working with hotels and commercial spaces?
If you answered “no” or “not sure” to any of these, it's time to act.
How We Help Hotels Stay Compliant & Stylish
We specialise in supplying and installing fire retardant curtains for UK hotels of all sizes. Our products are:
- Fully BS 5867 certified
- Available in a wide range of colours and textures
- Suitable for all hotel spaces, from rooms to restaurants
- Backed by full documentation and expert advice
We’ll guide you through selection, compliance, and installation—so you can focus on guest experience, not fire regulations.