Specifying curtains and blinds for a commercial space sounds, on paper, like a straightforward design decision. Colour, texture, light control, privacy. Done.
Then someone asks, “Are they fire retardant?” And you get that little sinking feeling because you realise you now own a slice of compliance. Not all of it, obviously. But enough of it that you need to be careful. And specific. And ideally, you need to be able to explain your decision if it ever gets questioned later.
This is one of those areas where people get tripped up because they assume there is one simple rule. There isn’t. It’s a mix of England and Wales fire safety law, building regulations, British Standards test methods, contract requirements and the reality of how fabrics behave once they’re installed, cleaned and exposed to sunlight for five years.
So. Here’s what to know, in plain English, when you’re specifying window treatments for commercial projects in the UK.
First, the boring bit that matters: who is actually responsible?
In UK commercial settings, the key thing sitting in the background is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (often just called the Fire Safety Order). It applies to most non-domestic premises.
It places duties on the “Responsible Person”. That might be the employer, the building owner, the occupier, the facilities manager. Depends on the setup. That person must make sure fire risks are assessed and controlled.
Where you come in, as a specifier, designer, architect, fit-out contractor or procurement lead, is that you’re influencing what gets installed. And in a post-incident world, people will look at the chain. They will look at what was specified, what was supplied (like vertical blinds or wooden venetian blinds), what was installed and what paperwork exists.
So the practical takeaway is not “you are legally responsible for the whole building”. It’s more like: you need to specify appropriately and keep a clear audit trail.”
Curtains and blinds are “soft furnishings”, but they’re not treated casually
Curtains and blinds, like those offered by Corona Contracts, can contribute to fire growth and smoke spread, especially in escape routes or high occupancy spaces. A fabric doesn’t need to burst into flames dramatically to be a problem. If it ignites and produces smoke, or melts and drips, or helps fire travel, it matters.
In many commercial interiors, window treatments are also large surface area items. Big curtains in a hotel lounge, full height drapes in conference suites, roller blinds across an open plan office. A lot of material.
And because they’re “just fabric”, they often get specified late. Which is exactly when corners get cut.
The two questions you should ask before you even talk about fabric
Before you get pulled into product brochures and “inherently FR” marketing language, you need two project questions answered:
- What type of building is it and how is it used?
- Hotel, care home, school, hospital, office, restaurant, theatre. Occupancy type changes risk profile and often changes client standards too.
- Where are the window treatments located?
- Escape routes and protected corridors are a different conversation than a private meeting room. Areas with sleeping risk (hotels, care) are different again.
These two questions dictate how strict the performance requirement should be and how hard you should push for robust documentation.
For instance, if the project involves school roller blinds in Preston, Wigan Leigh College or vertical school blinds in Blackpool, the requirements will differ significantly compared to those for a hotel or hospital setting.
UK fire performance for fabrics: the language that gets used (and misused)
People tend to say “fire rated” or “fire retardant” as a catch-all. But compliance is usually demonstrated by meeting a particular test standard (how it’s tested) or a classification (how results are reported).
For curtains and drapes in UK commercial projects, you will often see reference to BS 5867 Part 2 Type B or Type C.
BS 5867-2: Type B and Type C (curtains and drapes)
This is a big one for contract curtains. It’s widely used in commercial procurement and interior fit-outs.
- Type B generally relates to a certain level of flame resistance suitable for many commercial environments.
- Type C is a higher performance level and is commonly required in higher risk settings, including many healthcare and care environments.
You will also sometimes see older language like “contract quality” used loosely. Don’t accept that on its own. Ask which standard and which type.
What about blinds?
Blinds can be trickier because you might be dealing with a fabric (roller blind), or slats (vertical blinds), or a mix of components including headrails, cords, cassettes and sometimes motorised parts.
You may see roller blind fabrics tested to BS 5867 if they’re treated similarly to curtain fabrics, but you’ll also see other test methods depending on spec and client requirements. The key is: do not assume a “screen” fabric is automatically compliant because it’s polyester and looks technical.
Also, blinds introduce another issue: they’re closer to glazing, heaters, sunlight and sometimes kitchen extraction areas. Heat and UV ageing can change behaviour over time, especially for some treatments and coatings. Therefore, when it comes to commercial blinds supply and installation, it’s crucial to ensure they meet the necessary fire performance standards.
In addition to roller blinds, we also offer panel blind installation services, which also need to adhere to these standards.
Building Regulations vs Fire Safety Order: where people get confused
Building Regulations do not usually explicitly drive curtain and blind selection. Building Regulations (in England, Approved Document B) focus heavily on the building fabric, structure, linings, means of escape, compartmentation and so on.
Curtains and blinds are generally considered contents rather than building linings. That means they are often handled under fire risk assessment and operational fire safety controls, rather than being spelled out in Building Regulations in a neat table.
However, some projects have employer’s requirements, insurer requirements or sector guidance that is stricter than the legal minimum. Many commercial clients simply standardise on contract FR curtains as part of their internal policy.
So you end up with a practical reality:
- Building Regulations do not usually explicitly drive curtain and blind selection in isolation.
- The Fire Safety Order and the FRA (fire risk assessment) will care a lot.
- The client’s own standards may be the hardest line of all.
Inherently FR vs treated FR fabric (and why it matters after cleaning)
You’ll hear two main categories:
Inherently flame retardant (IFR)
These are fibres that are flame resistant by their nature. Common examples in contract textiles include Trevira CS and certain modacrylic blends.
Pros:
- Performance is built in, not dependent on a surface treatment.
- Generally more durable through cleaning and wear.
Cons:
- Can be more expensive.
- Design ranges can be narrower depending on supplier.
When it comes to choosing curtains for specific environments like hotels or schools, it’s crucial to understand the different options available. For instance, hotel curtains need to meet certain aesthetic and functional requirements while also adhering to fire safety regulations. Similarly, school curtains and school hall curtains must also comply with these regulations while serving specific educational needs.
Moreover, the rise of technology has led to the popularity of motorised curtains, which offer convenience and ease of use. However, regardless of the type of curtain chosen, understanding the balance between building regulations and fire safety orders is essential for making informed decisions.
Treated flame retardant
These are fabrics (often cotton blends, polyesters or other fibres) that have been chemically treated to meet a fire test.
Pros:
- More flexibility in looks and handle.
- Can be cost effective upfront.
Cons:
- Performance can reduce over time, especially with incorrect cleaning, re treatment issues or heavy laundering.
- Needs very clear care instructions and maintenance regime.
This is not a reason to avoid treated fabrics altogether. It’s just a reason to be honest about the environment. If you’re specifying for a hotel with frequent cleaning cycles or a care home where infection control leads to more laundering, you may want to lean IFR or ensure there is a clear re treatment plan and documented cleaning method.
And yes, you should ask: How is the FR performance maintained after cleaning? If the supplier can’t answer cleanly, that’s a warning sign.
“Crib” standards and why some clients ask for them
Some sectors (especially healthcare and higher-risk residential settings) talk in “crib” performance levels, such as BS 7175 and related ignition sources (crib 5, crib 7). These standards are more commonly associated with upholstered furniture and mattresses, but the language often appears in broader furnishing discussions as shorthand for higher hazard environments and stricter client expectations.
The point here is not to memorise every crib. The point is to recognise when a client is working to a higher risk framework (sleeping risk, medical environment, vulnerable occupants) and will expect higher performance and stronger paperwork.
If you’re in hotels, care, supported living, some education settings and many public sector frameworks, be ready for this.
The paperwork is the product, in a way
You are not just buying fabric. You are buying evidence.
When you specify curtains and blinds for commercial projects, you should expect to collect, at minimum, the following:
1) Test reports or certification
Ask for:
- The relevant standard (for example BS 5867-2 Type B or C).
- The testing lab details.
- The date of test (older reports are not automatically invalid, but age matters if the product has changed).
- Confirmation the report relates to the exact product you are buying.
And this part matters more than people admit: make sure the construction matches. Fabric composition, backing, coating, blackout lining, interlining. A change in lining can change results.
2) Declaration of performance or product data sheet
You want a clear product identification, not a vague “this range is FR”. Product codes. Batch references if available. Something you can tie back to procurement.
3) Installation and cleaning instructions
If FR performance depends on how it’s cleaned, you need instructions that FM teams can actually follow. Otherwise it will be ignored. And then you have a gap.
4) O&M documentation handover
Make sure what you collect ends up in the O&M pack (or digital handover). Not sitting in someone’s inbox.
If you want a simple internal rule, it’s this: if it can’t be evidenced, it didn’t happen. That’s how audits go.
Common traps when specifying curtains in commercial spaces
A few things that come up again and again.
Trap 1: “FR lining” used to rescue a non FR face fabric
Sometimes people try to use an FR lining behind a decorative fabric and assume the overall curtain is compliant.
It might be, but it might not. Fire performance depends on the combined system and how it’s tested. You need the supplier to confirm the curtain makeup meets the required standard as a whole. Not just components in isolation.
Trap 2: Using domestic “blackout” products in commercial settings
Retail blackout curtains are everywhere. They look good. They’re cheap. They often have little compliance detail beyond vague statements.
For commercial projects, especially where you have public access or sleeping risk, do not do this casually. If a client insists on using blackout blinds for an office space or blackout curtains for a laboratory setting, you need to clearly document what has and has not been provided in terms of certification and push back in writing.
Trap 3: Decorative trims, pelmets, tie backs and borders
It’s easy to specify the main curtain fabric correctly and then add a contrast border or a pretty trim that is not FR.
Those details can invalidate the compliance intent. You need trims that match the fire performance requirement. And you need that confirmed.
Same goes for tie backs and holdbacks. They’re small, but they burn.
Trap 4: “Sample is FR” doesn’t mean “installed curtain is FR”
A fabric sample might be from an FR range. But the installed curtain might include interlining, blackout (which could be problematic if sourced from domestic suppliers), stitching, headings and sometimes foam or stiffeners.
You want confirmation for the final build up.
Additional Consideration: Specific Requirements for Medical Curtains
When specifying curtains for sensitive environments such as hospitals, it’s crucial to adhere to strict safety standards. For instance, the medical curtains used in places like Chester University Hospital are designed with specific compliance in mind, ensuring both functionality and safety.
Common traps when specifying blinds
Blinds have their own set of problems.
Trap 1: Assuming blind fabric certification covers the whole blind
Roller blind fabric might meet a standard, but the system includes bottom bars, chains, cassettes. Some components can be combustible. Again, the risk depends on location and ignition sources. When it comes to blackout roller blinds, it’s essential to remember that the fabric certification doesn’t cover the entire system.
Trap 2: Motorised blinds and penetrations
Motorised blinds add power supplies, wiring routes and sometimes control systems. That’s not automatically a fire issue, but it touches other compliance areas (electrical safety, installation quality, access for maintenance). A messy install can introduce risk. It’s crucial to ensure that any motorised blinds are installed correctly to mitigate these risks.
Trap 3: Screen fabrics and melting behaviour
Some screen fabrics can shrink away from flame, some can melt and drip. The behaviour matters and it’s not always intuitive. If the client standard is strict, do not rely on assumptions about “technical” fabrics.
Where in a building should you be extra cautious?
You can argue risk anywhere, but these locations tend to get extra scrutiny:
- Escape routes and corridors, especially protected routes.
- Stair cores and lobbies where people funnel during evacuation.
- Reception areas with high footfall.
- Bedrooms in hotels, student accommodation, care homes because sleeping risk changes everything. In such scenarios, opting for blackout blinds could be beneficial as they provide complete darkness which may assist in better sleep quality.
- Healthcare settings where evacuation is slower and occupants may be vulnerable.
- Kitchens and servery adjacent areas where ignition sources are more likely.
In these zones, it’s not just about meeting a minimum test. It’s about being able to defend your choice and choosing products that stay compliant over their service life. Whether it’s office blinds installation or school blinds, understanding these traps can help make informed decisions.
A quick word on smoke, not just flame
A frustrating bit of the conversation is that the public thinks “fire safety” means “does it catch fire”. In real incidents, smoke and toxic gases are often the bigger danger.
Many textile standards focus on ignition and flame spread rather than smoke toxicity. That doesn’t mean smoke is irrelevant. It means you should consider it as part of the overall design risk.
If you’re working on high risk projects, talk to the fire engineer or the client’s fire safety lead. Ask what the actual performance target is, beyond a generic “FR”.
Maintenance, replacement and the bit that gets forgotten
Even if you specify perfectly, things drift over time:
- Curtains get swapped out after damage.
- Blinds get replaced “like for like” by a maintenance contractor who buys whatever is cheapest this week.
- Cleaning companies use the wrong process.
- Sunlight degrades coatings.
- Labels get cut off because they look messy.
So, one of the most practical things you can do is specify in a way that supports long term compliance:
- Ask for permanent labelling where appropriate.
- Ensure the O&M pack includes re ordering information with exact product codes.
- Put a simple note in the spec that replacements must meet the same fire performance standard.
- Where laundering is expected, specify how FR performance is to be maintained and who is responsible for ensuring it.
This is not you being picky. This is you preventing the building from quietly becoming non compliant five years later.
How to write it into your specification without overcomplicating it
When drafting a performance specification, clarity and auditability are paramount. Your specification should resemble something like the following (customise as per project requirements and always align with the client and fire strategy):
- Curtains and drapes must adhere to BS 5867-2 to Type B or Type C, as dictated by the project fire strategy and risk assessment.
- Blind fabrics and complete blind systems should meet the project’s required level of flame resistance, with documented evidence for the product supplied and installed. For instance, panel blinds for university settings could be a viable option depending on the project’s needs.
- All ancillary items (linings, interlinings, headings, tapes, trims, tie backs) should be compatible with the required fire performance and included in certification where applicable.
- The contractor is obliged to provide test evidence, product identification and care instructions at handover.
Maintain simplicity in language. The complexity should reside in submittals and evidence packs, not in an unreadable paragraph.
What I would do on a real job (a simple checklist)
For a straightforward way to sanity check your selection, here’s a practical checklist:
- Confirm building type, occupancy and any client standards (hotel group standards, NHS, local authority frameworks, insurer requirements).
- Identify locations and risk level (escape routes, sleeping areas, public zones).
- Choose product routes: IFR where durability is important or treated FR only where maintenance and cleaning controls are realistic.
- Get documentation: test reports or certification to the required standard plus confirmation for the full curtain build-up if linings or trims are used.
- Check the “extras”: trims, borders, tie backs, pelmets, blackout linings and interlinings.
- Plan handover: product codes, care instructions, replacement guidance in O&M.
- If anything feels vague, push back early. It never gets easier later.
Wrapping it up
Curtains and blinds sit in that annoying middle ground. They’re design-led, but they can carry real fire risk. And because they’re often specified late, they can become a compliance headache if you don’t get ahead of it.
So the main thing to remember is simple: don’t specify “FR”. Specify the standard, the evidence and the build-up. Make sure the paperwork exists, make sure it matches what’s installed and make sure someone can maintain compliance after you’re off the project.
That’s the job. Slightly unglamorous, yes. But it’s also the difference between a smooth handover and a mess of questions when someone finally asks for the certificates.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Who is responsible for fire safety compliance when specifying curtains and blinds in UK commercial spaces?
In UK commercial settings, the ‘Responsible Person’ under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 holds the duty to assess and control fire risks. This could be the employer, building owner, occupier or facilities manager. As a specifier, designer or contractor, you influence what gets installed and must specify appropriately while keeping a clear audit trail.
Why are curtains and blinds considered important in fire safety for commercial interiors?
Curtains and blinds are soft furnishings that can contribute to fire growth and smoke spread, especially in escape routes or high occupancy areas. They may ignite, produce smoke, melt, drip or help fire travel. Their large surface area in spaces like hotel lounges or conference suites means they must be specified carefully to avoid fire hazards.
What two key questions should I ask before selecting fabrics for window treatments in commercial projects?
Before choosing fabrics, ask: 1) What type of building is it and how is it used? (e.g., hotel, school, hospital) as occupancy affects risk profile; 2) Where are the window treatments located? (e.g., escape routes vs private rooms), since location impacts performance requirements and documentation rigor.
What are BS 5867 Part 2 Type B and Type C standards for curtains and drapes?
BS 5867-2 is a British Standard for flame resistance of curtains and drapes. Type B provides a certain level of flame resistance suitable for many commercial environments. Type C offers higher performance required in higher risk settings like healthcare. Always verify which type applies rather than relying on vague terms like ‘contract quality.’
Are blinds subject to the same fire safety standards as curtains in UK commercial buildings?
Blinds can be more complex due to their components – fabrics, slats, headrails, cords, etc. Roller blind fabrics may be tested to BS 5867 if treated similarly to curtain fabrics. However, other test methods might apply depending on specification and client requirements. It’s important to clarify the applicable standards for each blind type.
How can I ensure compliance when specifying window treatments regarding fire safety?
Specify window treatments based on building type and location within the space to meet appropriate fire performance standards like BS 5867 types B or C. Maintain robust documentation including test certificates and installation records. Avoid assumptions about ‘fire retardant’ claims by verifying specific test results to create a clear audit trail.
