The Complete Guide to Lab Curtains and Healthcare Curtain Solutions

Walk into almost any hospital, clinic, GP surgery, lab or even a care home and you will see them. Curtains.

They look simple. Just fabric on a track. But in healthcare settings, curtains are doing a lot of heavy lifting. Privacy, infection control, zoning, workflow, patient dignity, even acoustic comfort. And in labs, curtains can be part of a safety mindset too, especially where spaces need to be separated quickly or where visibility and access need to be controlled.

This guide is here to make the whole topic less… fuzzy. What types exist, what standards matter in the UK, how to choose and what mistakes people keep making (usually by accident, usually because someone was rushing a refurb).

Why curtains still matter in modern healthcare

It is tempting to think curtains are a bit old school. Why not just build more rooms with solid walls?

Because healthcare buildings are living organisms. Patient numbers surge. Departments get repurposed. Budgets change. A ward becomes an isolation area. A treatment bay needs to become a minor procedure area. Curtains and curtain systems are one of the few things that can adapt quickly without major construction.

A good curtain solution also:

• Protects privacy and dignity at the point of care.
• Supports cohorting and zoning in busy clinical areas.
• Helps staff move efficiently without constantly opening and closing doors.
• Can support infection prevention procedures when paired with the right cleaning, change-out and laundering regime.
• Improves the feel of a space. A ward that feels calmer tends to work better. For patients and staff.

And in labs, curtains can provide fast separation between work zones, observation areas, prep areas and sometimes even to reduce glare or manage light sensitivity for certain tasks. Not always required, but often useful.

Lab curtains vs healthcare curtains (and where they overlap)

People often use these terms interchangeably, but there are some differences in how you should think about them.

Healthcare curtains

Usually refers to privacy curtains around beds, treatment bays, triage areas, consulting spaces and sometimes shower or changing areas. The priorities for these curtains include:

• Patient privacy
• Flame retardancy
• Cleanability and infection control compatibility
• Easy removal and replacement
• Durability (they get pulled a lot)

For instance, the medical curtains and curtain track solutions provided by certain companies are designed to meet these specific needs.

Lab curtains

In labs, curtains may be used for:

• Space separation between areas or benches
• Observation control (limiting visibility into certain zones)
• Light control (less common, but it happens)
• Splash protection in some setups, though rigid screens are often better for that
• Temporary barrier zoning during changes, maintenance or reconfiguration

Lab environments often prioritise chemical resistance and clean down compatibility. Some labs are closer to clinical spaces (pathology reception areas, sample handling rooms) and therefore you end up wanting a curtain that ticks both boxes: infection control friendly and robust.

The overlap is real. Many sites are blended environments now.

The main types of healthcare curtain solutions

Curtains are only half the story. The track and hardware decide how the curtain behaves day after day.

1. Bed bay privacy curtains

The standard curtain that wraps around a bed space. Usually ceiling mounted track. Sometimes with a shaped layout to maximise coverage without blocking clinical access.

What to look for:

• Smooth glide, minimal snagging
• Enough overlap to avoid “gaps”
• Compatible with quick change hooks or roller carriers
• Fabric that meets healthcare fire standards and is appropriate for laundering

2. Cubicle curtain systems

Often used in A and E, outpatient treatment bays, minor injuries units and day surgery areas. These can be straight runs or multi-sided.

Key point: In high throughput areas, curtain change speed matters. If it takes maintenance 45 minutes per bay, curtain changing becomes “that job we avoid”. Then curtains stay up too long. You do not want that.

3. Shower and changing curtains

These need a slightly different focus:

• Better water resistance
• Anti-mould considerations
• Heavier duty hems and weights so they hang properly

Not all “healthcare fabrics” are ideal in wet areas. Worth checking rather than assuming.

4. Isolation and cohorting curtain solutions

Curtains are not a sealed isolation barrier. Let’s say that clearly.

But during outbreaks, curtains can support visual separation and workflow zoning. Some facilities use curtains with signage panels, colour-coded headings or easily identifiable prints so staff can see zones quickly.

If you are trying to use curtains as a substitute for proper isolation rooms, that is a bigger conversation. But as part of a layered approach, yes. They can help.

5. Lab partition curtains

Typically used to split space without permanent construction. Often straight runs, sometimes with overlap sections to improve separation. These room partition curtains are an excellent solution for such needs.

Depending on the lab type, you might need:

• More robust fabric
• A wipeable surface
• Compatibility with harsher cleaning agents (always test and confirm)

Curtain tracks and hardware: the bit nobody gets excited about (but should)

Most curtain complaints are actually track complaints.

Ceiling mounted tracks

Most common in wards and clinical settings. Good for:

• Keeping floors clear for cleaning and equipment movement
• Reducing trip hazards
• Creating smooth, flexible layouts

Check:

• How the track is fixed to the ceiling type (solid, grid, plasterboard, reinforced)
• Whether joints create snag points
• Whether carriers are quiet and easy to replace

For instance, a well-designed motorised curtain and track system can significantly enhance usability and efficiency.

Wall mounted tracks

Useful where ceilings are difficult or where you only need a simple run. But you have to think about:

• Infection control cleaning behind wall brackets
• Impact from beds and trolleys

Curtain carriers and hooks

This is where quick change systems shine. Many healthcare sites use:

• Snap hooks
• Detachable gliders
• Mesh headings compatible with specific systems

If the system requires ladders, tools and two people every time. It will get delayed. In real life.

Tracks for special layouts

Not all bays are rectangles. You may need:

• Curved tracks
• Flexible tracks for unusual angles
• Custom bends to fit around columns and services

A badly planned layout leads to gaps, tangles or a curtain that blocks the nurse call area. Yes, it happens.

Fire safety and compliance in the UK (the important, unglamorous part)

Curtains in healthcare settings must meet fire performance requirements. In the UK, you will often see references to:

• BS 5867 (particularly Type B and Type C for flame retardant performance)
• BS 7175 for bedding and upholstery is sometimes discussed in procurement conversations, but curtains usually sit under BS 5867 and specific healthcare policies
• HTM guidance may influence local requirements (Health Technical Memoranda). Trusts often have their own specifications based on risk assessments and estate standards.

A practical note: “Flame retardant” is not always the same as “inherently flame retardant”.

For example, fire retardant curtains are essential in maintaining safety standards while ensuring functionality.

• Inherently FR (IFR) fabrics have flame resistance built into the fibre.
• Treated FR fabrics have a chemical treatment that can reduce over time, especially with harsh laundering or improper detergents.

Many facilities prefer IFR for long term performance, but it depends on cost, laundering capability and policy.

If you are procuring for a Trust, always align with the Estates and Fire Officer requirements. Do not wing it.

Infection prevention: what matters (and what people assume)

Curtains are touched constantly. Patients pull them. Staff pull them. Visitors pull them. Sometimes people wrap themselves up in them when they feel unwell or anxious. It is not rare.

So infection control matters. A lot.

Antimicrobial fabrics: helpful, but not magic

Some curtains are marketed as antimicrobial or with biocidal treatments. These can reduce microbial load on the fabric surface, depending on the technology and how it is used.

But they are not a substitute for:

• Regular curtain changing schedules
• Proper laundering or cleaning
• Good hand hygiene
• Environmental cleaning

Think of antimicrobial as “another layer” rather than “problem solved”.

Launderable vs disposable curtains

You will generally see two approaches:

Reusable, launderable curtains

• More sustainable long term
• Can be higher quality and look better over time
• Requires an effective linen and laundering workflow
• Needs tracking, schedules and decent logistics

Disposable curtains like those offered by Corona Contracts, are another option:

• Often polypropylene style, sometimes called “disposable privacy curtains”
• Designed to be changed quickly and replaced rather than laundered
• Useful in high risk areas, outbreak scenarios or where laundry capacity is limited
• Still needs a change schedule and proper disposal routes

There is no universal right answer. The decision depends on risk, budgets, laundry contracts, storage space and how disciplined the site is with change outs.

Wipe clean curtains

Some products are designed to be wiped down in place. These can work well in certain environments, but you need to confirm chemical compatibility with your cleaning products. Some wipes degrade coatings. Some make surfaces sticky over time. Then the curtain attracts more dirt. Not ideal.

Also. Wiping is a process. If staff are not actually going to do it properly, do not buy a product that relies on perfect wiping compliance.

Curtain change schedules (and the bit that gets awkward)

Most organisations have guidance for how often privacy curtains should be changed. The exact interval varies, but common triggers include:

• Routine scheduled change (for example every few months)
• Change when visibly soiled
• Change after a patient with an infectious condition has used the bay (based on IPC policy)
• Change during outbreak management

What usually goes wrong is not policy. It is execution.

Curtains that are hard to remove stay up longer. Curtains without spares cause delays. Curtains without clear labelling get mixed up between areas. Then you have the “I think that one has been up since Christmas” conversation.

If you want to improve compliance fast:

• Use quick change systems
• Keep spare curtains accessible
• Label curtains with install date (even a discreet tag helps)
• Make responsibility clear. Estates? Domestic? Ward staff? Linen contractor? Somebody needs ownership

Measuring and specifying curtains properly

This is where expensive mistakes happen. A few practical points.

Measuring curtain drop

Measure from the track to the finished floor. Then decide your clearance:

• Too long and it drags, collects dust and gets caught under wheels
• Too short and privacy suffers, plus it looks odd

In many clinical areas, a gap at the bottom is normal for airflow and cleaning access, but you still want dignity.

Fullness and gather

Curtains need enough fabric width so they close properly and do not look like a flat sheet. More fullness generally:

• Improves privacy
• Looks better
• Can help with light and noise reduction slightly

But more fabric also means more weight and sometimes higher cost. Most suppliers will recommend a fullness ratio appropriate to the track and fabric.

Specialised Curtain Solutions

For specific needs such as laboratory blackout curtains, motorised curtains or theatre curtains, it’s essential to consult with suppliers who specialise in these areas to avoid costly mistakes in measurement and specification.

Mesh headings and top panels

Many healthcare curtains have mesh headings. This can help with:

• Air circulation
• Fire safety considerations depending on spec
• Weight reduction and smoother glide

Not always required, but common.

Colours, patterns and patient experience

This sounds like a design conversation. It is. But it affects operations too.

• Patterns can hide minor marks between changes, but do not let that become an excuse for poor change schedules.
• Calmer colours can reduce stress in patient areas.
• Strong colour coding can help staff identify zones or curtain types quickly.

In labs, you might prioritise neutral colours and a more “professional” look, but clarity matters. If a curtain indicates a restricted zone, it should be obvious. For instance, this laboratory blackout curtain we installed at a University showcases how effective curtains can enhance functionality in such environments.

Common add-ons and upgrades worth considering

Not everything needs bells and whistles. But some upgrades are genuinely practical.

Curtain tracking and ID tags

Some sites use RFID or barcode tagging for curtain inventory and change tracking. This can be a big help in large facilities with hundreds of bays. For example, motorised curtain tracks offer advanced solutions for such needs.

Integral signage

Clear pockets or sewn in label areas for:

• Isolation notices
• Cleaning status tags
• Bay numbers

Small thing. Saves time.

Acoustic considerations

Curtains are not soundproof. But heavier fabrics and better coverage can slightly reduce noise and improve perceived privacy. In busy A and E areas, that can be meaningful.

Lead lined curtains (specialist)

In radiology environments, lead lined curtains exist for radiation protection. This is specialised and should be specified with radiation protection advice. Mentioning it here mainly because people sometimes assume “a thicker curtain will do”. It will not.

When considering the design of these curtains, it’s essential to remember the specific requirements of different environments. For example, a laboratory blackout curtain for Oxford University project highlights the need for specialised curtains in certain settings. Similarly, in educational institutions like schools, school hall curtains serve unique purposes that should be taken into account during selection.

What to ask a supplier before you buy

When sourcing lab curtains or healthcare privacy curtains, it’s essential to ask direct questions early in the process. This approach saves everyone time and ensures clarity.

• What fire standard does this fabric meet (and can you provide certification)?
• Is it inherently flame retardant or treated?
• Is it washable? At what temperature? How many cycles is it rated for?
• What cleaning chemicals is it compatible with?
• What is the lead time for replacements?
• Can you match this fabric in 2 years if we expand the ward?
• What track system is recommended and are spare carriers available easily?
• How fast can curtains be changed on this system in real conditions?
• What warranty applies to track and fixings?

If they cannot answer clearly, that itself is a significant piece of information.

Installation: where projects quietly go wrong

Curtains are often part of larger projects such as refurbishments, ward moves or new builds. Unfortunately, they are frequently left until the last minute. This oversight can lead to issues such as realising the ceiling cannot support the load of the curtains, or that the track system clashes with lights, hoists, sprinklers or medical pendants.

To avoid these complications, it’s crucial to plan early regarding:

• Ceiling services coordination: ensuring there are no collisions with ventilation, fire detectors, sprinklers, lighting and bed head units.
• Clinical equipment clearance: confirming that curtains do not obstruct access to gases, nurse call systems or emergency equipment.
• Hoists and rails: identifying rooms that require priority routes for ceiling hoists.
• Cleaning access: assessing whether domestic teams can clean around fixings easily.

If you’re considering retrofitting, a quick site survey could be beneficial. Even a basic one can provide valuable insights, particularly in older buildings where ceiling structures can be unpredictable until they’re opened up. Additionally, when planning for installation of room-divider curtains, these considerations become even more critical.

Maintenance and lifecycle: what it actually costs

A curtain solution is not a one-off purchase. You have:

• Fabric cost
• Track and hardware cost
• Installation cost
• Ongoing curtain changes (labour)
• Laundry costs or disposal costs
• Replacements due to damage, staining or wear
• Track repairs, carrier replacements and occasional re-fixing

Sometimes the cheapest curtain becomes the most expensive because it tears, fades or loses FR performance faster. Or because it needs special handling in laundry. Or because changing it is a pain so it never happens on time.

A sensible approach is to look at total cost over, say, 3 to 5 years. Not just unit price.

Sustainability: the conversation that is not going away

Healthcare is under pressure to reduce waste and emissions. Curtains play into that.

• Reusable curtains can reduce waste but increase water and energy usage through laundering.
• Disposable curtains reduce laundering load but create more clinical waste and ongoing purchasing.

There are also hybrid approaches. For example, reusable curtains in lower risk areas and disposable in high risk zones or during outbreaks.

If sustainability matters to your organisation, involve procurement and IPC early. Otherwise you end up in an endless loop of competing priorities.

Quick “choose the right curtain” cheat sheet

If you just want a practical starting point, here you go.

For standard ward bed bays

• Inherently flame retardant fabric (where possible)
• Quick change headings and compatible track
• Launderable, with a clear change schedule

When considering the installation of curtain track systems for your healthcare facility, it’s essential to choose a reliable provider who understands the specific requirements of your environment. Whether you’re looking for manual curtain track systems or automated solutions, make sure to select options that align with your sustainability goals while also being practical for regular use.

For A and E and high throughput areas

• Very fast change system
• Fabric that holds up to frequent pulling and contact
• Consider disposable curtains if laundering logistics are strained

For side rooms and higher risk areas

• Align to IPC policy first
• Consider disposable or more frequent change cycles
• Ensure clear labelling and ready spares

For labs and technical spaces

• Prioritise clean down compatibility and durability
• Confirm chemical resistance if wipes and disinfectants are strong
• Choose tracks that are robust and easy to maintain

For showers and changing areas

• Water resistant, anti mildew considerations
• Heavier hems and appropriate hardware

Final thoughts

Curtains are one of those background products that only get attention when they fail. When they stick. When they smell. When they look tired. When IPC asks when they were last changed and nobody knows.

But with the right fabric, the right track system and a realistic plan for cleaning and replacement, curtains become what they are supposed to be. Quietly reliable.

If you are planning a new install or upgrading an existing space, focus on three things first: compliance (fire and IPC), changeability (how fast and easy) and durability (how it holds up in real life). Get those right, and stuff like colour, pattern and extras become easier to decide.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Why are curtains still important in modern healthcare settings despite advances in building design?

Curtains remain essential in healthcare because they offer flexibility that solid walls cannot. Healthcare buildings often need to adapt quickly to changing patient numbers, department repurposing and budget constraints. Curtains provide privacy, support infection control, enable zoning and workflow efficiency and improve patient dignity without requiring major construction work.

What are the key differences between healthcare curtains and lab curtains?

Healthcare curtains primarily focus on patient privacy, flame retardancy, cleanability for infection control, easy removal and durability due to frequent use around beds and treatment areas. Lab curtains, however, are used for space separation, observation control, light management, splash protection and temporary zoning during maintenance. Lab curtains also prioritise chemical resistance and compatibility with cleaning protocols. Some blended environments require curtains meeting both sets of standards.

What types of curtain solutions are commonly used in healthcare facilities?

Common healthcare curtain solutions include bed bay privacy curtains (ceiling-mounted tracks with smooth glide and adequate overlap), cubicle curtain systems (used in high throughput areas like A&E requiring quick curtain changes), shower and changing curtains (with water resistance and anti-mould properties) and isolation/cohorting curtains (used for visual separation and workflow zoning during outbreaks). Each type is designed to meet specific functional needs within clinical settings.

How do healthcare curtains contribute to infection prevention policies?

Healthcare curtains contribute to infection prevention by being made from fabrics that comply with laundering regimes suitable for clinical environments. They are designed to be easily removable and replaceable to maintain hygiene standards. Proper selection of fabric that supports cleaning protocols helps reduce cross-contamination risks while maintaining patient privacy.

What factors should be considered when choosing curtain tracks and hardware in healthcare settings?

When selecting curtain tracks and hardware, it’s important to ensure smooth gliding with minimal snagging to facilitate easy movement. Compatibility with quick-change hooks or roller carriers allows rapid replacement of curtains when needed. The layout should maximise coverage without impeding clinical access. Durable hardware supports daily use while maintaining safety standards such as flame retardancy.

Can curtains effectively replace solid walls for isolation purposes in healthcare?

Curtains cannot replace solid walls as sealed isolation barriers. However, during outbreaks or high-demand situations, they can support visual separation and workflow zoning by providing temporary cohorting areas. Some facilities enhance this function with colour-coded or clearly marked curtains to identify zones quickly but proper isolation rooms remain necessary for effective infection control.