How to Choose Fire Retardant Curtains?

Safety is of the utmost importance in any indoor space, and fire retardant curtains provide critical escape time while maintaining design aesthetics - whether for family living rooms or hotels. This guide covers their benefits, use cases and how to select certified products that meet building codes.

Fire Retardant Curtains Explained

Fire Retardant Curtain (also known as a flame retardant curtain) is a product made with materials that are specially treated with either inherent flame proofing capabilities or some type of chemical treatment(s) that help retard ignition and limit the rate of fire spread after being exposed to heat/fire. Thus retarding the release of smoke and heat, as well as decreasing the amount of damage done to property in the event of a fire. Although fire retardant curtains are not "fireproof," they give people some extra time to escape and can protect against greater damage in homes, hotels, schools & other public locations.

Why Fire Retardant Curtains Matter

Furniture and other items commonly seen in homes do not usually get any consideration when discussing how to keep yourself and your home safe from fire. Plain drapes can ignite quickly from a candle, stovetop splash, or short circuit, and then turn your curtains into a source of flame that rapidly engulfs a room. Fire-resistant fabric for drapes allows for an extended amount of time for escape and for the fire department to respond. In addition, fire-retardant curtains help lower property loss due to fires and may affect insurance premiums and coverage. Therefore, fire-retardant curtains are an important factor for both residential properties and commercial properties.

PART A: TWOPAGES Flame Resistant Curtain can not keep self sustaining burning when they leave the fire. Non-toxic/smockless/ecofriendly.

How Fire Retardant Curtains Work

Two primary technologies are employed in the production of fire retardant curtains:

1. Treated Fire-Retardant Fabrics

These fabrics are treated post-weaving, with a chemical treatment to create a barrier that prevents the combustion from occurring. They are cost-effective and widely used in residential and light commercial settings. However, improper care and repeated washing may reduce their flame-retardant performance over time.

2. Inherently Flame-Retardant Fabrics

Inherently flame retardant fabrics have flame resistance built right into their fibers, offering long-term flameproof protection with washability that makes these the preferred choice in hotels, hospitals, public buildings and other settings with rigorous safety standards. Though they require more initial investment upfront, their long-term safety provides less overall risk.

Key Advantages of Fire Retardant Curtains

Fire retardant curtains play an integral part in protecting both lives and assets from fire hazards, both residentially and commercially. Residential applications of these curtains help mitigate candle flames or heater malfunctions, while commercial applications rely on them to meet legal fire codes while keeping large populations of people safe from fires.

Enhanced Fire Safety

Residentially, fire retardant curtains add another layer of protection in bedrooms, living rooms, kitchen and children's spaces, while trade clients must frequently abide by fire safety codes requiring these curtains. 

Regulatory Compliance

At commercial projects, compliant curtains help meet fire safety regulations and insurance requirements to reduce both legal and financial risk.

Design Flexibility

Modern fire retardant curtains come in an assortment of colors, textures, and opacity levels for maximum design flexibility - proof that safety does not mean forgoing aesthetic appeal.

Pictured: REGAL Fireproof Flame Retardant Curtains - Pleated.

Common Applications of Fire Retardant Curtains

Common applications include residential homes and apartments, and they also extend to hotels and serviced apartments, offices and commercial buildings, schools, hospitals and care facilities, as well as theaters, conference halls and other public venues.

For Residential Use

• Bedrooms and Living Areas: In homes, fire retardant curtains add peace of mind without compromising comfort or style. They are especially useful near heaters, fireplaces, or electrical installations.

• Children’s Rooms and Elderly Care: Safety is paramount in vulnerable spaces. Fire retardant curtains reduce risks in children’s bedrooms and homes with elderly residents who may need extra evacuation time.

Commercial Applications

• Hotels and Hospitality Industry: Hotels prioritize guest safety and compliance. Fire retardant curtains are widely used to meet strict fire codes while maintaining elegant interior designs. Serviced apartments similarly rely on these textiles to balance safety with a homelike feel.

• Offices, Schools, and Hospitals: In high-occupancy buildings, these curtains help slow fire spread, protect escape routes, and support overall emergency preparedness strategies. The same principles apply in theaters, conference halls and other public venues, where fabrics must both meet safety regulations and withstand heavy public use.

In Commercial environments, these curtains are often specified alongside other fire-resistant interior materials as part of a holistic fire safety strategy.

Selecting Fire Retardant Curtains

Protect both safety and long-term value when selecting fire retardant curtains by carefully considering various criteria when making your selection, such as certification/compliance issues. When making this important decision, key factors may include:

• Fabric type durability requirements (residential or commercial use)

• Design aesthetic preferences (whether residential or commercial use)

• Intended use (whether residential or commercial) Maintenance requirements.

• Installation instructions, as well as any maintenance recommendations provided, should also be carefully read and taken into consideration.

Installation and Maintenance

Fire retardant curtains may also fail to function properly if not properly installed, cleaned and maintained.

• Installation: Secure the curtain rod/track correctly according to the manufacturer's instructions and fire safety regulations, maintaining a safe distance from heat sources such as radiators and lights. In the case of large areas or commercial installations, we recommend having a professional complete your installation with proof of compliance.

• Maintenance: Regularly inspect the fabric, seams, and hanging parts. Clean according to the manufacturer's specified cleaning methods (most require dry cleaning or gentle washing; avoid bleach). If the fabric is damaged or its flame retardant properties are suspected to be weakened, repair or replace it. Avoid contact with open flames and prolonged exposure to strong sunlight.

Investing in Safety and Peace of Mind

Selecting fire retardant window coverings is an important step toward protecting lives and property. Boasting proven performance, regulatory compliance and stylish designs that combine safety with elegance, Fire retardant curtains are an ideal combination of safety and sophistication that make an excellent long-term investment in fire protection - perfect for both home and commercial settings alike.

Read More

• What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Fire Retardant Drapes and Curtains?

• Curtain Sizes Guide

• How to Choose The Best Curtain Heading Styles