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The Complete Guide to BS 5867 Curtains – Compliance Made Simple for the Trade
Monday, 20 October 2025
In the UK, curtains and drapery used in public and commercial buildings must meet strict fire safety standards. The key regulation is BS 5867, which sets out how fabrics for curtains should perform when exposed to fire.
For curtain makers, upholsterers, and contractors, understanding BS 5867 compliance is essential. Supplying non-compliant products can put clients at risk, invalidate insurance and damage your reputation.
At Evans, we provide certified flame-retardant fabrics and linings that fully meet BS 5867 requirements — helping you deliver safe, stylish, and compliant projects with confidence.
What Is BS 5867?
BS 5867 is the British Standard for flame-retardant performance of fabrics for curtains, drapes and blinds.
The standard ensures fabrics resist ignition and flame spread when tested under controlled conditions.
The most relevant section for the trade is:
• BS 5867 Part 2 – covering the flame retardant requirements for fabrics and fabric combinations used in curtains and drapery.
BS 5867 Testing & Classifications
When tested, fabrics are classified under three categories:
1. Type B – fabric resists ignition and limits flame spread when exposed to a small flame. Suitable for general commercial use.
2. Type C – fabric demonstrates higher performance against fire exposure. Often required for higher-risk environments.
3. Durability – the flame retardant property must withstand cleaning, whether the fabric is inherently FR (built into the fibres) or treated FR (chemically treated).
Where BS 5867 Curtains Are Required
BS 5867 compliance is mandatory in many public and contract settings, including:
• Hotels and hospitality (guest rooms, lobbies, restaurants)
• Hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Schools, universities and student accommodation
• Theatres, cinemas, and performance venues
• Care homes and social housing projects
• Offices and commercial buildings
In short: any public space where curtains or drapery are installed must comply with BS 5867.
Explore Evans’ Flame Retardant Fabrics range.
How to Ensure Compliance with BS 5867
For trade professionals, compliance comes down to choosing the right fabric and keeping the right documentation.
1. Select Certified FR Fabrics
Evans supplies both inherently FR fabrics and FR-treated linings.
Always use fabrics tested to BS 5867 Part 2
2. Check Certification
Ask your supplier for test certificates.
Evans provides certificates for all FR fabrics upon request.
3. Match Fabric to Environment
For high-risk environments (e.g. hospitals, theatres), use Type C classification.
For standard commercial settings (e.g. hotels, offices), Type B is usually sufficient.
4. Consider Cleaning Durability
Inherently FR fabrics retain protection for life.
Treated fabrics may lose FR properties after repeated washing — check care labels.
5. Keep Records
Always provide clients with certificates of compliance.
This protects you legally and reassures clients.