Upholstery Fire Retardant Fabric

Fire retardant upholstery fabric has been treated or woven to resist ignition and slow the spread of flames, giving added peace of mind in the home. While it’s not a legal requirement for every project, many customers choose it for safety, especially in family living rooms or commercial settings. At Just Fabrics, we clearly label fire retardant options so you can select the right fabric for your needs. Samples are available so you can see the look and feel before committing.

No fabric is entirely fire-resistant, but some are more fireproof than others. Wool is generally the most naturally fire resistant fabric. It’s difficult to ignite, and if it does ignite, it burns slower than other fabrics. Furthermore, the construction of the fibres helps extinguish the flames. 

Our Cotswold Wool is fire resistant as well as being incredibly versatile and eco-friendly - being made from recycled wool fibres. Read our article here for more reasons to embrace wool fabric.

Regular fabrics can also be made fire resistant or retardant with a chemical treatment that resists flames. Our Vintage Velvet fabric is one such chemically treated fabric.

Depending on what your fabric is for, it may require treatment to ensure it meets the relevant British Safety Standards. (This is usually true for upholstery projects.) We can treat any upholstery fabrics that have not already been treated. The process takes around two weeks. Simply, get in touch on 01242 388390 or orders@justfabrics.co.uk.

The terms are used interchangeably but there is a slight difference. Fire resistant fabrics (also known as flame-resistant fabrics) don’t easily ignite and the fibres they’re comprised of melt before burning. Fire retardant fabrics on the other hand will ignite and burn, but will do so at a slower rate than regular fabrics and often self-extinguish.

Fire retardant fabrics are every bit as durable as standard upholstery fabrics. In fact, many are specifically designed for high-traffic areas and have excellent Martindale rub test results. This means they can withstand everyday use on sofas, armchairs, and dining chairs while also offering enhanced safety. Choosing fire retardant options is therefore not only a smart safety decision but also a long-term investment in your furniture.

Caring for fire retardant upholstery fabric is straightforward. Regular vacuuming helps remove dust and debris, while spot cleaning with a damp cloth deals with small spills. Always check the care instructions provided with your chosen fabric, as some may need professional cleaning to maintain the fire retardant finish. For added ease of maintenance, explore our stain resistant upholstery fabrics, which can make cleaning even simpler. You’ll also find useful tips in our inspiration section for keeping fabrics looking their best.