What are Fire Retardant Blinds?
Fire retardant blinds are window blinds made from specially engineered or treated fabrics that resist ignition and help slow or prevent the spread of flames. They are designed to meet UK fire safety standards and are commonly used in both domestic and commercial environments, including rental properties, offices, schools, kitchens and public buildings.
Fire retardant blinds look and function just like standard blinds — the difference lies in their enhanced safety performance and compliance. To find out more about these specially treated blinds, read our overview below.
Why Fire Retardant Blinds Are Important
Fire retardant blinds are an excellent choice for any space where extra safety or peace of mind is needed. While they are particularly useful in commercial settings where safety standards are strict, many homeowners also choose them for kitchens, children’s bedrooms and living areas.
Key reasons to choose fire retardant blinds:
- Extra protection in high-risk areas
- Suitable for domestic & commercial use
- Safer choice for rental properties and HMOs
- Help slow the spread of flames in an emergency
- Available in stylish, modern fabrics
- Provide the same functionality as non-FR blinds
These blinds don’t stop fires from starting, but they do help to reduce the risk of flames spreading — crucial in buying time for escape and minimising damage to your property.
Where Fire Retardant Blinds are Commonly Used
Domestic Settings:
- Kitchens
- Living Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Children’s Rooms
- Home Offices
- Loft Conversions
Commercial Settings:
- Offices
- Schools & Nurseries
- Healthcare Buildings
- Hospitality (hotels, restaurants, B&Bs)
- Retail Spaces
- Public Buildings
If you are a landlord or property manager, fire retardant blinds are also an excellent option for meeting tenant safety expectations — especially in HMOs.
UK Fire Safety Standards (What You Need to Know)
Most fire retardant blinds in the UK are designed to meet:
BS 5867 Part 2 Type B
This is the standard for flame-resistant fabrics used in blinds and curtains.
This testing ensures that:
- The material resists ignition
- It self-extinguishes when exposed to flame
- It maintains performance after cleaning
At Unbeatable Blinds, our fire retardant roller and vertical blinds all meet these safety expectations, making them suitable for both domestic and commercial installations.
Types of Fire Retardant Blinds We Offer
Below are the two fire retardant blind styles we supply — each suited to both home and commercial use.
Fire Retardant Roller Blinds
Fire retardant roller blinds combine simplicity, modern style and enhanced safety. They use flame-resistant fabric coated or engineered to withstand ignition and self-extinguish.
Best For:
- Kitchens
- Offices
- Bedrooms
- Rental Properties
- Schools & Nurseries
- Hospitality Environments
Benefits:
- Clean, Modern Design
- Excellent Fire Resistance Performance
- Ideal for both Home and Commercial Spaces
- Wide Choice of Colours and Blackout Options
- Smooth, Reliable Operation
- Easy to Clean and Maintain
Why Choose FR Roller Blinds?
Fire retardant roller blinds are the most versatile safety-driven option. They’re perfect for any room where you want blackout control, privacy and an added layer of protection without compromising on style. If you’re specifically looking for roller blinds for commercial spaces, we would recommend our Safe+ Range, which offers a selection of blinds that are also moisture resistant and antibacterial!
Fire Retardant Vertical Blinds
Fire retardant vertical blinds feature flame-resistant vertical slats, offering excellent coverage for wide windows and doors. They’re especially popular in commercial spaces but equally suited to homes.
Best For:
- Offices
- Patio Doors
- Conservatories
- Meeting Rooms
- Healthcare Facilities
- Residential Living Rooms
Benefits:
- Excellent Fire Safety Performance
- Perfect for Extra-Wide Windows
- Adjustable Slats for Glare Control
- Ideal for Commercial Installations
- Durable and Low Maintenance
- Suitable for Domestic Settings
Why Choose FR Vertical Blinds?
Choose fire retardant vertical blinds if you need to cover wide windows or large glass doors while maintaining flame resistance, adjustable lighting and a professional appearance.
Fire Retardant Blinds vs Standard Blinds
To help you understand the added safety benefits, here’s a quick comparison between fire retardant blinds and standard blinds. This makes it easy to see how they differ in performance and suitability.
| Feature | Fire Retardant Blinds | Standard Blinds |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Retardance | Resists ignition, self-extinguishes | No fire resistance |
| Safety Rating | Meets UK FR standards (BS 5867) | Not certified |
| Suitable For | Domestic & commercial | Domestic |
| Ideal Rooms | Kitchens, offices, rentals, public spaces & commercial buildings | Any home room |
| Price | Can in some cases cost a little more than standard, untreated blinds. | Budget-friendly options available |
Fire retardant blinds look identical to standard blinds — the difference is in the fabric performance.
When Should You Choose Fire Retardant Blinds?
Choose fire retardant blinds if:
- You want added peace of mind at home
- You’re fitting blinds in a rental property
- Your building requires enhanced safety
- You manage offices or commercial space
- The blinds will be installed near heat sources
- You want blinds that meet expected compliance standards
If you’re unsure, it’s generally better to opt for FR blinds — the added protection is worth it!
FAQs
They aren’t legally required in homes, but they are strongly recommended in rental properties and often required in commercial installations.
They help prevent ignition and slow flame spread, but they don’t replace smoke alarms or fire safety equipment.
No — they look just like standard roller or vertical blinds. The difference is the flame-resistant fabric.
Yes, they’re one of the best choices for kitchens because they offer added safety around heat sources.
Absolutely. Fire retardant roller and vertical blinds are ideal for commercial environments and help meet safety expectations.
Fire retardant blinds offer a smart, safety-conscious upgrade for both homes and commercial spaces. They provide the same style, colour options, and functionality as standard blinds but with added protection from flame spread and ignition.
Whether you’re installing blinds in a kitchen, office, rental property or public building, our Fire Retardant Roller Blinds and Fire Retardant Vertical Blinds deliver the ideal mix of design, performance and compliance — giving you peace of mind without compromising your décor.
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