Fire-Retardant Textile Design: an introduction
As interior designers working in commercial spaces like hotels, offices, and restaurants, it's crucial to ensure that the spaces we create are not only visually stunning but also safe for occupants.
One key aspect of safety in contract interiors is the use of fire-retardant materials.
In this blog, we will discuss the importance of using fire-retardant textiles and showcase some of the latest designs that meet safety regulations without compromising on aesthetics.
Why fire-retardant materials are demanded in contract interiors
In commercial spaces, the risk of fire is higher due to various factors such as electrical equipment, cooking appliances, and high occupancy levels. As a result, fire safety regulations are more stringent for these spaces.
There are also worldwide furniture standards that measure the fire-retardant properties of upholstered furniture through testing such as Britain's FR standards like the BS 5852.
This why fire-retardant fabrics are vital throughout the world of commercial interiors.
If you're interested in learning more about how textiles can help shape our lives today and into the future, then explore our free fabrics academy.
How fire-retardant fabrics work
There are three different ways a fabric can be made fire retardant:
The first way is that the fabric is already, inherently, fire retardant (Inherently Fire Retardant or IFR). The other two ways are both focused on fabrics that are treated with fire retardant chemicals afterwards, to make them resistant to flame (otherwise referred to as 'chemically treated' FR fabrics).
Here’s a breakdown:
Inherently Flame-Retardant Fabric - With IFR fabrics the fire-retardant characteristics are included into the material at a fibre level, ensuring their neutrality, longevity and permanency. FR-One Fire Retardant Fabrics, for example, are the industry-leader in Inherently Fire-Retardant (IFR) furnishing fabrics for contract, hospitality, and residential use.
Chemically-Treated Fabric: Coating: With the coating technique, a fire retardant back-coating is applied to the fabric in question. This stiffens the fabric, making it better for upholstery use. The coating technique is considered less suitable as curtain fabric though, as the drape of the material end up less natural than with other fabric treatments.
Chemically-Treated Fabric: Dipping: Another common fire-treatment method is known as chemical dipping, which is more often used for fabrics made from natural fibers (or that have a high percentage of natural fibers). As the technique suggests, the fabric is dipped into a chemical solution, which absorbs into the fibers, creating a barrier between the fiber and the flame.
Should the fabric catch fire, the chemicals applied during the fabric treatment process are activated by the heat, triggering a chemical reaction which extinguishes the flame - similar to the way chemical fire-extinguishers work.
How FR fabrics are tested by textiles engineers
Tests are carried out in laboratories like Labotex for the speed at which the fabrics catch fire, using methods such as a gas burner or gas flame, smoldering cigarette, a small stack of dry wood.
Check out our post 3 things you need to know about upholstery fabric testing for a read jam-packed with information.
KEEP FEEDING YOUR PASSION FOR FR FABRICS
Interior designers working in commercial spaces have a responsibility to create environments that are not only visually appealing but also safe for occupants. By incorporating fire-resistant textiles into our designs, we can achieve a perfect balance between aesthetics and safety.
With the latest advancements in fire-resistant textile design, designers no longer need to compromise on style to meet safety regulations.
As the demands of contract spaces increase, design becomes more challenging and exciting. With the help of our blog posts and other resources, we hope you’ll learn something new about textile design that will inspire you to push your creative boundaries even further.