Fabrics for all furniture dated after 1950 are required to comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988.

There are different regulations for domestic or commercial use, and fabrics with a high percentage of natural fibres (over 75%) may be used untreated if a schedule 3 barrier cloth is used.

I can advise on the different options to ensure your furniture is compliant with all regulations.

Identifies the durability of different fabrics, by simulating how they wear over time.

As a general guide;

Up to 20,000   Light domestic or decorative use only

20-25,000        General domestic use

25-30,000        Heavy domestic use

30,000+           Commercial applications

Advances in stain resistant technology mean there are now many options available which effectively repel any stains or make them very easy to remove. These are a great choice for dining areas or for families with pets or children

If you decide to choose a patterned fabric, this will have implications on the amount of fabric required and labour costs for any pattern matching. Depending on the pattern size and style, it doesn’t always need to be matched - but it really does make all the difference to the overall finish when it does!