At Glenlyon Tweed Mill, we understand that fire safety is an important consideration when selecting fabrics for upholstery projects, whether for domestic interiors or commercial spaces.

*Please note that all of the guidance stated below applies to UK fire standards. For our international clients, please check with your local authorities. 

Natural Fire Resistance of Wool

Our tweeds are woven using high-quality wool, a fibre that is naturally fire resistant due to its high water and nitrogen content. Wool contains natural oils and has a high ignition threshold, meaning it does not ignite easily and tends to self-extinguish rather than sustain a flame. It does not melt or stick to the skin, and has the added benefit of producing less noxious fumes than some fibres. This makes it a strong and reliable choice for upholstery applications.

Meeting Domestic Regulations

For use in private homes, upholstery fabrics must comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988 (as amended). While wool offers inherent resistance, in most upholstery applications our tweeds will require the addition of a suitable fire-retardant interliner or backing fabric to ensure full compliance.

Commercial & Contract Projects

In commercial environments such as hotels, offices, and public spaces, stricter fire standards often apply (such as BS 5852 Crib 5 or equivalent). Glenlyon tweeds can typically meet these requirements when combined with appropriate backing materials and treatments.

Fire Retardant Treatments & Certification

We work with experienced finishing partners who can apply certified flame-retardant treatments to our fabrics where required. Upon request, certification can be provided to confirm that the tweed has been treated and tested to meet the relevant standards.

This ensures that, in the majority of cases, our fabrics are suitable for both domestic and commercial upholstery projects when specified correctly.

Guidance for Clients

As requirements can vary depending on the end use, we recommend:

• Confirming the applicable fire regulations for your project 
• Discussing upholstery specifications with your upholsterer or contractor 
• Contacting us for advice on suitable finishes, backings, and certification 

While we can provide additional coatings on stock tweeds, for commercial use we recommend discussing your fire protection requirements with our weavers ahead of a custom weave for the best results.

Conclusion

Glenlyon tweeds combine the natural performance benefits of wool with the ability to meet modern fire safety standards. With the correct specification and finishing, our fabrics are a versatile and compliant choice for a wide range of upholstery applications.

Our tweeds are very durable and robust, and have stood the test of time in both clothing and upholstery projects for centuries!