A Designer’s Guide to Fire Retardant (Crib5) Upholstery Fabrics
Introduction
When selecting upholstery fabric for commercial or high-use spaces, design is only part of the equation. Safety, compliance, and durability are just as crucial—especially when working with hotels, restaurants, public lounges, or residential developments with strict regulations.
In the UK, the gold standard for fire safety in upholstery is Crib5 treatment. In this guide, we’ll explain what Crib5 is, when and why you need it, and how Saint and Poet offers this treatment—plus optional soil and stain resistance—on every fabric we design.
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What Is Crib5?
Crib5 refers to a UK fire safety standard under BS5852. It tests how upholstered fabric performs under ignition from sources like matches or flaming wood (the “crib”). Fabrics that pass this test are deemed safe for use in contract, hospitality, and public environments.
Crib5 is typically required when:
• Upholstering seating in hotels, bars, and restaurants
• Designing for care homes, hospitals, or other public buildings
• Supplying furniture for rental properties or communal areas
Passing the Crib5 test ensures that the fabric does not ignite easily, flame rapidly, or release dangerous levels of smoke—critical in keeping people and spaces safe.
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Do You Always Need Crib5?
For private homes or non-commercial spaces, Crib5 is not always required. Domestic use typically falls under cigarette and match ignition tests, which are less stringent. However, many designers still choose Crib5-treated fabrics for:
• Peace of mind
• Added durability
• Meeting future use-case flexibility (e.g., rental or resale)
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Crib5 Treatment at Saint and Poet
At Saint and Poet, we understand that aesthetic vision and safety compliance should never be mutually exclusive. That’s why:
• ✅ All of our fabrics can be Crib5 treated
• ✅ Treatments are done via certified UK partners using trusted techniques
• ✅ We preserve the look and feel of each fabric, even after treatment
• ✅ Lead times are clearly communicated and handled with precision
You can browse our full range of upholstery fabrics knowing that every option is eligible for upgrade to Crib5 compliance.
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Add-On: Soil and Stain Resistant Treatment
In high-use spaces, fabric maintenance matters as much as safety. That’s why we also offer optional soil and stain treatment—a smart choice for commercial lounges, boutique hotels, and family homes alike.
This treatment helps repel:
• Spills (wine, coffee, etc.)
• Dirt and dust build-up
• Long-term discolouration
It’s invisible to the eye and touch, so you retain the full texture and vibrancy of the fabric.
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Combine Both for Ultimate Protection
Want both safety and practicality? You can combine Crib5 fire treatment with soil and stain resistance on any Saint and Poet fabric.
This dual-treatment is especially ideal for:
• Hotel lobbies and lounge areas
• Restaurant banquettes and booths
• High-traffic sofas and armchairs in residential schemes
• Upholstered wall panels and acoustic installations
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How to Request Crib5 or Soil & Stain Treatment
Ordering is simple:
1. Choose your fabric(s) from our collection
2. Select Crib5, soil & stain, or both
3. We’ll confirm pricing, lead time, and samples if needed
4. Your treated fabric is delivered, project-ready
Discover our luxury designer upholstery fabrics that balance character with contract-grade performance—designed for both home and hospitality.
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Final Thoughts
Crib5 might be a legal standard, but at Saint and Poet, we treat it as a creative enabler—not a constraint. With the option to apply safety and soil-resistant finishes to all our fabrics, you never have to sacrifice your design vision for compliance or practicality.
Want help specifying for your next project? Reach out and let’s make beauty and performance work together.
