commercial
EU Fire-Rated Fabrics for Cushions and Curtains: EN 1021, M1, B1 and Class 1 Explained
What European fire standards for upholstery and curtain fabrics mean, which ones specifiers ask for, and what paperwork to request before you order.
On this page
Updated October 2026 · By Sam K, Fabrica Kraft
Quick summary
There is no single EU-wide fire rating for cushion and curtain fabrics. Most European contract specifications start from EN 1021-1 and EN 1021-2 for upholstered seating, and EN 13773 for curtains. Many countries then add their own national standard on top, such as M1 in France, B1 in Germany or Class 1 in Italy. The standard that applies depends on the country, the type of building and the project's specification, so always confirm it with the architect, fire consultant or local authority, then ask your supplier for the fabric maker's test reports.
This guide is general information, not legal or code advice.
The standards specifiers ask about
| Standard | What it covers | Where you see it |
|---|---|---|
| EN 1021-1 | Resistance of upholstered seating to a smoldering cigarette | The common baseline for contract seating across Europe |
| EN 1021-2 | Resistance of upholstered seating to a small flame, equivalent to a match | Usually requested together with EN 1021-1 |
| EN 13773 | Burning behavior of curtains and drapes, graded by class | Hotel, restaurant and public-building curtain specifications |
| M1 (France) | French fire-reaction classification for textiles; M1 is the top rating for fabrics | French public buildings and hospitality projects |
| B1 (Germany) | German classification for flame-retardant materials under DIN 4102 | Often requested for curtains and textiles in German projects |
| Class 1 / Class 1 IM (Italy) | Italian fire-reaction classes; Class 1 IM applies to upholstered furniture | Italian hotels, restaurants and public spaces |
Why the foam matters too
EN 1021 tests the fabric and filling together, not the fabric on its own. A fabric that passes on one foam may not pass on another, so a fabric certificate alone does not prove a finished cushion complies. Ask which filling the test used, and make sure the foam in your cushions meets the same requirement.
The UK is separate
The UK has its own rules for upholstered furniture, based on BS 5852 and the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations, which include the stricter Crib 5 test for many commercial settings. Passing EN 1021 does not on its own mean a cushion meets UK requirements.
How Fabrica Kraft handles European projects
- Test reports first: fire ratings are confirmed per fabric pattern by the fabric maker. Tell us the standard your project needs, and we send the maker's test reports with your quote.
- Gabriel fabrics: many Gabriel upholstery ranges are tested by Gabriel to European standards. They are available by quote, with an 8–12 week lead time. See our Gabriel and Ultraleather fabric library.
- Covers ship worldwide: complete cushions ship to the US, Canada, the UK and Australia. For projects elsewhere in Europe, we make the covers in your chosen fabric, and the filling is sourced locally to meet local rules.
- Your own fabric: you can send a fabric that already holds the certificate you need, after confirming the yardage with us. Test documents for customer-supplied fabric come from its maker.
What to ask your cushion supplier
- Which European and national standards has this exact fabric pattern been tested to?
- Can you send the maker's test report with the quote?
- Which filling was used in the EN 1021 test, and what filling will my cushions use?
- Does the certificate cover the country where the furniture will be used?
FAQ
Is EN 1021 the same as being fire-proof?
No. EN 1021 shows that seating resists ignition from a cigarette and a small flame under test conditions. No upholstery fabric is fire-proof.
Is there one certificate that works everywhere in the EU?
No. EN 1021 is widely accepted, but many countries ask for their own national rating as well. Check the project specification.
Do outdoor cushions need fire ratings?
It depends on the building and the country. Hotels, restaurants and public spaces are more likely to be asked. Check with your fire consultant or local authority.
For US standards such as CAL TB 117-2013 and NFPA 260, see fire codes for commercial cushions and our fire safety standards page. Planning a project? Send a cushion enquiry or a curtain enquiry.
