Safety First
Furniture that meets UKFR standards is significantly less likely to catch fire quickly, helping to protect your family, guests, and property.
UKFR stands for United Kingdom Fire Resistant standards for upholstered furniture. It is based on British Standard BS 5852:2006, which sets strict guidelines for fire safety in sofas, chairs, and other upholstered products.
The UKFR system provides a comprehensive framework to test how materials, fillings, fabrics, and upholstery components react when exposed to potential fire hazards, such as:
The purpose of UKFR is to minimise the risk of fire starting and spreading, protecting both people and property. This means that sofas, chairs, and other upholstered furniture are designed and tested to reduce flammability, giving you peace of mind when furnishing your home or rental property.
Furniture that meets UKFR standards is significantly less likely to catch fire quickly, helping to protect your family, guests, and property.
For landlords and businesses, using UKFR-compliant furniture is a legal requirement in the UK.
UKFR testing ensures that only products meeting stringent fire safety criteria are available on the market.
The UKFR system exists to reduce the risk of ignition and flame spread. Regulations were introduced in 1988 and updated in 1989 and 1993 to ensure:
Providing furnished accommodation
Offering rental properties
Supplying upholstered furniture for public use
All FurnitureInstore products are UKFR-compliant
Items carry permanent compliance labels
Display labels are available at the point of sale
All products meet BS 5852:2006 fire safety standards
Understanding the difference between residential and commercial fire safety requirements
| Aspect | Residential Upholstery (Domestic Use) | Commercial Upholstery (Non-Domestic Use) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Regulation | The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (amended 1989, 1993, 2010) | UK Fire Safety Order 2005 and BS 7176, linked to BS 5852 (Source 0-7) |
| Purpose | Protects consumers in private homes | Protects the public in workplaces or public spaces |
| Testing Standard | Domestic flammability tests (BS 5852: Part 1 - Source 0 & 1) | Commercial-grade tests (BS 7176, referencing BS 5852: Source 0-5 or Source 7 depending on risk) |
| Scope | Sofas, armchairs, mattresses, headboards, scatter cushions, etc. sold for private homes | Seating and upholstered items in hotels, offices, restaurants, schools, hospitals, etc. |
We warranty our sofas to residential use only and not for commercial. Landlords/HMO and care homes, hotels, etc come under commercial.
Our team is here to help you understand fire safety compliance and find the right furniture for your needs.
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