Fabrics and Wallcoverings

Specification for fabrics and wallcoverings is no simple task. Designers have a number of factors to consider such as suitability, durability, stain resistance, hygiene, and life expectancy, as well as stringent red tape issues to overcome.

New legislation published by the British Standards Institute (BSI) is a 2008 revision of BS5867-2 relating to the flammability requirements of curtains, drapes and window blinds in the contract hospitality, leisure, healthcare and corporate environments. The new British Standard requires that flammability testing must now be carried out prior to any cleansing treatment which will essentially allow for comparisons to be made for textile performance. Application of the revised British Standard removes the threat which has been hanging over the future of contract fabric manufacturers and converters since 2003, when a restrictive and possibly flawed pan-European standard was first proposed.

Advice on the implications of the recent debate over fabric flammability and FR standards comes from the BCFA (the British Contract Furnishing & Design Association). Technical Director Peter Smith comments: “The industry has been very concerned about the pressure to replace our long-established BS5867 with the new pan-European standard EN13772/3. But I’m pleased to say that common sense has prevailed, and BS5867 remains in force, albeit in an updated form. We can now confirm that fabric performance requirements remain largely unaltered under the revised standard. The most significant change relates to flammability testing, which must now be carried out prior to any cleansing treatment. Smith adds: “Compliance with BS5867-2 has been a cornerstone of fabric specification throughout the contract sector worldwide for over 25 years, and I am confident that BS5867-2: 2008 will continue in this tradition.”

In addition, there are new government regulations relating to the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and sustainable building which again affect wallcoverings. Melanie Stonestreet, Sector Leader Leisure at Muraspec explains: “Hotel designers must now bear in mind that there should be a significant colour contrast for all adjacent surfaces. Only products that have a minimum 30 point difference in light reflectance value should be used between walls, doors, ceilings and floors that are being specified in public spaces for a hotel in accordance with the Buildings Regulations Approved Document M.”

Combining all these factors is difficult but the real challenge is coupling them with aesthetic design. Christine Dedman, Marketing Manager for Strata Tiles comments: “Designers and architects are pressured to make aesthetic interest out of fundamental materials whilst matching durability and surface integrity needs. However, the age old problem still remains balancing cost with form and function, whilst embracing current trends in design and technology.”

According to Angela Paterson, Marketing Director at Tektura, wallcoverings are enjoying a renaissance. Paterson’s predictions for trends set to make their mark in 2009 include the already prevalent geometric shapes, as well as more tactile and unusual three-dimensional textured surfaces. “Simple geometric shapes are strong, which when repeated and interlinked create pleasing patterns and a sense of order and symmetry. Look for facets, chevrons, honeycomb, origami, lace, ironwork, and even circuit board effects,” reveals Paterson. “And of course digital printing continues to grow. This enables designers to experiment with imagery and artwork at supersize scale. Tektura see many more hotel designers turning to digital print to create completely unique feature areas.”

As for colour, Tektura predict that soft monochrome palettes will dominate: “Chalk white, black, and every shade of grey are already establishing themselves, and sepia tints are moving in. Soft lustrous metallics are strong, with pewter, burnished copper, old gold, and steely silver as the key colours to watch for.”

Tektura and the BCFA are both participating in The Sleep Event. Members of the BCFA team will be available for consultation about a range of industry issues as well as providing practical and impartial advice. Free copies of the current BCFA directory will be offered to all visitors to stand G28.