Fire Ratings in Interior Design: What They Are and Why They Matter

You might be drawn to interior design because you love the way a room comes together. You love creating a vibe, making spaces functional and stylish, and bringing a vision to life.

But what people don’t talk about enough—especially when you’re self-taught—is just how much technical knowledge is required in real interior design.

It’s not just about aesthetics. It’s about safety. Functionality. Responsibility.

And one of the most overlooked (and honestly, most important) topics you need to know about is fire rating.

What is a fire rating in interior design?

A fire rating tells you how a material behaves if exposed to fire. Does it ignite easily? How fast does it burn? How much smoke does it produce? Will it slow the spread of flames, or make things worse?

And in commercial projects—like hotels, restaurants, retail spaces, and office buildings—fire ratings are non-negotiable.

We’re talking about actual legal codes here. If you specify materials that don’t meet local fire safety regulations, you’re not just risking your design reputation. You’re putting people at risk.

Where do you find fire ratings?

Most commercial-grade materials will have their fire rating listed in the product’s technical specifications. You can usually find this info:

• On the vendor or manufacturer’s website (check under “specs” or “compliance”).

• On the back of physical material samples.

• In product data sheets or tear sheets your reps provide.

If you're unsure, ask your rep directly. They should be able to tell you if something meets ASTM E84, NFPA 701, or other relevant fire testing standards, and whether it has a Class A, B, or C rating.

Class A is the most fire-resistant, and it’s typically required for wall coverings and surface finishes in commercial spaces.

And just to clarify—this isn’t about limiting your design. There are incredible materials out there that meet high fire safety standards and still look amazing. But it’s your job as the designer to specify the right ones for the right spaces.

Do you always need to worry about fire ratings?

In residential design? Not as much. But in any public or commercial space? Absolutely.

If you’re designing a hotel lobby, a restaurant, an office… these spaces must meet strict codes. That velvet upholstery? That reclaimed wood wall? That textured wallcovering? All of it needs to be checked.

This is one of those things you can’t just “figure out as you go.” It’s part of your responsibility as a professional—degree or no degree—to understand the basics of fire ratings and make sure your designs don’t just look beautiful, but are also safe and compliant.

Why does this matter?

Because this is the difference between being someone who “loves design” and someone who’s truly a professional at it. You can’t just specify materials based on looks alone. You have to understand how they perform.

And this is exactly why I believe self-taught designers deserve access to real, practical education that goes beyond the pretty parts of design.

In my Degree-less Design Course, fire ratings are just one of the many technical areas we cover—alongside building codes, ADA requirements, contractor coordination, and all the behind-the-scenes knowledge that helps you level up as a designer and protect your projects.

If you’re learning design without formal training, these are the details that will set you apart.

And whether you’re planning to work for a firm, start your own business, or just take on projects confidently, understanding things like fire ratings isn’t optional. It’s what makes the difference between a “nice idea” and a successful, real-world design.

If this opened your eyes to how much there really is to learn behind the scenes of interior design… you're exactly who I made Degree-less Design for.

XOXO,

Shira