Custom curtains for nursing homes: soundproof, blackout, fire-retardant.
Les personnes âgées en EHPAD ont un sommeil plus fragile et plus sensible au bruit que la population générale : l'Organisation mondiale de la santé (OMS) recommande un niveau sonore inférieur à 30 dB la nuit pour garantir un sommeil réparateur. Les rideaux techniques sur mesure répondent simultanément aux exigences acoustiques, d'occultation, de confort thermique et de sécurité incendie propres aux établissements médico-sociaux.
Kurtens équipe les EHPAD et maisons de retraite en rideaux techniques sur mesure : isolation acoustique jusqu'à 22 dB*, thermique jusqu'à 7°C*, occultation 100%*, certification M1 sur demande. Devis sous 24h.
Resident comfort is central to quality of life in nursing homes. A noisy, poorly darkened, or thermally uncomfortable environment directly affects the sleep, well-being, and health of elderly residents.
Sleep. Nursing home residents often experience fragmented and lighter sleep. Hallway noises, alarms, doors, and nighttime interventions disturb their rest. A high-density technical curtain can attenuate up to 22 dB* of incident noise in the room, significantly reducing perceived disturbances. Total blackout (100%*) promotes falling asleep and limits early awakenings due to outside light.
Thermal comfort. Seniors are more sensitive to temperature variations. Windows are a major source of heat loss, particularly in older buildings. A high-density thermal curtain can provide up to 7°C* of gain measured between the window and the room, contributing to residents' comfort and helping to control the facility's energy costs.
Acoustics of common areas. Dining rooms, living rooms, and activity rooms generate noise levels that compromise residents' comfort and the quality of their interactions. Specially designed acoustic curtains reduce reverberation and improve speech intelligibility, which is crucial for residents with hearing impairments. To delve deeper into the applicable requirements and standards, consult our comprehensive guide to technical curtain requirements for nursing homes.
Kurtens solutions for nursing home spaces
Each area of an EHPAD (nursing home) has specific requirements in terms of textile performance and fire regulations. Kurtens adapts manufacturing according to the specifications of each zone.
| Space / Zone | Main need | Target performance | Fire standard | Kurtens Solution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Room (< 50 m²) | Occultation + silence + thermal | 100% + up to 22dB* + 7°C* | No general obligation (AM 11-14). Type J requirements: Decree of November 19, 2001 [to be checked with inspection body] |
Made-to-measure blackout, sound-insulating, and thermal curtain |
| Corridors and circulation areas | Fire safety | First or Second Year Master's | Mandatory M2 (AM 12 b) | Custom M1 fire-retardant curtain |
| Enclosed stairs | Fire safety | M1 Ranking | Mandatory M1 (AM 12 a) | M1 fire-rated curtain |
| Dining room (> 50 sq. m.) | Acoustics + fire | Up to 22 dB* + M2 | Mandatory M2 (AM 12 b) | Custom fire-resistant soundproof curtain |
| Living room, common living space | Thermal comfort + light | Thermal + adjustable blackout | Sq. ft. if > 50 sq. m (AM 12 b) | Custom-made blackout thermal curtain |
| Activity room | Acoustics + lighting management | Up to 22 dB* | Sq. ft. if > 50 sq. m (AM 12 b) | Custom soundproof curtain |
*Maximum production capacities. Final performance according to client specifications.
EHPADs are classified as ERP type J (establishments for the elderly and disabled). Curtains installed in common areas must meet a minimum fire rating as defined by the order of June 25, 1980, articles AM 11 to AM 14, and standard NF P 92-507.
The M rating goes from M0 (non-combustible) to M4 (highly flammable). For curtains in nursing homes, articles AM 11-14 require: M1 (non-flammable) in enclosed stairwells and on stages (AM 12 a, AM 13), and M2 (flame-retardant) in hallways, corridors, and rooms over 50 m² (AM 12 b).
Point of caution: Article AM 11 §1 prohibits the placement of drapes or curtains across passageways (corridors, circulation areas, emergency exits). The only exception is textile coverings on fire doors, classified M2 minimum.
As Type J ERPs, EHPADs are also subject to the decree of November 19, 2001, which may contain specific additional provisions. These provisions must be checked with your approved control office (Bureau Veritas, Apave, Socotec) for your establishment.
Beyond legal obligations, insurers may impose higher requirements in the establishment's multi-risk policy. Regional Health Agencies (ARS) and safety commissions also check compliance during periodic visits. In practice, opting for M1 classification in all areas secures the establishment against all these stakeholders. For a detailed analysis of M1 and M2 standards in ERPs, consult our page dedicated to fire-retardant curtains for ERPs.
Kurtens offers M1 certification upon request, integrated directly into your project quote.
| Category | Density | Sound attenuation | Heat gain | Concealment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard curtain | 150-300 gsm | 5-7 dB | 1-2°C | 40-70% |
| Mid-range | 300-500 gsm | 12-18 dB | 35-39°F | 70-90% |
| High performance | 500+ gsm | 18-25 dB | 5-7°C | 95-100% |
| Curtains (production capacity) | Up to 620 gsm | Up to 22 dB* | Up to 7°C* | Up to 100%* |
*Data from tests under optimal conditions. In B2B, performance is adapted according to your specifications.
From the expression of need to delivery, Kurtens supports each textile equipment project in nursing homes with a team dedicated to professionals.
- Contact and needs assessment: Describe your project (number of rooms, common areas involved, regulatory or aesthetic constraints).
- Technical study and specifications: Kurtens analyzes the dimensions, required performance per zone, and applicable standards for your establishment.
- Detailed quote within 24 hours: Full costing including M1 certification if necessary.
- Samples on request: Materials and colors sent for validation before manufacturing begins.
- Custom manufacturing: Production according to your specifications, schedule defined together according to your establishment's constraints.
- Delivery: Kurtens can recommend qualified partner installers for setup if needed.
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Frequently asked questions about curtains for establishments.
Do nursing home curtains have to be fire-retardant?
This depends on the space. In hallways, corridors, and rooms larger than 50 m² (dining room, living room), a minimum M2 classification is mandatory (arrêté of June 25, 1980, article AM 12). Enclosed stairwells require M1 (AM 12 a). For residents' rooms smaller than 50 m², articles AM 11-14 do not require a fire classification for curtains, but insurers, the ARS, and safety committees may require M1 or M2 in their inspections.
What sound attenuation can be expected for residents' rooms?
Kurtens can produce curtains achieving up to 22 dB* of acoustic attenuation, significantly reducing perceived noise in rooms (alarms, corridor noises, night interventions). The WHO recommends a level below 30 dB at night for quality sleep. The soundproof curtain is a complement to the structural insulation of the building, not a replacement.
Are the curtains easily washable for institutional use?
Kurtens curtains are designed for institutional maintenance. Washing conditions and maintenance frequency depend on the material specified in your requirements. Detailed care information is provided with each order. M1 treatment, when integrated into the fabric fiber, withstands repeated washings.
Can the colors be customized to create a residential atmosphere?
Yes. For B2B clients, Kurtens manufactures according to specifications: materials, colours, and finishes are defined according to your establishment's project. The objective is to create a warm living environment for residents, far from the institutional appearance. Samples are available upon request for validation before production begins.
Does Kurtens also equip senior residences and nursing homes?
Yes. Kurtens supplies all types of facilities for the elderly: nursing homes, senior residences, assisted living facilities, and retirement homes. Each project is tailored to the specific needs of the facility and its applicable regulations.
Is installation included?
Kurtens does not offer installation directly but can recommend qualified partner installers to ensure the setup in your establishment.
How to obtain M1 certification for the nursing home curtains?
M1 certification is available upon request and included in your project quote. It covers areas where fire rating is mandatory (corridors, common areas over 50 m², staircases) and areas where it is recommended as a preventive measure (bedrooms, living rooms).
