<p>Wood, a widely used substrate, is inherently flammable, necessitating flame-retardant (FR) coatings for safety. Traditionally, these coatings are synthesized by additive or reactive routes. In the current work, a novel approach of using interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) was pursued. The hybrid organic–inorganic IPN combines the film-forming properties of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with the thermal stability and flame retardancy of inorganic constituents (silicon, nitrogen and boron) polymerized by the solgel technique. PVA was crosslinked by glutaraldehyde in presence of sol to form the IPN causing the FR units to get intertwined in the binder preventing their leaching, a drawback associated with additive type FR coatings. The coatings were characterized using FTIR, NMR, TGA, DSC, and SEM, and their flame-retardant properties evaluated through UL-94 and limiting oxygen index (LOI) tests. Results demonstrated significant improvements in flame retardancy, with LOI values exceeding 30% and char yields up to 30%. The presence of boric acid also imparted antimicrobial property. Additionally, the coatings exhibited significant adhesion, hardness and resistance to solvents and stains. This study presents an alternative to the conventional halogenated or phosphorus-based FR compounds, which pose environmental and health risks, with potential applications in construction, furniture, and other industries requiring fire-safe materials.</p>