Flame retardant latex coatings are disclosed which include natural or synthetic latex grafted with ring-halogenated, ethylenically unsaturated aromatic monomers. The grafted latex is used alone or in combination with non-grafted natural or synthetic latex. The coatings are useful for a wide variety of applications, including fabric backcoatings, carpetings, paints, adhesives, sealants, caulks, non-woven binders and so on.