Balloon arch ideas

Almost every balloon arch you see online is the same shape in a different palette, which is good news: pick the colours first and the build is identical every time. This page is the idea list — the colour schemes that photograph well, the shapes that suit a normal-sized living room, and the versions worth the extra half hour.

The build itself is a garland arch: air-filled balloons in mixed sizes, clustered in fours on a decorating strip. It is covered step by step in the balloon arch guide, so this page sticks to what it should look like.

Costs below assume you buy balloons in bulk packs and a £4 decorating strip. A two-metre arch works out around £25 to £30 in materials, whichever scheme you choose.

Colour schemes that photograph well

• Sage, ivory and chrome gold — the safest grown-up scheme, and the one that suits a plain wall. Shop this card
• Blush, nude and rose gold, still the most-copied palette for 21sts and 30ths. Shop this card
• Navy, silver and white for a 40th or 50th where the room is already dark. Shop this card
• Black, gold and white: reads as formal without anyone dressing up. Shop this card
• Terracotta, mustard and cream for an autumn party. Shop this card
• Pastel rainbow — six shades in order, best for a child's birthday. Shop this card
• Emerald, ivory and gold, which looks far more expensive than it costs. Shop this card
• Two shades of one colour plus white: the cheapest scheme to get right. Shop this card
• Burgundy, dusky pink and chrome silver for a winter party. Shop this card
• Baby blue, white and chrome silver for a christening or new baby party. Shop this card

Arch shapes for real rooms

• Half arch over one corner — the standard, and it only needs a two-metre garland. Shop this card
• Full doorway arch, both sides plus the top, using about three metres. Shop this card
• Diagonal garland across the top corner of a photo wall, the cheapest option that still fills a photograph. Shop this card
• Table swag: a one-metre garland along the front edge of the cake table. Shop this card
• Double half arch on facing corners, which frames a room without blocking it. Shop this card
• Column pair either side of a doorway, using a garden cane in each. Shop this card
• Circle backdrop on a hoop stand, the shape that suits a numbered milestone. Shop this card
• Fireplace garland running along a mantelpiece and dropping at one end. Shop this card
• Staircase garland cable-tied along the bannister, best for a house party. Shop this card
• Ceiling-to-floor drop in a marquee corner, using two garlands joined. Shop this card

Ideas by occasion

• 18th: neon brights with a black backing wall and UV lighting. Shop this card
• 21st: blush, gold and white with a big number balloon at one end. Shop this card
• 30th: monochrome black and white with one accent colour repeated. Shop this card
• 40th: navy and silver, with the arch framing a photo display. Shop this card
• 50th: gold, ivory and sage, kept calm so the room still looks like a room. Shop this card
• 60th and up: soft pastels and greenery, hung high so nobody has to duck. Shop this card
• Children's parties: pastel rainbow plus one character foil balloon in the middle. Shop this card
• Baby shower: two neutral shades and one metallic, with eucalyptus tucked in. Shop this card
• Christmas party: red, forest green and gold with a foil star at each end. Shop this card
• Engagement: ivory, blush and chrome silver over the drinks table. Shop this card

Details that make the difference

• Tuck real or faux eucalyptus into the gaps — one bunch is enough for two metres. Shop this card
• Add a cluster of 5in balloons wherever the garland looks thin. Shop this card
• Hang a happy birthday banner behind the arch rather than on it. Shop this card
• Use one oversized balloon at each end as a full stop. Shop this card
• Repeat the arch colours in the confetti and cake topper so the table matches. Shop this card
• Fairy lights threaded behind the garland turn it into an evening backdrop. Shop this card
• Keep foil number balloons to one per arch — two looks like a shop display. Shop this card
• Photograph it before the guests arrive; it never looks as good after the first hour. Shop this card

Happy birthday banners

The wall piece a balloon arch or bunting string hangs around.

How to write it so it lands

• Pick the colour scheme before you buy anything — it decides the whole shop.
• A half arch in a corner beats a full arch you run out of time to finish.
• Repeat one arch colour on the table so the room looks planned.

Where to shop next

• How to make a balloon arch
• How to use a balloon arch kit
• How much helium for balloons
• How to make bunting
• How to hang bunting
• Party bag ideas for kids
• What to put in a party bag
• Party bag ideas for adults
• Birthday balloons guide
• Shop birthday balloons
• Birthday bunting guide
• Party decorations
• Buy party supplies
• Birthday party ideas
• Happy birthday banners
• Bunting & banners
• Cake toppers
• Table confetti
• Party bag fillers
• Birthday badges & party pins
• Birthday cards
• Photo booth prop ideas

Frequently asked questions

What are the best colours for a balloon arch?

Three or four shades: two main colours, one accent and one metallic or neutral. Sage with ivory and gold, or blush with nude and rose gold, are the two schemes that suit almost any room.

How much does a balloon arch cost to make?

Around £25 to £30 in materials for a two-metre garland — roughly 130 balloons in bulk packs, a £4 decorating strip and glue dots. An electric pump is a one-off £15 and pays for itself on the second arch.

What shape balloon arch works in a small room?

A half arch over one corner, or a diagonal garland across the top of a photo wall. Both fill a photograph without taking floor space or blocking a doorway.

Should a balloon arch match the banner?

Match one colour, not all of them. Pick the banner first, then take one of its shades as the arch's accent colour and keep the rest neutral.

How far in advance can you build a balloon arch?

The day before. Air-filled balloons hold for two to three days indoors, away from direct sun and radiators.