How to Hang Bunting

September 7, 2026

Badly hung bunting is nearly always one of two things: pulled too tight, so it looks like washing line, or hung too low, so guests walk into it. Both take a minute to fix if you know before you start.

The rule is a third: measure the wall, add a third of that length in bunting, and the drape sorts itself out.

Below: the fixings that don't mark paint, the right heights for a wall, doorway and marquee, and how to keep an outdoor string up in wind.

How much slack to leave

This guide suits anyone styling a celebration who wants their venue to look effortlessly polished rather than rushed. Use these calculations during your initial planning phase to ensure you buy or make the correct length of decoration. A brilliant practical tip is to use a piece of everyday knitting wool to map out your draping path first, which saves you from handling heavy fabric twice.

Measure the wall, then add a third — three metres of wall wants four metres of bunting.
The lowest point of the drape should sit about 20cm below the fixing points.
Two shorter strings at different heights look better than one long sagging one.
Pin the centre first, then work outwards so the drape is symmetrical.
Tight bunting reads as functional; a gentle curve reads as decoration.
Leave a 20cm tail beyond each fixing so you can adjust without re-tying.

Indoor fixings that don't mark paint

Ideal for renters and house-proud hosts, these techniques ensure your home looks festive without risking your tenancy deposit or paintwork. Use these damage-free methods whenever you are decorating painted walls or delicate wooden surfaces indoors. As a practical tip, always wipe the surface with a clean cloth to remove dust before applying any temporary hanger, ensuring a secure grip.

Command hooks or 3M strips — the default, and they peel off cleanly.
Removable adhesive putty for lightweight paper bunting only.
Picture rail hooks if the room has one; nothing beats them.
Curtain poles and bookcase corners take a string without any fixing at all.
Never use drawing pins in rented walls, and never masking tape on fresh paint.
Test any adhesive on the wall an hour before the party, not five minutes before.

Heights that work

Designed for busy hosts who want their decorations to look natural rather than cluttered, these measurements help keep walkways clear for your guests. Use these placement guidelines when positioning your fixing points on the morning of your event. For the best results, have a helper stand at the other side of the room to check the visual balance before you secure anything.

Above a doorway: fix at the top corners of the frame, never across the opening.
Behind a food table: about 30cm above head height so it appears in photos.
Across a room corner-to-corner: at least 2.1m at the lowest point.
Along a mantelpiece: fix at each end and let the middle drop 15cm.
Down a bannister: follow the handrail line and tie at every third spindle.
Around a marquee: run it along the frame at eaves height, not across the middle.

Outdoors and in wind

Perfect for anyone hosting a British summer garden party or outdoor fete, these methods ensure your decorations survive the unpredictable weather. Use these sturdy techniques when setting up your display on breezy mornings to prevent tangles. A helpful practical tip is to check the local wind direction forecast beforehand, allowing you to decorate the most sheltered areas of your garden.

Cable ties, not hooks — wind pulls anything adhesive straight off.
Tie to fence posts, tree branches or a washing line rather than gutters.
Use plastic or laminated bunting outdoors; paper is finished by the first shower.
Run shorter strings, five metres at most, so one gust doesn't take the lot down.
Fix both ends before you tidy the middle, or you'll do it twice.
Bring fabric bunting in overnight — a wet string takes days to dry properly.

Key things to remember

Add a third to the wall length and the drape looks right first time.
Pin the middle first, then work out to each end.
Test adhesive hooks an hour before, not as guests arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How do you hang bunting without damaging the wall?

Command hooks or 3M strips, applied an hour ahead so the adhesive sets. Picture rails and curtain poles work with no fixing at all. Avoid drawing pins and masking tape on painted walls.

How much bunting do you need for a wall?

The length of the wall plus a third, so a three-metre wall wants about four metres of bunting. Without the extra it hangs flat instead of draping.

How high should bunting be hung?

At least 2.1m at the lowest point when it crosses a room, or about 30cm above head height behind a table so it shows in photographs.

How do you hang bunting outside?

Cable-tie it to fence posts, branches or a frame rather than using adhesive hooks, keep runs to five metres, and use plastic or laminated bunting rather than paper.

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