How to hang bunting

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

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

Indoor fixings that don't mark paint

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

Heights that work

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

Outdoors and in wind

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

Happy birthday banners

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

How to write it so it lands

• 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.

Where to shop next

• Balloon arch ideas
• How to make a balloon arch
• How to use a balloon arch kit
• How much helium for balloons
• How to make 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

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.