Birthday bunting: how much you need, how to hang it, and what to pair it with

Bunting is the low-effort decoration: one string across a wall and the room reads as a party. The trick is length and height, both of which people get wrong on the first go.

This page covers how much bunting a wall needs, whether fabric or paper is worth it, how to hang it so the triangles sit evenly, and how to make it work with a banner rather than fight it.

Honest note: we don't sell fabric bunting. We do stock happy birthday banners, number balloons, cake toppers, confetti and cards, all posted from the UK, and they pair with bunting from anywhere.

How much bunting you need

• Measure the wall and add a third — bunting needs slack to hang in a curve. Shop this card
• A three-metre wall wants about four metres of bunting on one string. Shop this card
• Two shorter strings at different heights look better than one long droopy one. Shop this card
• Roughly one triangle every 20cm keeps a string looking full rather than sparse. Shop this card
• For a marquee or garden fence, work in five-metre runs so it's manageable to hang. Shop this card
• Buy one spare string — you always want an extra above the food table. Shop this card

Fabric, paper or card

• Fabric lasts for years and is worth it if you'll reuse it every birthday. Shop this card
• Paper bunting is cheap and fine indoors, but curls in damp weather. Shop this card
• Card triangles hold shape best for photos and can be written on. Shop this card
• Foil or tassel garlands catch light better than fabric under indoor lamps. Shop this card
• Make your own from wrapping paper and ribbon if you want exact colours. Shop this card
• Keep it to two colours plus a neutral so it doesn't fight the banner. Shop this card

How to hang it properly

• Hang the ends higher than you think — the middle always drops. Shop this card
• Pin the centre point first, then work outward so the drape is even. Shop this card
• Command hooks, drawing pins or washi tape all hold paper bunting fine. Shop this card
• Eye level behind the food table beats a doorway nobody photographs. Shop this card
• Iron fabric bunting before hanging; creases show up badly in photos. Shop this card
• Outdoors, tie both ends tight to fixed points or it will spin in wind. Shop this card

What to pair it with

• A happy birthday banner in the centre, bunting either side of it. Shop this card
• A cake topper picking up one colour from the bunting. Shop this card
• Table confetti in the same accent colour, scattered thinly. Shop this card
• A sash or crown so the birthday person stands out in every photo. Shop this card
• The card in the same colour family, so the whole day looks planned. Shop this card

Happy birthday banners

The wall piece that anchors a balloon or bunting display.

Cake toppers

Wooden, rose gold and children's designs for shop-bought cakes.

Table confetti, sashes and crowns

Table and photo details that match the colour scheme.

Birthday cards to order with it

Card and decorations in one UK delivery.

Where to shop next

• Party supplies
• Buy party supplies
• Birthday balloons
• Happy birthday banners
• Bunting & banners
• Cake toppers
• Table confetti
• Party bag fillers
• Birthday party ideas
• How to make a balloon arch
• How much helium for balloons
• Balloon arch ideas
• How to use a balloon arch kit
• How to make bunting
• How to hang bunting
• Party bag ideas for kids
• What to put in a party bag
• Birthday badges & party pins
• Birthday cards
• Birthday balloons
• Party decorations
• Photo booth prop ideas
• Gifts to make someone smile
• Thinking of you gifts
• Funny Birthday Cards for Dad - shop the range
• Funny Birthday Cards for Her - shop the range
• Funny Birthday Cards for Him - shop the range

Frequently asked questions

Do you sell bunting?

Not fabric bunting. We make happy birthday banners, cake toppers, table confetti and cards in the UK — the banner is the piece most people hang instead of, or alongside, bunting.

How much bunting do I need?

Measure the wall and add about a third for slack, so a three-metre wall takes roughly four metres of bunting. Two shorter strings at different heights usually look better than one long run.

Is fabric or paper bunting better?

Fabric if you'll reuse it every year, paper if it's for one party indoors. Paper curls in damp weather, so keep it off garden fences on a wet day.

How do I hang bunting without marking the wall?

Command hooks or washi tape at each end, with the centre pinned first so the drape is even. Hang the ends higher than looks right — the middle always drops.

What height should bunting go?

Eye level behind the food or drinks table. That's where people gather and where the photos get taken.

Can I order a banner and card together?

Yes. Banners, toppers, confetti, badges and cards ship together from the UK in one order, so you're not paying postage twice.