How to Hang American Flag Bunting? | Proper Patriotic Display

Hang American flag bunting by securing it at even intervals with the blue field at the top, using fasteners that match your surface.

Hanging American flag bunting for a holiday or a season of patriotism comes down to one rule: keep the blue field uppermost and the display neat. Whether you’re dressing a porch railing or a window, the method is the same — measure, mark, fasten, and check the orientation. This guide covers the placement rules, the fastening options that work on different surfaces, and the federal etiquette that applies to decorative bunting. If you’re shopping for a set that fits your space, our tested roundup of best American flag bunting options for home display is a good place to start.

Where To Hang Bunting And How To Orient It

Bunting works as a decorative drape under a porch eave, along a railing, below a window, along a roofline, across a fence, or above a front door. The blue field, or union, should sit at the top when the bunting hangs as a valance. If you display it flat against a wall or in a window, the U.S. flag code says the union goes uppermost and to the observer’s left, mirroring how a flag looks on a staff.

Keep the bunting level or evenly swagged, with the fabric centered so the dips match. The stripes should stay straight and the display untwisted, since a distorted bunting looks careless no matter how well it’s fastened.

How To Fasten Bunting On Any Surface

The right fastener depends on what you’re attaching to, and the bunting’s grommets or holes should dictate the spacing. Work from one end to the other so the fabric stays centered, and secure both ends firmly — wind is the main reason bunting comes loose.

• Wood and drywall: Small nails, push pins, or screw hooks work well; adhesive hooks also grip these surfaces.
• Brick: Use brick clips that grip the mortar without drilling.
• Porch railings: Thread zip ties through the grommets and wrap them around the banister for a secure hold.
• Windows or smooth surfaces: Suction cups or Command strips hold lightweight bunting; clean and dry the surface first for a reliable grip.
• Exterior mounting: If you’re using brackets or screws outdoors, choose weather-rated hardware so it won’t rust or fail.

For a swag look, let the center dip gently and keep the curve even between fastening points. For a taut look, pull the bunting snug before securing the final end.

Here is a quick reference for matching the fastener to the surface:

What The Federal Flag Code Says About Bunting

Federal law in Title 4 of the U.S. Code states that bunting of blue, white, and red used for decoration should be arranged with the blue above, the white in the middle, and the red below. This is the rule to follow for general patriotic draping, and it differs from how you’d orient a flat flag display.

Keep in mind that the flag code also says the U.S. flag should be displayed from sunrise to sunset on buildings unless it’s illuminated at night. Bunting, though, is exempt from this — it’s a decoration, not a flag, so you can leave it up around the clock. The same source notes that when a flag is displayed against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag’s own right, which is the observer’s left. Apply that same rule to a flat bunting panel.

One etiquette point matters: don’t use a real U.S. flag as a drape. The federal guidance is clear that bunting is the proper decoration, and draping an actual flag is considered disrespectful. Also keep bunting off the ground and free of any distortion so it looks intentional.

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