How to Hang the American Flag on a Wall

Reviewed by Barry Zakar

Last Updated: September 29, 2024 Fact Checked

Hanging an American flag on a wall properly involves some attention to detail. Whether you display the flag horizontally or vertically, make sure the union, or the field of blue with stars, is on top and to your left. If you are displaying other flags, always put them to the American flag's right (from the perspective of facing the flag). Illuminate the flag at all times, and avoid spots where it might get dirty. Use its grommets, or the metal loops that allow it to fly it from a pole, to hang it vertically. To hang it horizontally, use pins that can carry its weight without damaging its fabric.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Displaying the Flag Correctly

Download Article

1
Hang the flag with the union at the top to the observer's left. Whether you hang the flag vertically or horizontally, the union, or field of blue with white stars, should be at the top left side. The flag’s own right, or the observer’s left, is considered the position of prominence.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- A flag displayed with the union on the bottom is a sign of distress.
The American flag shouldn’t be hung loosely or draped as bunting. When displaying it on a wall, hang it so it’s completely flat against the surface.^{[2]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Position state or city flags to the American flag's right. Hang the American flag so it is to the left (as the observer, facing the flag) of any other flag. Since the flag’s own right (or the observer’s left) is the position of prominence, any state, city, or other organization’s flag should be displayed to the observer’s right.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- It’s acceptable to hang other flags at the same height as the American flag as long as they’re on the correct side.
Except for the flags of other nations, any flags displayed with the American flag should be of equal size or smaller than the American flag.^{[4]
X
Research source}
Do not hang another flag above the United States flag. Further, when displaying the flags of two nations, make sure they’re the same size.^{[5]
X
Research source}
6
Illuminate the flag at all times. Display the flag in an indoor room with a light on at all times. If you’re hanging it on an outdoor wall, take it down at sunrise or use an outdoor light to keep it illuminated overnight.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- If you don't want to keep a room's overhead light on, you can set up a spotlight to illuminate the flag.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Hanging the Flag Securely

Download Article

Hang the flag securely so it won’t fall to the ground. If an American flag touches the ground, it should be retired, preferably by burning.^{[7]
X
Research source}
2
Hang the flag vertically by its grommets. Check the side of the flag with the union for grommets, or the metal loops at the corners used to fly the flag from a pole. Use push pins or nails to hang the flag vertically from the grommets.
- Don’t pierce the flag itself with nails. They would damage and disrespect the flag.
3
Use several pushpins per side to distribute weight evenly. When hanging the flag vertically, insert pushpins at regular intervals so the grommets don’t get ripped out and to keep the flag from sagging.
- Make sure you avoid placing push pins into the stitching at the flag's edges.
4
Hang the flag horizontally with push pins. Using the grommets isn't an option when hanging the flag horizontally. Instead, you'll have to use enough push pins on all sides to distribute the flag’s weight evenly. That way, it won't fall, get torn, or sag.
- Insert push pins carefully to avoid piercing the flag’s stitching.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Keeping the Flag Clean and Damage-Free

Download Article

Whether you’re hanging the flag indoors or outdoors, avoid spots where it might easily get dirty. For instance, don’t hang it next to your stove where food might splatter onto it. If you're hanging it outdoors, avoid spots where the hose might splatter water and dirt onto the flag.^{[8]
X
Research source}
2
Retire a damaged or soiled flag. You should retire your flag with dignity if it falls to the ground, gets torn, becomes soiled, or is otherwise unfit to be displayed. Burning a flag in a large, intense fire while standing at attention is the preferred way to retire a flag.^{[9]
X
Trustworthy Source

US Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. government agency providing healthcare and resources to veterans

Go to source}
- American Legion Posts, Boy and Girl Scout Troops, and Cub Scout Packs routinely conduct flag retirement ceremonies. Contact your local organization for more information.
- In America, the rules are vague on how to properly and respectfully retire a flag. The only rule specifically stated is to not cut the blue area with the 50 stars as it would symbolize the splitting of the union.
When hanging the American flag on an outdoor wall, try to pay attention to the weather forecast. Take it down during rain or other inclement weather. Put it away when it's windy so it doesn't blow to the ground or down your street.^{[10]
X
Research source}

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Can I display a flag indoors if it was previously used on a flag staff?

Community Answer

Yes, you can.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 21
Question

The article says, "Further, when displaying the flags of two nations, make sure they're the same size." In some circumstances, is it appropriate to display a larger foreign flag, such as the Russian Federation flag?

Community Answer

No. A foreign flag should not be larger than the flag of the home country. It doesn't matter which country is involved.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 24 Helpful 44
Question

What flag is shown next to the American flag in step 3?

Community Answer

That's the flag of Indianapolis.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 141 Helpful 33