How to Hang the American Flag on a Wall

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: January 28, 2022 References Approved

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

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]
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- A flag displayed with the union on the bottom is a sign of distress.
2
Keep the flag snug and outstretched. 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]
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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]
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- It’s acceptable to hang other flags at the same height as the American flag as long as they’re on the correct side.
4
Make sure state and city flags aren't larger than the American flag. 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]
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5
Hang the flag at the same level as another nation’s flag. 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]
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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]
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- 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

1
Make sure the flag won’t fall. 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]
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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.^{[8]
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- 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.^{[9]
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- 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.^{[10]
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- Insert push pins carefully to avoid piercing the flag’s stitching.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Keeping the Flag Clean and Damage-Free

1
Choose a spot where the flag won't get dirty. 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.^{[11]
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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.^{[12]
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- 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.
3
Protect the flag from inclement weather. 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.^{[13]
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Community Q&A

Question

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

Community Answer

Yes, you can.
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.
Question

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

Community Answer

That's the flag of Indianapolis.