TL;DR: Hanging a flag vertically requires rotating the design correctly so it reads properly when viewed upright. For the American flag, the union (blue field) goes to the observer's left. For custom and decorative flags, the design should face the viewer without appearing mirrored or upside down.
Vertical flag display is one of the most common sources of flag etiquette questions. Whether you are hanging an American flag on a wall, displaying a custom flag in a narrow space, or mounting a team flag in a stairwell, the orientation rules are specific and matter more than most people realize. A flag hung in the wrong orientation is not just an aesthetic issue; for national flags, it can be a sign of disrespect, and for custom flags, it can make a design unreadable. Browse our flag accessories collection for wall brackets, mounting hardware, and display stands suited to vertical display, or read on for the full guide.
5 Key Rules for Hanging a Flag Vertically
- The union goes to the observer's left - For the American flag hung vertically, the blue field with stars must be in the upper left from the viewer's perspective
- The design must read correctly - Text, logos, and directional graphics should face the viewer without mirroring
- Single-sided flags show a mirror image on the reverse - Account for this when choosing which side faces outward
- The flag should hang taut and flat - Use a rod through the sleeve or clips along the top edge to prevent sagging
- Match hardware to your mounting surface - Wall brackets, ceiling hooks, and tension rods each suit different spaces
The sections below cover each flag type in detail, including the American flag, state flags, custom flags, and decorative flags. For a broader look at wall display methods, see our guide on how to hang a flag on a wall.
How to Hang the American Flag Vertically
The American flag has specific vertical display rules governed by the U.S. Flag Code. When displayed vertically on a wall, the union (the blue field with white stars) must be in the upper left from the observer's perspective. This applies whether the flag is hung flat against a wall, suspended from a ceiling, or displayed in a window.
The most common mistake is hanging the American flag with the union in the upper right, which is how it would appear if you simply rotated a horizontally displayed flag 90 degrees clockwise. The correct method requires rotating the flag so the union ends up on the left side as the viewer sees it.
A practical way to remember this: imagine the flag flying on a pole. The union is always at the top left when the flag flies horizontally. When you rotate the flag to hang vertically, the union should still be in the position of honor, which is the upper left from the viewer's perspective.
Step-by-step for wall display:
- Hold the flag horizontally in front of you with the union in the upper left.
- Rotate the flag 90 degrees counterclockwise. The union should now be in the lower left.
- Flip the flag so the front faces you. The union should now be in the upper left from your perspective.
- Mount the flag with the union in that position.
If your flag has a sleeve along the left edge (the hoist side), that sleeve can be used to hang the flag vertically by threading a vertical rod or dowel through it and mounting the rod to the wall with brackets top and bottom.
How to Hang State Flags Vertically
State flags do not have a federal flag code governing their vertical display, but the general convention follows the same logic as the American flag: the hoist side (the side that attaches to the pole) goes to the upper left from the observer's perspective when displayed vertically.
Most state flags have a design that reads left to right, so hanging them with the hoist side at the top left produces a correctly oriented display. Some state flags have seals, text, or directional elements that make orientation obvious. If the design looks correct when viewed from the front, the orientation is right.
When displaying a state flag vertically alongside the American flag, the American flag takes the position of honor. If both are hung on the same wall, the American flag should be to the observer's left (its own right), with the state flag to the observer's right.
How to Hang Custom and Decorative Flags Vertically
Custom flags and decorative flags do not have etiquette rules governing their orientation, but readability is the practical standard. The flag should hang so the design faces the viewer correctly, without appearing mirrored, upside down, or rotated in a way that makes text or graphics unreadable.
For flags with horizontal text or logos, vertical display often requires a design that was specifically created for vertical orientation. A flag designed for horizontal display with text running left to right will have that text running top to bottom when hung vertically, which may or may not be readable depending on the design. If you plan to display a custom flag vertically, specify vertical orientation when ordering so the design is laid out accordingly.
Our custom flags collection supports both horizontal and vertical design orientations. Standard turnaround is 10 to 15 days, with express turnaround available in 5 to 9 days. For guidance on designing a flag that works in both orientations, see our guide on how to design a custom flag.
Single-Sided vs. Double-Sided Flags for Vertical Display
Single-sided flags show the design on the front and a mirror image on the back. For vertical wall display where only one side is visible, this is not a problem. For vertical display in a window, doorway, or open space where both sides are visible, a single-sided flag will show a reversed design on one side.
Double-sided flags have the design printed correctly on both sides, which matters for any display where both faces are visible. If you are hanging a flag vertically in a window or between two spaces, double-sided construction ensures the design reads correctly from both directions.
| Display Location | Single-Sided | Double-Sided |
|---|---|---|
| Flat against a wall (one side visible) | Works well | Works well, unnecessary upgrade |
| Window or doorway (both sides visible) | Mirror image on reverse | Correct design on both sides |
| Suspended from ceiling (both sides visible) | Mirror image on reverse | Correct design on both sides |
| Stairwell wall (one side visible) | Works well | Works well, unnecessary upgrade |
| Outdoor vertical pole mount | Mirror image on reverse | Correct design on both sides |
For a full comparison of single-sided and double-sided construction, see our guide on single-sided vs. double-sided flags.
Mounting Methods for Vertical Flag Display
The right mounting method depends on your flag type, wall surface, and whether you want a permanent or temporary installation.
Wall brackets with a vertical rod: The most secure method for permanent vertical display. Mount two brackets on the wall, one near the top and one near the bottom, and thread a rod or dowel through the flag's sleeve. This works best for flags with a hoist-side sleeve and produces a clean, taut display.
Clip rings on a horizontal rod: Attach clip rings along the top edge of the flag and hang from a horizontal rod mounted at the top. The flag hangs vertically below the rod. This method works for any flag regardless of sleeve configuration and is easy to remove and reattach for flags you rotate.
Ceiling hooks and a dowel: For flags suspended from the ceiling in a stairwell or open space, thread a dowel through the top sleeve and hang the dowel from two ceiling hooks at the same height. Add a second dowel through the bottom sleeve or attach small weights to keep the flag hanging flat and taut.
Command strips or adhesive tape: For lightweight flags in rental spaces or temporary display, adhesive strips along the top and sides hold the flag flat against the wall without hardware. Not suitable for heavy flags or outdoor use.
Browse our flag accessories collection for rods, brackets, clip rings, and other hardware suited to vertical display setups.
Common Mistakes When Hanging Flags Vertically
Rotating the wrong direction: The most common mistake with the American flag is rotating it clockwise instead of counterclockwise, which puts the union in the upper right rather than the upper left. Always verify the union position before mounting.
Letting the flag sag in the middle: A flag hung from only the top edge will bow outward in the middle, especially larger flags. Use a rod through the sleeve or add a bottom weight to keep the flag flat and taut.
Displaying a horizontal design vertically without adjustment: Text and logos designed for horizontal display become difficult to read when rotated 90 degrees. If you plan to display a flag vertically, use a design created for that orientation.
Using hardware that is too light for the flag size: Larger flags are heavier than they appear, especially when made from polyester. Use hardware rated for the flag's weight and size to prevent sagging, slipping, or wall damage over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which way does the American flag face when hung vertically?
When the American flag is displayed vertically on a wall, the union (blue field with stars) must be in the upper left from the observer's perspective. This is specified in the U.S. Flag Code and applies to both indoor and outdoor vertical display.
Can any flag be hung vertically, or only flags designed for it?
Any flag can be hung vertically, but flags with horizontal text or directional graphics may be difficult to read when rotated 90 degrees. Flags designed specifically for vertical display have their text and graphics laid out to read correctly in that orientation.
Does a flag hung vertically need to be double-sided?
Only if both sides of the flag will be visible. For flat wall display where only one side faces outward, single-sided construction is sufficient. For windows, doorways, or suspended display where both sides are visible, double-sided construction ensures the design reads correctly from both directions.
Is it disrespectful to hang the American flag vertically?
No. Vertical display of the American flag is explicitly permitted by the U.S. Flag Code, provided the union is in the upper left from the observer's perspective. The flag code describes vertical display as an appropriate method for wall and window display.
How do I keep a vertically hung flag from sagging or curling?
Thread a rod or dowel through the flag's sleeve, or use clip rings spaced evenly along the top edge. For flags without a sleeve, adding a second rod or small weights along the bottom edge keeps the flag flat and taut.
Final Recommendations
For the American flag, always verify the union is in the upper left before mounting. For custom and decorative flags, prioritize readability and specify vertical orientation when ordering if that is how the flag will be displayed. Use a rod through the sleeve or clip rings for the cleanest, most secure vertical display, and choose double-sided construction for any flag displayed where both sides are visible.
Browse our flag accessories collection for rods, brackets, and mounting hardware, or explore our custom flags collection to order a flag designed specifically for your vertical display setup.
