Whether you are thinking about displaying your national pride, love for your local sports team, or adding some decoration to your home, you need to pick the right type of flag
When you’re shopping for flags, you might get overwhelmed with the variety available. Not to mention, the difference between outdoor and indoor flags. After all, both look similar at a glance. But selecting the wrong type of flag could lead to disappointment.
To give you an idea, here are some distinctions between outdoor and indoor flags to make your decision much easier.
1. Material and Durability
One of the simplest differences between the indoor and outdoor flags is the material used to make it. The outdoor flags are built to withstand harsh weather conditions like wind, rain, and sun exposure. These flags are typically made from sturdy fabrics such as nylon, polyester, or heavy-duty cotton. These materials are chosen for their durability and resistance to fading and tearing.
On the other hand, indoor flags are made with lighter materials, like silk or satin, that emphasize appearance over durability. These flags are designed to hang indoors in a controlled environment, where they aren’t exposed to the same elements. While they look elegant and vibrant, they wouldn’t last long outside due to their more delicate construction.
2. Size and Shape
Most flags designed for outdoor use often come in standard sizes that you can easily see from a distance. A common size for outdoor flags is 3×5 feet, which is large enough to be easily seen when flown on a flagpole. Outdoor flags are also often rectangular to fit this purpose.
Indoor flags, however, can vary more in size and shape. Because they aren’t meant to be flown outside where visibility from a distance is crucial, they can be smaller and may even come in non-traditional shapes like pennants or banners.
Some indoor flags are meant for tabletop displays and are much smaller, allowing for more versatility in where and how they are used.
3. Mounting and Display
Another key difference between outdoor and indoor flags lies in how they are mounted and displayed. Outdoor flags are typically mounted on flagpoles or hung using heavy-duty brackets.
They need to be securely fastened to prevent them from being blown away by the wind or damaged by inclement weather. Grommets or reinforced edges are common features of outdoor flags, allowing them to be safely attached to a pole or holder.
Indoor flags, on the other hand, are usually hung from a wall or placed in stands. They may not have the same reinforcements as outdoor flags because they don’t need to endure the same stress. Indoor flags can also be mounted in more decorative ways, such as on a wooden dowel or attached to a rod for easier hanging.
4. Color Fastness and UV Protection
If you have ever seen a flag that has faded colors, you have seen what happens when the flag is exposed to the sun for a long time.
But, outdoor flags are specifically treated to resist fading from UV rays. These flags often have coatings or treatments applied to their fabric that help keep the colors vibrant even after months of being exposed to the sun.
Indoor flags do not usually have such UV protection since they aren’t exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods. The fabrics used for indoor flags are often chosen for their vibrant colors and smooth textures, which make them ideal for indoor environments where they will stay in a good condition.
