Hanging Banners 101: Grommets vs. Pole Pockets – Pros and Cons

When it comes to getting your message out there with custom banners, one thing often gets overlooked – how do you hang it? It might sound trivial, but the right banner hanging methods can make all the difference between your message standing tall or, well, sagging. The contenders in this showdown? Grommets vs. pole pockets. Each has its strengths depending on where, how, and what kind of banner you’re hanging. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the pros of each, the ease of banner grommets installation versus the slick look of pole pocket banner installation, and help you find the best way to hang banners in a variety of settings. And no, this won’t be one of those “one size fits all” answers – just real, practical advice with a dash of cheeky Australian wit. Ready to get your banner hanging game sorted? 

Grommets: The Everyman’s Choice

Let’s start with the classic underdog of banner hanging methods: grommets. These little metal rings are embedded along the edges of vinyl banners and fabric banners, making them ideal for attaching ropes, banner clips, or hooks. Picture them as the tradies of the banner world – reliable, versatile, and just get the job done without fuss.

Why Grommets Work

• Simple and Quick Installation: If you need to figure out how to hang a banner quickly, grommets are your mates. Just thread ropes, zip ties, or bungee cords through the grommets, and you’re good to go. You don’t need any fancy tools or an engineering degree – just a bit of DIY spirit.

• Versatility: Grommets allow you to hang banners practically anywhere. Whether you’re securing your custom banners to fences at a cricket match, or draping them between two poles at a weekend market, grommets make life easier. A few well-placed banner clips or hooks, and you’re all set.

• Durability: Particularly with vinyl banners, grommets distribute the tension, which prevents wear and tear over time. These guys can handle wind and weather, making them ideal for outdoor use when you need secure banner hanging ideas.

But What About the Look?

While grommets may not win any beauty pageants, they’re all about functionality. If you’re looking for a way to promote your business on a budget or in a casual setting (hello, local food truck festival), grommets are perfect. Just ensure the edges are reinforced – nobody likes a torn-up banner blowing in the wind like a soggy chip packet. 

Pole Pockets: The Sophisticated Alternative

If grommets are the everyman, pole pockets are the refined cousin who’s just come back from a summer in Europe. Pole pockets are essentially long sleeves sewn along the edges of the banner, allowing you to slide poles or pole brackets through them for a neat and polished look. It’s the difference between a backyard gig and a performance at the Sydney Opera House.

Why Choose Pole Pockets?

• Professional Presentation: If you’re displaying cloth fabric banners at a conference, showroom, or even outdoors at an upscale event, pole pockets offer a more seamless and clean finish. There are no ropes or hooks in sight – just smooth, uninterrupted design.

• Tautness: Forget about wrinkles or sagging. With pole pocket banner installation, the poles keep your banner looking taut and professional, without the need for constant adjusting. If your banner is representing a premium brand or event, you want it to hang as clean as a freshly ironed shirt, and pole pockets deliver that.

• Security in Windy Conditions: Yes, pole pockets are mostly seen indoors, but they work wonders outdoors too. In windy environments, pole pockets provide a more secure hold, especially when combined with pole brackets. Instead of flapping around like a magpie in a storm, the weight is distributed across the banner, keeping everything in place.

Slight Catch – Installation

There is a bit of a catch with pole pockets, though. You’ll need to invest in poles or pole brackets, and the setup is a tad more involved than simply threading a rope through grommets. However, for a banner that you’ll be displaying over a long period – like for storefronts or exhibitions – the result is well worth it. 

Which Method Suits Your Needs?

Here’s where we cut to the chase. The best way to hang banners depends entirely on your setting and the banner material itself. If you’re in a casual or outdoor environment, banner grommets installation is the most flexible, budget-friendly choice. You can secure your banner in minutes, and it’s perfect for vinyl banners that might face the harsh Aussie elements.

On the flip side, for indoor events, formal presentations, or fabric banners, pole pockets are the way to go. The pole pocket banner installation process may take a bit longer, but the end result is a sleek, tension-free display that screams “class.” Perfect for trade shows, conferences, or permanent storefront signage. 

Best Situations for Grommets:

• Outdoor festivals or sports events: Think street markets, carnivals, or that footy match where you want your brand to be seen without worrying about wind.

• Temporary promotions: Running a weekend sale or pop-up event? Grommets let you quickly put up your banner on fences, poles, or walls without needing special brackets.

• Rougher conditions: If your vinyl banners are going to take a beating from wind, rain, or curious wildlife, grommets are your best bet for sturdy hanging.

Best Situations for Pole Pockets:

• Corporate events and exhibitions: When you want your display to reflect the professionalism of your business, pole pockets keep everything smooth and sharp.

• Indoor displays: If you’re setting up a banner for long-term use inside a shopping centre, conference, or showroom, pole pockets give that flawless, polished finish.

• Windy outdoor setups: Despite their classy appearance, pole pockets work brilliantly outside when you want a taut, secure banner hanging without any sagging or flapping.

So, What’s the Verdict?

In the end, whether you choose grommets or pole pockets depends on how polished or rugged you want your banner to look and where you’ll be displaying it. If you’re after secure banner hanging ideas that don’t compromise on practicality, grommets offer quick installation and are perfect for larger banners or outdoor events. If you want a polished look, particularly for indoor settings, pole pocket banner installation is the way to go. 

Still unsure? Here’s an insider tip: If you’re really torn, why not go hybrid? Some banners can be made with both grommets and pole pockets, giving you the best of both worlds – flexibility and professionalism. 

Regardless of your choice, make sure your banner is well-secured and wrinkle-free, ready to turn heads and capture attention in the true Aussie spirit of “she’ll be right” – because, with the right hanging method, she definitely will be! 

Written by BannerBuzz Editorial Team.