The Ultimate Guide on How to Display a Flag Indoors

Displaying the American flag is a proud tradition that many hold dear, whether outdoors on flagpoles or inside homes and businesses. While flag display guidelines often emphasize outdoor practices like raising the flag at sunrise and lowering it at sunset, there’s also a right way to showcase your patriotism indoors. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about displaying the American flag indoors with respect and pride, covering the key principles and best practices that every patriot should know. 

Looking to add an indoor flag to your space? Explore our wide selection of premium indoor U.S. flags, available with elegant gold fringe and sturdy indoor flagpoles to perfectly complement any room. Shop now and bring a touch of patriotic pride into your home, office, or event space. 

Why Having an Indoor Flag Matters  

Displaying the American flag indoors is a meaningful way to express patriotism while enhancing the beauty of your space. Schools often use flags to decorate their auditoriums, while offices display them in conference rooms or lobbies. Indoor American flags typically finished with a gold fringe, add a patriotic touch to any room and are easy to display. Other common reasons for displaying flags indoors include: 

• Highlighting important spaces 
• Preserving and protecting special flags, especially veteran burial flags 
• Honoring veterans 
• Using as instructional tools 

Showcasing historical or commemorative flags 

At Carrot-Top, our customer base includes everyone from city governments and courtrooms to businesses, schools, and individuals. We sell everything from large indoor U.S. flag sets to compact classroom flags, perfect for adding patriotic flair when space is limited.  

Proper Etiquette for Displaying the Flag Indoors 

Displaying the American flag indoors is a meaningful way to honor the nation's values and add a patriotic touch to any space. Whether in schools, churches, auditoriums, or retail stores, understanding proper etiquette ensures the flag is displayed with the dignity it deserves. 

When the American flag is hung on a wall, it should be placed to the speaker’s right (left from the audience view), with any other flags on separate staffs positioned to the left of the U.S. flag. If displayed with another flag on crossed staffs, the American flag should be on the right, with its staff in front.  

When Displaying the Flag on a Platform 

The American flag should be on the speaker’s right (the audience’s left) when displayed on a platform. To avoid confusion, always position the flag on the speaker’s right. It can also be displayed flat against a wall, ensuring the Union (blue field of stars) is on the flag’s right or the viewer’s left. 

When Displaying the Flag in a Window 

When displaying the flag in a window, position it so the Union is on the flag’s right (the viewer’s left from outside). This way, those outside can correctly view the flag as they approach. 

When Displayed Against a Wall 

Whether displayed horizontally or vertically, the stars should always be at the top and to the flag’s right (the viewer’s left). When displayed with flags of other countries, all flags should be flown at the same height and be of equal size to show respect for each nation’s sovereignty. 

Other Ways to Display the American Flag Indoors 

It might seem straightforward to display an American flag, but there are many ways to do it properly. It may surprise you to learn that you have more options for correctly displaying a flag indoors compared to outdoors. 

Using a Flagpole 

Even though you're indoors, you can still use a flagpole — there are standing flagpoles and wall-mounted flagpoles. Just make sure to use a flagpole that is an appropriate size for your room. Carrot-Top Industries sells indoor flagpoles 7' - 12' feet to fit various spaces. We recommend that you have at least 6 inches of ceiling clearance between your ceiling at the top of the flagpole.  

Read our blog, "How to Choose the Right American Flag Size for Your Display," for more tips on choosing a properly sized indoor flag.  

Folded Up in a Display Case 

The traditional way to fold a U.S. flag is into a triangle, similar to the tricorn hats worn by our Revolutionary heroes. When folded, 5 x 9.5 ft flags fit perfectly into our flag display cases. You can shop our collection of flag cases to find one that matches your preferred style.  

In a Frame  

You can also frame the American flag indoors if you’re hanging it on the wall. There's no rule against this in the Flag Code, so feel free to try it out. Framed flags look nice above a fireplace or on a wall but might not be suitable for very formal settings. 

Purchase an Indoor Flag Today from Carrot-Top Industries 

Now that you know the best practices for displaying the American flag indoors, it’s time to find the perfect flag for your space. At Carrot-Top Industries, we’re committed to helping you proudly showcase your patriotism, whether that’s with an outdoor flag or an indoor display. Shop our collection of indoor U.S. flags, flag display cases, and flag sets today!