The digital age may have lowered the monetary entry point for eye-catching digital signage (like LED Signs, illuminated displays, and LCD monitors), but banners can still turn heads. And because they require less maintenance and start at a lower price, you can bet that small and medium-sized business will have at least one or two large banners for advertising, indoor and outdoor events, or branding lying around.

With great popularity comes a great bevy of different signage solutions. Banners are the swiss-army knife of marketing – not just because of their versatility but also their modularity. So many types of banners exist, and for almost any application, choosing the right one is a little overwhelming for first-time buyers. Fret not, newcomer: we have compiled a list of the most popular banner types below. But first, let’s go over the characteristics that define a banner.

What is a banner?

Banners are long strips of material bearing a slogan or design, with the intent of representing a company, organization, government, or other entity. They are not rigid, unlike traditional signs.

Though the dictionary may describe banners as being made of cloth, these days a banner can consist of several different materials, all with varying degrees of thickness, pliability, and durability. Banners are differentiated from flags by how they are displayed, rather than by color, shape, or design. A banner will be attached at both ends, whereas a flag tends to be attached on a single side to a post or pole.

Types of Banner By Material

1. Fabric Banners

Fabric banners, usually consisting of polyester or satin, provide stunning full-colored graphics that will captivate and awe. Machine-washable and crease-resistant (unlike vinyl banners), these displays are the perfect solution for any business that needs a high-quality banner with little or no setup time.

The show-stopping radiance of a fabric banner can be tarnished outdoors, however, so we recommend using them only for indoor applications. But trade shows, sports events, grand openings, housing promotions, and presentations are all fair game.

2. Vinyl Banners

Vinyl banners are an old standby and for good reason. It’s hard to argue with the durability of their material; they can be used both indoors and outdoors, and they are tear-resistant.

Make sure you have the manpower to lift and transport heavier items. Vinyl banners can be quite heavy in comparison to their cloth counterparts, and they can crease if stored improperly or stepped on.

3. Mesh Banners

Vinyl is popular, there’s no questioning that. But mesh might just…mesh with your current advertising strategy.

The weave of a mesh banner is more permeable, allowing wind to pass through without lifting the banner up like a sail or wing. The major benefit of such a construction is that it allows the banner to brave harsh winds and inclement weather outside, while still serving the primary function of branding or advertising.

Mesh banners are often the choice for extra-large signage applications on storefronts, building sides, or even as coverings for entire structures. When serving as building wraps and showcasing, for example, a new soft drink, mesh banners can make an impressive promotional impact. Contractors and developers also use mesh banners to mask the view of construction and instead showcase the finished project! It’s much more attractive to all, especially among potential purchasers or leasers!

Types of Banner By Style

4. Pull-Up & Retractable Banners

Pull-up banner stands, also known as roll-up, are an attractive, double-sided solution for tradeshow events and indoor retail signage. They tend to be around six feet tall with varying widths dependent on custom specifications. Cheaper than their pop-up alternatives (which we will touch upon later), pull-up banners are easy to collapse and transport.

As you might imagine, their retractable system allows for almost instantaneous setup, but this comes at a price: pull-up banners can’t be built much wider than five feet. If you have a smaller exhibition or want to supplement your existing signage and displays, perfect; otherwise, you may want to investigate pop-up displays instead.

5. Backwall Displays and POP Displays

Guess what pop-up displays do? They “pop” up! Often made of fabric, these are only banners in the loosest sense of the word, but they have the same end goal as traditional banners: getting people’s attention. Often, pop-up booths are used to extend across the entire back of an exhibition’s shell.

Have big expectations for your signage? Because of their sturdier support and dimensional nature, pop-up displays can stretch much wider than a retractable banners. Installation may not be as convenient as a pull-up banner, but a few minutes should be enough for setup and takedown.

6. Step and Repeat Banners

Neutral backdrops for booths and walls are a necessary evil. Press photos need to be taken, presentations must be listened to, and keynote speakers don’t want to be distracted by their environment.

So, why not take advantage of this drab affair with custom branding? Step and repeat banners allow you to cover up garish wallpapers and boring backgrounds, all while marketing your company’s logo and name. The repetition of your logo or pictograph on their fabric allows them to slip into the scenery while promoting awareness of your business through photography and video.

7. Pole Banners

Outdoor pole banners, also known as boulevard banners, are often seen on the streets and avenues of downtown districts, promoting festivals, concerts, and events. However, they can be used for a variety of other purposes, such as decorating the main thoroughfares of colleges and universities, promoting retail spaces like shopping malls, or adding a splash of color to casinos, hotels, and entertainment spaces.

Usually printed onto durable vinyl material in square or rectangular shapes, pole banners can be installed using hardware kits that allow you to affix the banner to the pole using two extended arms or brackets. For added wow factor, use two banners side-by-side per pole!

8. Framed Banners

Practically any banner can be framed similarly to the framed wall art you see in offices and homes. This is a great way to give the banner a more sleek, professional, and permanent appearance. Because the fabric becomes more taught, there’ll be far fewer unwanted wrinkles or environmental disturbances such as wind.

9. Feather Banners (AKA Feather Flags)

Of course, sometimes the wind can be your friend, such as in the case of feather banners. Lightweight, portable and economical, these roadside staples are often seen outside retail spaces, showcasing messages such as “Now Open” or “On Sale.” They’re often made from aluminum poles and polyester fabrics that are durable but also highly moveable, creating an animated, hard-to-miss signal whenever drivers or pedestrians go by.

10. Suspended Banners & Hanging Banners

Using cables and rods, hanging banners can be displayed above crowds for maximum visibility and promotional impact. While installation for ceiling displays may be a little more involved, the potential payoff can be well worth the effort.

What comes to mind when you think of a hanging banner? Obviously, there’s nothing wrong with the classic fabric-suspended-by-two-corners design, but almost any shape you can dream up – circular hanging displays, elliptical suspended banners, triangle ceiling hangings, square display systems – is available at Signs By Tomorrow.

For more information please send us a message here or :