Indoor signs
What Are the Different Types of Banners?
12/1/2020
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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 businesses 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, that 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 designs. 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 perfection 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 event, 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 purchaser 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 as 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 banner. 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 rectangle shape, 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 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.
Types of Banner By Solution
11. Announcement Banners
If you’re opening or reopening a location, changing your hours or updating operating procedures, banners are one of the best ways to announce those changes loud and clear. Other messages may include “Coming Soon!”, “Now Hiring!”, “Now Leasing!” and more.
12. Promotional Banners
Many retail outlets and shopping malls use large vinyl banners to promote sales and discounts. When used in high-traffic locations, these banners can attract both loyal and new customers, and help supplement marketing campaigns online and elsewhere.
13. Event Banners
From city fairs, concerts and music festivals to trade shows, expos and business conferences, almost all events require a carefully thought out system of temporary signs, including a-frames, yard signs, event tents and more. Banners are especially effective because of their size and visibility, allowing you to raise your message high above the crowds of eventgoers.
14. Appreciation Banners
We often think of signs as a medium for advertising or information, but what about good old simple gratitude? It’s well known that during the COVID-19 pandemic many individuals and organizations put up signs thanking healthcare workers, first responders and other essential workers. Even outside of such unprecedented events, there’s never a bad time to show appreciation, whether it’s for staff, acquaintances or fellow organizations, and banners will allow you to do so in a way that’s memorable and hard-to-miss.
15. Environmental Banners
Large or small, all effective signs should enhance their surrounding environment. However, some take it to the next level by becoming an essential ingredient in the overall visitor experience. Banners are no exception, especially since they can cover entire walls and become backdrops for impressive displays and visionary set pieces.
16. Sports Banners
Whether you’re hosting tryouts, celebrating seniors or simply showing school spirit, banners can be customized with all your sports and athletic needs, including logos, mascots, colors and more. They can also be used to get the word out about upcoming events and competitions, so that no one misses the big game!
17. Religious Banners
Banners have been around since ancient times, and have long been used to rally worshippers and make religious proclamations. In the Old Testament, for example, the prophet Isaiah was commanded to raise a banner and exalt his voice (Isaiah 13:2).
Today, many churches, temples and other religious institutions continue to use banners to decorate processions and places of worship. With changing worship hours and the introduction of virtual sessions due the COVID-19 pandemic, banners announcing such changes are just as important now as they were in ancient times.
For more professional tips and tricks involving banners and flags, you can rely on the experts at Signs By Tomorrow®.
“Which banner will work best for me?” you ask. Find out with an expert site assessment courtesy of Signs By Tomorrow®. We have an array of for all applications and budgets. And if you’re looking for a high-quality solution to your event, we offer . We invite you to learn more about what Signs By Tomorrow can do for you. To get started,
