This post contains affiliate links.
Balloon columns come in all different shapes and sizes. Balloon columns can be big or small. Balloon columns can range from super complicated to extremely easy.
What Is A Balloon Column
The balloon column (also known as a balloon tower or a balloon pillar) is probably one of the most iconic pieces of balloon decor, only second to the helium balloon itself. A balloon column is a gathering and stacking of balloons, held together by either a balloon stand or a string in order to make the appearance of a column made out of balloons.
What Is A Balloon Column Used For
A Balloon column can be used for a variety of things. With this single piece of balloon decor, a balloon column can accent a stage, a table, or a doorway. You can draw one’s attention to a focal point. The uses are limited only by your own imagination.
How Much Do Balloon Columns Cost
There are several balloon kits on the market you can buy to help you build your very own balloon column. Balloon column kits can range from $15 – $30 for each column, depending on where you live and where you buy from. If you choose to hire a balloon professional to make you some balloon columns they can cost between $60 and several hundred dollars for each column, depending on size and where you buy from.
Or with a little instruction, you can make your own and that is what we are going to focus on today. If you’ve never made a balloon column before, they may seem intimidating but let me reassure you they can be quite simple. Today I’m going to show how to make several different simple balloon columns.
How To Make A Simple Balloon Column – No Stand
You Will Need:
- balloons
- balloon weight
- fishing line or curling ribbon
- scissors
- balloon pump
I like to use either a hand pump or an electric balloon pump. If you are just doing a couple of balloon columns a hand pump will work great, if you are making lots of balloon columns you might want to invest in a balloon pump that can keep up with your needs. Check out my post Balloon Inflator Pump: The Ultimate Guide How To Choose, Use, And Different Types.
If you choose to purchase items through the links I have provided, I will earn a small referral commission at no cost to you. This commission helps to offset the costs associated with running and maintaining this site. Thank you for your support!
For the balloon weights, I like to use balloons filled with water. Some people will argue that this isn’t a good method because the balloons could pop and make a big watery mess everywhere, and that is a very good point.
I like water balloon weights because they are easy to make and readily available, especially if you already have balloons on hand and you can make them very quickly. And I have never had one pop while doing a balloon event. This doesn’t mean they can’t or won’t pop, causing a big mess.
Know the quality of your balloons before using them as water balloon weights. Use water balloon weights at your own risk.
For more information about balloon weights, check out my Balloon Weights: How To Use, Make, And How Heavy They NEED To Be.
Inflate Balloons Tying Into Duplets
Inflate balloon. Size balloons to the desired size. If you need more information on how to size a balloon check out my post Best Way To Size A Balloon – Balloon Sizer. Tie the balloons into duplets. If you need more instructions on how to make a duplet check out my post Tie Balloons Together – Making Balloon Duplets, Balloon Quads, Balloon Clusters.
If creating a spiral balloon column where the colors look like they are spiraling up the column you will want to make your duplets and quads as follows:
Wrap Balloons Into Quads
Cut some of your fishing line or curling ribbon (about twice as long as your finished column) and attach it to your weight.
Twist two of your duplets into a quad. Refer back to the cheat sheet above if you are making a spiral column. If you need more instructions on how to make a quad check out my post Tie Balloons Together – Making Balloon Duplets, Balloon Quads, Balloon Clusters.
Tie The Weight To Your Base Quad
Set the quad on top of the balloon weights and begin to wrap the fishing line or curling ribbon around the balloon quad in various directions.
Begin Stacking Quads
When the first quad is securely attached, place the second quad on top of the first quad and continue to wrap the fishing line or curling ribbon around the balloons in various directions.
Repeat Stacking Quads
Continue adding quads on top of the previous quad and securing them with the fishing line or curling ribbon until all your balloon quads are attached. Your balloon column should start to look like a column after just a few quads.
Enjoy!
Simple Balloon Column Videos
How To Make A Simple Balloon Column – With Stand
You Will Need:
- balloons
- balloon stand
- balloon pump
Inflate Balloons Tying Into Duplets
Inflate balloon. Size balloons to the desired size. If you need more information on how to size a balloon check out my post Best Way To Size A Balloon – Balloon Sizer. Tie the balloons into duplets. If you need more instructions on how to make a duplet check out my post Tie Balloons Together – Making Balloon Duplets, Balloon Quads, Balloon Clusters.
Attach Duplets To Stand
Starting with the bottom duplets begin attaching your duplets to the balloon stand. If you would like more information about balloon stands check out my post All About Balloon Column Stands. For my favorite DIY balloon stands, check out my post.
Continue Attaching
Continue attaching the duplets to the balloon column stand. Make sure to refer back to the duplet and quad cheat sheet if making a spiral balloon column.
Enjoy!
How To Make A Simple Balloon Column – Balloon Kit
You Will Need:
- balloon kit
- balloon pump
- balloons (not all kits come with balloons)
If you choose to purchase items through the links I have provided, I will earn a small referral commission at no cost to you. This commission helps to offset the costs associated with running and maintaining this site. Thank you for your support!
Inflate, Size, And Tie
Inflate balloon. Size balloons to the desired size. If you need more information on how to size a balloon check out my post Best Way To Size A Balloon – Balloon Sizer. Tie the balloons. If you need more instructions on how to tie a balloon check out my post Learn To Tie A Balloon Like An Expert.
Set Up Stand
Some balloon kits come with stands, if your balloon kit has a balloon stand set it up at this time. Follow the manufacturers’ recommendations for setting up your balloon column stand.
Attach Balloons To Rings
Many balloon column kits come with balloon rings. Balloon rings are circle devices with holes and slits. Balloons can be slipped through the slit and into the holes to hold the balloons in place. Pay attention to your desired pattern or design as you place the balloons on the balloon rings.
Attach Balloons To Stand
Begin attaching the balloons and balloon rings to the stand. Pay attention to your desired pattern or design as you place the balloon rings on the balloon stand.
Enjoy!
What Size Balloons To Use For A Balloon Column
The size of balloons for a balloon column will depend on a few things. Balloon columns are generally made with standard 11″ or 12″ balloon sizes. Below I have put together a chart to show the different sizes of balloons depending on the size of the finished column and how many balloons you will need depending on the size of your balloons and your finished balloon column size.
Undersizing balloons is a common practice in the balloon industry to allow for expansion and minimize the popping of balloons in balloon decor.
How Many Balloons For A Four Balloon Cluster Column
| Balloon Size(s) | Approximate Column Size | How Many Balloons (1 color) | How Many Balloons (2 Colors) | How Many Balloons (3 Colors) | How Many Balloons (4 Colors) |
| 11″ or 9″ sized to 7″ | 42″ | 24 | 12 each color | 12 (1 color) 6 (2 colors) | 6 each color |
| 11″ or 9″ sized to 7″ | 49″ | 28 | 14 each color | 14 (1 color) 7 (2 colors) | 7 each color |
| 11″ or 9″ sized to 7″ | 56″ | 32 | 16 each color | 16 (1 color) 8 (2 colors) | 8 each color |
| 11″ or 9″ sized to 7″ | 63″ | 36 | 18 each color | 18 (1 color) 9 (2 colors) | 9 each color |
| 11″ or 9″ sized to 7″ | 70″ | 40 | 20 each color | 20 (1 color) 10 (2 colors) | 10 each color |
| 11″ or 9″ sized to 7″ | 77″ | 44 | 22 each color | 22 (1 color) 11 (2 colors) | 11 each color |
| 11″ or 9″ sized to 7″ | 84″ | 48 | 24 each color | 24 (1 color) 12 (2 colors) | 12 each color |
| 11″ sized to 8″ | 48″ | 24 | 12 each color | 12 (1 color) 6 (2 colors) | 6 each color |
| 11″ sized to 8″ | 56″ | 28 | 14 each color | 14 (1 color) 7 (2 colors) | 7 each color |
| 11″ sized to 8″ | 64″ | 32 | 16 each color | 16 (1 color) 8 (2 colors) | 8 each color |
| 11″ sized to 8″ | 72″ | 36 | 18 each color | 18 (1 color) 9 (2 colors) | 9 each color |
| 11″ sized to 8″ | 80″ | 40 | 20 each color | 20 (1 color) 10 (2 colors) | 10 each color |
| 11″ sized to 8″ | 88″ | 44 | 22 each color | 22 (1 color) 11 (2 colors) | 11 each color |
| 11″ sized to 8″ | 96″ | 48 | 24 each color | 24 (1 color) 12 (2 colors) | 12 each color |
| 11″ sized to 9″ | 54″ | 24 | 12 each color | 12 (1 color) 6 (2 colors) | 6 each color |
| 11″ sized to 9″ | 63″ | 28 | 14 each color | 14 (1 color) 7 (2 colors) | 7 each color |
| 11″ sized to 9″ | 72″ | 32 | 16 each color | 16 (1 color) 8 (2 colors) | 8 each color |
| 11″ sized to 9″ | 81″ | 36 | 18 each color | 18 (1 color) 9 (2 colors) | 9 each color |
| 11″ sized to 9″ | 90″ | 40 | 20 each color | 20 (1 color) 10 (2 colors) | 10 each color |
| 11″ sized to 9″ | 99″ | 44 | 22 each color | 22 (1 color) 11 (2 colors) | 11 each color |
| 11″ sized to 9″ | 108″ | 48 | 24 each color | 24 (1 color) 12 (2 colors) | 12 each color |
Some other posts you might be interested are Balloon Column Patterns – How To Place Your Balloons To Create A Pattern, Beyond Helium: Exploring the Versatility of Air-Filled Balloon Designs, All About Starting A Balloon Business For Profit, and Balloons And Boos: It’s Spooky Season! – Halloween Balloon Decorations And Ideas.
I hope this post brought value to your day. If it did, please consider sharing with a friend or on your favorite social media. Thanks For Reading Fun With Balloons!
