There are several different types of flag holders for use around the house or in the garden. Some flag holders are mountable to a vertical surface, while others are freestanding. Some flag holders can accommodate a full-size flag, and others are very small, designed to hold decorative garden flags.

Most decorative garden flag holders are designed as stakes. These flag holders have spikes at the bottom that run into the ground for support and are lightweight enough not to need further anchoring. These flag holders are designed with a horizontal bar that the top seam of the flag slips onto and hangs from. The standard garden flag holder is designed to accommodate what is often retailed as a “mini” flag, which measures approximately 12 to 13 inches (30.5 to 33 cm) in width.

House flags are larger flags designed to be hung from a flag holder mounted directly to the house. Typically, a house flag holder features a bracket, which mounts with screws to any vertical surface of your house, deck, porch, or patio, and a flagpole that fits nicely into the bracket. Typical decorative house flags are between 28 and 30 inches (71.1 to 76.2 cm) in width.

Decorative flag holders may be wooden, metal, or wrought iron and are available in different colors. The most common type of decorative flag holder is the garden stake, which is usually black. House flag holders are often metal or wooden, and there are many models available to suit nearly any personal preference.

Many people choose to erect full-size flagpoles in their yards, set in concrete. These are metal poles with a rope pulley system designed to accommodate full-size American or state flags. Remember that there are rules of etiquette that apply to the handling and raising of an American flag. For example, the American flag should always be hung at a higher elevation than a state, college sport, or decorative flag, should never touch the ground, and should not be flown in the rain or when tattered or damaged.