Colorado State Flag Size Guide: What Size Colorado Flag Should You Fly?

Choosing the right Colorado state flag size is the difference between a display that looks clean and respectful… and one that feels awkward, oversized, or even puts too much strain on your flagpole. Whether you’re flying the Colorado flag at a mountain home, a Denver storefront, a farm on the plains, or in front of a school or government building, the flag and pole need to be in proportion — especially in a state known for high winds, intense sun, and fast-changing weather.

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It’s easy to assume “bigger is better,” but an oversized flag can create too much wind load, wear out faster, and even bend or damage a smaller pole. This guide breaks down which Colorado flag sizes work best for house-mount poles, residential in-ground flagpoles, and commercial sites — plus which materials hold up best in Colorado’s high-altitude climate.

Quick Answer — Standard Colorado Flag Sizes

Short on time? Here are the most common Colorado flag sizes and where they’re typically used:

Choosing the Right Colorado Flag Size for Your Location

House-Mount (Wall-Mounted) Colorado Flags

For most Colorado homes — from Denver suburbs to mountain cabins and small towns — the classic setup is a 3' × 5' Colorado flag on a 5'–6' house-mount pole. This size looks balanced on one- and two-story homes and has enough presence to be seen from the street without overwhelming your entry.

• Standard recommendation: 3' × 5' Colorado flag on a 5'–6' pole.
• Smaller spaces: Use a 2' × 3' flag if your porch is tight, close to the sidewalk, or above a small balcony.
• Clearance: Make sure the flag has room to fly without hitting siding, railings, trees, or parked vehicles.

Colorado’s frequent winds — especially along the Front Range and in high-altitude areas — can put a lot of stress on wall-mount brackets. Staying with a 3' × 5' flag on a sturdy pole keeps your setup looking great while protecting your hardware.

Residential In-Ground Flagpoles

For in-ground poles in front of your home, ranch, or cabin, use the basic rule: flag length ≈ one-quarter of pole height.

On a typical 20' residential pole, a 3' × 5' Colorado flag will look right in proportion for most homes. If your property sits back from the road or you want more visibility, you can move up to a 4' × 6' flag — just make sure your pole and hardware are rated for the extra wind load, especially in exposed locations.

Commercial, Schools & Government Buildings in Colorado

For schools, municipal buildings, churches, and commercial properties, you’ll commonly see:

• 5' × 8' Colorado flags on 25'–30' poles
• 6' × 10' flags on 30'–35' poles
• 8' × 12' flags on 40' poles and larger

Larger flags create a powerful visual statement, but they also act like big sails in Colorado’s strong winds. Always check your pole’s wind-load rating and use commercial-grade, Made-in-USA flags and hardware for these installations.

Best Material for the Colorado Climate

Colorado can be tough on flags: high UV exposure, dry air, snow, ice, and sudden gusty winds all take a toll. Choosing the right Colorado flag material is just as important as choosing the right size.

Nylon Colorado Flags — Most Popular Everyday Option

Nylon is an excellent all-around choice for most Colorado locations:

• Flies easily in light to moderate winds.
• Dries quickly after snow, rain, or morning frost.
• Bright, crisp colors that stand out against blue skies and mountain backdrops.

If you’re flying the Colorado flag at a typical home or small business and want a balance of durability, color, and movement, nylon is usually the best starting point.

Polyester Colorado Flags — Best for High-Wind & Exposed Areas

In more demanding environments — ridgelines, open plains, high-elevation properties, or locations that see frequent strong winds — a 2-ply polyester Colorado flag is often the better investment:

• Heavier, stronger weave stands up to constant wind and whipping.
• More resistant to tearing at the fly end.
• Ideal for commercial properties, rural sites, and exposed residential locations.

Polyester needs more wind to fly than nylon, but in harsh conditions it typically outlasts nylon and holds its shape better.

Cotton Colorado Flags — Indoor & Ceremonial Use Only

Cotton Colorado flags are best used for:

• Indoor offices and conference rooms
• Presentation and ceremonial sets
• Short-term indoor or protected displays

Cotton absorbs moisture and can fade more quickly under strong sun, so it’s not recommended for long-term outdoor display in Colorado.

Ready to choose the best match for your location? Browse our Colorado State Flags — Nylon, Polyester & Indoor Sets, all proudly Made in the USA.

Flying the U.S. Flag with the Colorado Flag

When you fly the U.S. and Colorado flags together, follow standard flag etiquette:

• The U.S. flag always flies in the position of honor — at the top of the pole or on its own right (observer’s left) when displayed side-by-side.
• If both are on the same pole, the Colorado flag should be the same size or slightly smaller than the U.S. flag.
• If you fly additional flags (e.g., a military flag or city flag), the U.S. flag should remain at the highest point.

On a typical residential pole, a 3' × 5' U.S. flag with a 3' × 5' Colorado flag underneath is a clean, respectful setup.

How to Care for Your Colorado Flag (Cleaning, Storage & Lifespan)

Sun, wind, snow, and ice can shorten the life of any outdoor flag in Colorado. A simple care routine will help your Colorado flag last longer and look better.

Cleaning Nylon & Polyester Colorado Flags

• Wash gently in cold water (hand-wash or gentle machine cycle).
• Use a mild detergent only — avoid bleach and harsh chemicals.
• Rinse thoroughly so no soap residue remains.
• Air-dry by hanging or laying flat; avoid using a dryer.

For more detailed care tips, see How to Clean and Care for Outdoor Flags.

Protecting Your Flag from Colorado Weather

• Take the flag down during extreme wind events, snowstorms, or ice storms.
• Rotate between two Colorado flags so each gets rest time.
• Inspect the fly end regularly and trim minor frays before they become large tears.

Proper Storage for Your Colorado Flag

• For short-term storage, fold the flag neatly (a triangular military fold is ideal).
• For long-term storage, store the flag flat if possible to avoid deep creases.
• Use a breathable storage bag or container.
• Store in a cool, dry, dark place away from sunlight and moisture.

For full storage etiquette, see: How to Store a Flag Respectfully.

When to Replace or Retire a Colorado Flag

Eventually, every outdoor Colorado flag will show enough wear that it deserves a respectful retirement. It’s time to replace or retire your flag when you notice:

• Heavy fading, especially in the blue field or red “C”.
• Frayed or shredded threads along the fly end.
• Tears around the grommets or header.
• Very thin, worn fabric that’s starting to look see-through.

Worn flags should be retired respectfully, not thrown away. Many American Legion, VFW, and civic organizations in Colorado hold flag retirement ceremonies throughout the year.

FAQs — Colorado Flag Size & Display

What size Colorado flag is best for a house?
For most Colorado homes, a 3' × 5' Colorado flag on a 5'–6' house-mount pole or a 15'–20' in-ground pole is the standard and best-looking choice.

What size Colorado flag should I use on a 20-foot pole?
A 3' × 5' Colorado flag works very well on a 20' pole. If your property is large or set back from the road, you can upgrade to a 4' × 6', as long as the pole and hardware are rated for the additional wind load.

Can I fly the Colorado flag indoors?
Yes. For indoor presentation sets, a 3' × 5' or 4' × 6' indoor/pole-sleeve Colorado flag with optional gold fringe is standard for offices, schools, and government chambers.

Which material lasts longest in Colorado weather?
For most residential displays, nylon performs very well because it flies easily and dries quickly. In very windy or exposed locations — especially in the mountains or on the plains — a heavy-duty 2-ply polyester Colorado flag generally offers the best long-term durability.

Can I fly the Colorado flag with the U.S. flag on the same pole?
Yes. The U.S. flag must always fly at the top in the position of honor, with the Colorado flag flown beneath it. The Colorado flag should be the same size or slightly smaller than the U.S. flag for a proper, respectful display.

Shop Made-in-USA Colorado Flags & Flagpoles

Ready to choose the right size and material for your Colorado flag display? At Tidmore Flags, we proudly offer a full range of Made-in-USA Colorado state flags in nylon, polyester, indoor, and outdoor styles.

Since 1963, our family has helped customers across the country choose the right flags, poles, and hardware for long-lasting displays. If you’re still unsure what size Colorado flag you need, contact our flag experts — we’re happy to help you get it right.