A 4 color balloon column is an absolutely iconic party decoration that is surprisingly easy to make!
The 4 color pattern makes sense mathematically in a way that organic balloon columns and odd-numbered columns just can’t.
A 4 color balloon column is a really gratifying balloon decoration where you can create an easy-to-replicate process and complete the product in no time!
Why do 4 color balloon towers make sense?
Most balloon garlands are built with a base of quads (4 balloons), whether you’re creating a spiral design or an organic balloon column. This means all you have to do is create your balloon quads in the same way each time! The math just makes sense, which is really gratifying for a balloon designer… and not something that happens all that often!
How to build custom balloon columns
The first thing you want to do is choose your balloon colors! It’s important to remember that in this classic balloon design, you won’t showcase a preferred color more than others.
All colors are inserted equally in order to create the spiral pattern. If you’re building organic balloon garlands, you can add custom colors in different variations, mylar star balloons, foil balloon, and things like that… but for the sake of this how-to we’re focusing on simple balloon columns.
After that, you want to choose the base.
Personally, when I hear the word “column” I’m planning to build a balloon design that can stand alone. I’ve learned over the years that some people are referencing a column as a balloon garland that is hung vertically on the wall.
It’s important to clarify, as your base will change with potential upcharges depending on what you’re actually aiming to achieve.
Here are a few options for the type of base you can use for a balloon column
- Long balloons– if the balloon doesn’t have to stand on it’s own, you can use a long balloon (like the kind to make balloon animals) called a 260 to build a column that’s easy to hang on the wall with a command hook.
- Balloon tower- this is typically a more straightforward way for clients to ask that they want the balloons to stand on their own. There are professional balloon towers that are marketed and sold to balloon professionals. Personally, I always used a cheap floor lamp from Walmart. For $10 I have a piece of equipment that’s less heartbreaking if my client doesn’t return it. It’s cheap and easy to replace. I do typically charge an additional fee for this sturdier setup in the hopes that it will come back to me, though!
- Balloon column kit- there are a few options that are sold at Party City and Hobby Lobby. In my experience, these are created with plastic tubing that sometimes works but typically isn’t sturdy for an outdoor setup where the balloons might catch a bit of wind.
Once you’ve confirmed the colors and how you’re going to build the balloon column, the process is fairly similar to how you would DIY any balloon garland.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to build a 4 color balloon column:
1. Make quads with the same 4 color pattern using an electric balloon pump.
2. Wrap the quads onto your base.
3. Slightly twist your quads until you’ve created a spiral pattern!
It’s really that easy!
Here’s a step-by-step guide to build a 4 color balloon column:
if you’re looking to make a custom color, white latex balloons can be double layered under or over the color you have available. Double layering helps to make that custom color just right. You will need a high powered electric balloon pump in order to create a double-layered balloon (like a professional balloon decorator would create for custom orders).
Balloon decorations are a great addition to lots of events! Whether you’re hosting…
- baby showers
- custom party theme
- or simply creating balloon arches to say happy birthday
A 4 color balloon column is an excellent part of your next event! Follow me on TikTok to see how I made this exact balloon column with $8 worth of supplies from Dollar General!
Did you use this guide to create your own 4 color spiral balloon column? I’d love to see pictures of how it went! Feel free to share any questions, comments, or party pics in the comments below!
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