Comparison
Latex vs foil balloons: which should you use?
Updated October 2026 · General guidance, not advice about any specific business.
Latex balloons are the stretchy rubber balloons used for most garlands, arches and columns. They come in many sizes and finishes and are the building blocks of most balloon decor. Foil balloons, often called mylar, are made from a thin metallic film and come in shapes, letters and numbers. They hold helium much longer than untreated latex but don't stretch, so they're used as accents rather than as the body of a design.
Most decorated events use both: latex for volume and color, foil for shapes, messages and shine.
Latex balloons
- Made from natural rubber latex, which stretches as it inflates.
- Come in a wide range of sizes, from small fillers to giant balloons, and finishes such as standard, pastel, metallic and chrome.
- Ideal for garlands, arches, columns and walls, where mixing sizes creates shape and fullness.
- Helium-filled latex loses lift fairly quickly unless it's treated, so many decorators build air-filled designs on frames instead.
- Some people are allergic to latex. If a guest has a latex allergy, tell your decorator and the venue before the event.
Foil balloons
- Made from a thin, non-stretch film with a metallic or printed finish.
- Available as letters, numbers, stars, hearts and character shapes.
- Hold helium much longer than untreated latex, which makes them good for floating pieces and keepsakes.
- Conduct electricity: keep them weighted and away from power lines, and never release them outdoors.
Air or helium?
Whether a balloon floats has little to do with what it's made of: it depends on whether it's filled with helium or air. Garlands, arches and columns are usually air-filled latex attached to a frame, wall or stand, which is why they don't need helium at all. Helium is used for bouquets, floating centerpieces and ceiling balloons.
Foil balloons can be filled with air too; air-filled foil letters and numbers are often mounted on a wall or stand, or held up with a stick. If your venue restricts helium, ask your decorator about an air-filled design. It can look just as full and avoids the question entirely.
How decorators combine them
A typical design uses latex for the body of a garland or arch and adds foils as accents: a number for a birthday, letters for a name, or stars and shapes to match a theme. Foil letters and numbers can also stand on their own as a simple photo spot.
If you're estimating a garland, the balloon garland calculator counts latex balloons by size; add any foil accents separately.
Disposal and releases
Don't release balloons of either kind into the air. Released balloons end up as litter, and many states and cities restrict or ban intentional balloon releases. After the event, pop latex balloons and dispose of them with your trash, and deflate foil balloons; some can be reused if they're undamaged. Ask your decorator whether they collect the decor after the event.
Which should you choose?
- For garlands, arches and walls: latex, with foils as accents if you like.
- For floating balloons that need to last: foil, or treated latex if your decorator offers it.
- For names, ages and messages: foil letters and numbers.
- For an event with latex allergies: talk to the decorator about foil-only or latex-free options.
Browse balloon decorators in the directory to see how local pros combine both, or read about organic vs classic arches.
Frequently asked questions
- Do foil balloons float longer than latex?
- Generally, yes. Foil holds helium much longer than untreated latex. Treated latex lasts longer than untreated, but foil is still the usual choice when a floating balloon needs to last.
- Are foil balloons the same as mylar balloons?
- Yes, in everyday use. "Mylar" is a common name for metallic foil balloons.
- Are latex balloons safe for people with latex allergies?
- No. Latex balloons can trigger reactions in people with latex allergies. Tell your decorator and venue in advance and ask about latex-free options.
- Can I release balloons at my event?
- We recommend against it. Released balloons become litter, and many states and cities restrict or ban intentional balloon releases.