What Are Giant Inflatable Chrome Balls?
Giant inflatable chrome balls are large spherical inflatables with a mirror-like metallic chrome finish. Unlike traditional balloons that lose air quickly and go to waste, they're made for repeated use — they inflate with a pump, stay inflated for weeks to months via a locking valve system, then deflate and fold flat for storage.
Big Shiny Balls® was founded in Miami by artist Shawn Kolodny and Jules Kolodny. It started almost by accident in 2022: while preparing an installation for the Art With Me festival in Miami, Shawn tested a few giant inflatable spheres by the pool and filmed it. The video drew around 40 million views on Instagram, and hundreds of people started asking where they could buy them.
Today, giant inflatable chrome balls suit event planners, brands, experiential marketing agencies, wedding designers, and homeowners alike.
Top Uses for Giant Inflatable Chrome Balls
1. Corporate Events & Brand Activations
Giant chrome balls create high-impact visual installations at product launches, conferences, trade show booths, and brand activation events. Their reflective surface catches light and draws attention, making them effective focal points for photography and social media content. Custom branding with logos and prints is available through our online configurator.
2. Weddings & Social Events
Chrome balls work well in wedding design as photo backdrop elements, ceremony decor, reception installations, and entrance displays. Their neutral metallic finish complements most color palettes, and the range of colors (silver, gold, rose gold, iridescent, and more) allows precise event styling.
3. Holiday & Seasonal Decor
Giant inflatable chrome ornaments work as oversized Christmas decorations for both residential and commercial spaces. They're a cost-effective alternative to disposable holiday decor, because the same ornaments can be used year after year.
4. Retail & Commercial Spaces
Chrome balls make eye-catching interior and exterior displays for hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and museums. The variety of sizes (20 inches to 10 feet) allows installations from tabletop accents to large visual statements.
5. Film, Photography & Content Creation
The mirror-chrome finish creates dramatic reflections and lighting effects, making inflatable chrome balls great props for photo shoots, music videos, film sets, and social media content.
6. Pool & Outdoor Spaces
Weather-resistant construction allows use at pool parties, outdoor festivals, backyard events, and garden installations. D-ring attachment points enable secure positioning against wind.
How to Choose the Right Giant Inflatable Chrome Ball
Key Factors to Consider
| Factor | What to Look For | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Dual-layer PVC + mylar | Dual-layer construction provides durability and a true chrome mirror reflection. |
| Inflation Longevity | Locking valve system | A good locking valve keeps a ball inflated for weeks to months. |
| Attachment Points | Metal D-rings | Essential for securing balls to surfaces or each other. Without D-rings, installation options are limited. |
| Size Range | 20 inches to 10 feet | Different events need different scales. Tabletop displays need smaller sizes; installations need 4–10 ft. |
| Reusability | Deflate-fold-store capable | Single-use inflatables create waste and ongoing costs. |
| Color Options | A wide range | Events often need specific colors. More options = more versatile. |
| Custom Branding | Logo/print capability | Corporate events and brand activations need branded elements. |
Size Guide
Prices are for the Big Shiny Ball. See our full size guide for more.
| Size | Weight | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20" / 50 cm | 1.6 kg / 3.5 lbs | Tabletop displays, small accents | $85 |
| 2 ft / 60 cm | 1.6 kg / 3.5 lbs | Clusters, mixed-size groups | $95 |
| 3 ft / 90 cm | 3 kg / 6.6 lbs | Photo backdrops, installations | $195 |
| 4 ft / 120 cm | 4.5 kg / 10 lbs | Statement pieces, ceremony decor | $295 |
| 6 ft / 180 cm | 10 kg / 22 lbs | Major event centerpieces | $525 |
| 8 ft / 240 cm | 15 kg / 33 lbs | Large-scale installations | $950 |
| 10 ft / 300 cm | 23 kg / 50 lbs | Statement installations, commercial spaces | $1,095 |
How to Set Up Giant Inflatable Chrome Balls
- Unpack: Remove the ball from packaging and unfold on a clean, smooth surface.
- Connect pump: We recommend The Pump, which is made to fit the valve.
- Inflate: Pump until firm to the touch with slight flexibility. Wrinkles around seams should mostly disappear. Do not over-inflate.
- Lock valve: Close the locking valve — push in the white button, or push in and quarter-turn for grey valves. This prevents air escape.
- Position: Use D-ring attachment points with zip ties or ropes to secure. For stacked installations, use nano tape between balls (avoid seams) and reinforce with mechanical ties.
- Note the pressure hole: The small hole near the valve on the outer layer is intentional — it vents air between the two layers during inflation. Do not cover it.
Big Shiny Balls® vs. Cheap Inflatable Alternatives
Cheaper balls vary, so check these features before you buy. See our full comparison for more.
| Feature | Big Shiny Balls® | What to Check on Cheaper Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Dual-layer PVC + mylar | Often single-layer PVC |
| Inflation Duration | Weeks to months | Often much shorter |
| Attachment Points | Metal D-rings | May have none or plastic loops |
| Max Size | 10 feet (300 cm), special sizes on request | Often smaller |
| Custom Branding | Yes — logos, prints, custom D-rings | Rarely available |
| Production | Made to order | Usually mass-produced |
| Valve System | Locking valve | Often a basic valve |
| Color Range | 15 colors, plus Pastels | Often fewer |
While premium inflatable chrome balls have higher upfront costs, reusing them brings the cost down over time. A $295 4-foot Big Shiny Ball® used 10 times costs $29.50 per event.
Where to Buy Giant Inflatable Chrome Balls
You can order Big Shiny Balls® directly at bigshinyballs.com, with worldwide shipping. Custom orders, bulk pricing, and a trade program are available for professional buyers.
