What do Your Letterbox and House Numbers Say About Your Property?

So often when I talk to people about improving their homes, they’re focused only on the interior. No doubt about it, it’s a blast to remodel a kitchen or upgrade your living room to include a home theatre system.

But what about the outside?

Fixing up the interior of your home while neglecting how it looks from the street is a lot like heading to a big interview wearing a sharp business suit — and then covering it up with a ratty old barn coat. The impression you make certainly won’t be the one you were hoping for, and the same is true of your house. Whether you’re preparing to sell or just want to make it the best it can be, it’s the details that truly count.

Curb Appeal

When you hear experts talk about “curb appeal,” they’re referring to all of the little bits of information prospective buyers take in when they first look at your home from the street. This can include your landscape plants and your house’s paint job, but even things as small as the humble letterbox and house numbers you’ve chosen make an impression.

What kind of impression are you making?

• Letterbox Colour: Basic black denotes a no-nonsense approach to living, while a white letterbox projects a more feminine vibe. Unfinished metal can look chic if it’s a sleek design, or completely utilitarian if it’s not. Painted letterboxes show attention to detail and highlight your personality, making your home more intriguing to guests and passersby. You can paint your letterbox to match your home’s main colour or its trim colour, but it should coordinate with the overall palette.
• Letterbox Condition: A letterbox in good repair won’t be as noticed as one that’s falling apart. Dents and damage hint at an unsafe neighbourhood or dense traffic, while rust gives the impression that you’re not concerned with your home’s upkeep. If your letterbox is on a post, a wooden one projects a country feel, while a metal one looks a bit more luxe. It’s a nice touch to choose a letterbox that’s in keeping with the era in which your home was built, but the only requirement is that you keep it sparkling clean and in perfect condition.
• House Number Font: If your house numbers are too small to be seen from the street, it gives the impression that your home is hiding away from guests and visitors. An older home looks well with classic fonts like a Victorian script. Modern homes will look chic with simple, sans-serif fonts. No matter what font you choose, house numbers should contrast with your home’s colour so they can be easily seen. Paint them in a coordinating accent colour, or choose numbers in a metal finish that will pop.

If you haven’t given any thought to the humble letterbox and house numbers you’ve chosen, splurge on new ones to give your home a little facelift this season. The effect will surprise you: For minimal investment, you can create a big impact on how your house looks from the street to anyone passing by.