Create an ideabook for your next remodeling project!
Browse more than 1,500,000 photos from top designers and save your favorites
The Sum and Substance of House Numbers
The right look plus durable materials almost equals great design. Here's the rest of the house-numbers equation
Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating media and immediately discovered a new passion. An Atlanta native, I spent several years as an editor for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine before making the leap to national publications and websites such as Houzz, Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Accents. I live in Birmingham, Alabama, with my husband and son, who’ve gotten used to coming home and finding the furniture rearranged. When I'm not dragging case goods across the floor, I enjoy good food and wine, college football, music of all kinds, and traveling.
Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating... More »
While house numbers are a necessary part of your home's exterior, they're also a little like jewelry — the finishing touch that ties the whole package together. Follow these tips for choosing numbers that meet practical considerations and hit all the right style notes as well.
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Are they easy to see from the street? This isn't just a consideration for dinner party guests — first responders need to be able to spot the numbers right away in an emergency. Some cities even have codes that dictate how large numbers must be; check whether this is the case where you live. Step outside and study your house from the street to check how well the numbers show up. Is the font clear and readable? Do you need a bigger size or more visual weight? If your home is set back from the curb, numbers on a mailbox or post close to the road will probably work better than numbers hung above the door. |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Are they durable? House numbers should be made of a strong material that withstands weather well, such as stainless steel, aluminum or tile. If you choose iron, be sure that rust doesn't corrode the numbers over time and make them harder to see.
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Does the placement make visual sense? Most house numbers are arranged in a horizontal or vertical row because they're easiest to read that way. If you decide to experiment with other configurations, such as hanging them on a diagonal, be sure that visitors still can read them at a glance. |
Is there contrast with the background? Bronze house numbers on, say, dark wood shingles might not be the best choice for easy reading. Choose a material that contrasts strongly with the surface on which it's mounted. If the numbers are dim when dusk falls, consider backlighting or uplighting them to improve visibility. Consider a solar-powered version for energy and ease.
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Does foliage get in the way? Trim or prune trees and shrubbery that may obscure the numbers, or choose a spot where plantings won't get in the way at all. Similarly, if you live in a climate that gets a lot of snow, make sure you place them above the typical snow line. |
Do they fit in with your home? We've said it before, but it bears repeating: Design is all in the details. Choose numbers that complement the architectural style and materials of your house — they help to set the tone for what awaits inside. Stainless steel versions in a very modern font might look discordant on a 1920s Dutch colonial, but put them on a contemporary exterior and they bring the setting to life.
Browse house numbers
More:
Design Details: Address the Address
DIY Projects: Updating Your House Number
Browse house numbers
More:
Design Details: Address the Address
DIY Projects: Updating Your House Number
Comments
100200 Just to mention how much I love your website which comes with a ton of ideas every time!
15 months ago · Like
mmsalg House numbers are like jewelry for the home. I do think there is a lot of room for creativity. Here are some other interesting ideas for house numbers http://www.custommade.com/search?mode=projects&q=house+numbers 
15 months ago · Like
· 
1
1
jules_787 We put some of these vinyl house numbers on our mailbox to give our house a cute, easily identifiable quality. It turned out so well! For more details on how we did it, check out our blog post about it- http://doordiy.wordpress.com/2012/01/28/signed-sealed-and-delivered/ 
15 months ago · Like
Lisa Frederick Great photos! Wow, mmsalg, that is amazing. And I love the mailbox, Jules. Both pretty and serviceable.
15 months ago · Like
Allison Cosmos I hand painted these numbers, thought they would be good additions to this post. 
15 months ago · Like
· 3
3
Lisa Frederick How lovely, Allison! I'd hire you to come do mine in a heartbeat!
15 months ago · Like
cpchalut Awesome ideas, thank you, I was looking for house numbers and mailbox ideas, any ideas for a mailbox attached to the house under the numbers? Thank you.
3 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on March 3, 2012.
What are you working on?
News From Our Partners
Latest Ideabooks
People found the photos in this ideabook after searching for:
View over a million photos:
