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DIY Projects: Updating Your House Number
I'm a design and food-obsessed freelance writer and market research analyst, and a stay-at-home mom.
I'm a design and food-obsessed freelance writer and market research analyst,... More »
One of the quickest, and least expensive, ways to give a home a facelift is by replacing the house numbers. While most homes are labeled by perfectly serviceable, if a little boring, numbers, homeowners who go the extra mile are rewarded with memorable exteriors that keep the neighbors talking (in a good way!) and even a little jealous.
There are a handful of practical considerations to keep in mind when updating house numbers:
1. Placement. Place the number in a spot that's easily visible from the street and/or a place that visitors will likely check. Spots above eye level, near the mailbox, door, or outdoor light will work.
2. Lighting. Delivery people will thank you if you check to make sure outdoor lights illuminate your house number.
3. Color. The numbers should contrast with their background so they're easy to spot and read.
4. Size. Tiny numbers might be cute, but they're hardly practical. Bigger is better.
Even keeping these considerations in mind, there are thousands of options for great house numbers. Whether you go with something consistent with the overall look of your house (like ceramic on brick or stencil on stucco), something that constrasts (like minimalist stainless on a traditional brownstone) or something that's just plain unusual (neon? oversized sculpture?), your house numbers will give your guests a taste of your home's personality before they even step inside.
Add your own tips in the comments, or take the discussion over to the buzz board – each month, the best design tip or story (related to this or any other home design project) will win a $50 gift card to a one of several home design stores (more details here). June’s contest starts today – so good luck! Can’t wait to read everyone’s stories!
There are a handful of practical considerations to keep in mind when updating house numbers:
1. Placement. Place the number in a spot that's easily visible from the street and/or a place that visitors will likely check. Spots above eye level, near the mailbox, door, or outdoor light will work.
2. Lighting. Delivery people will thank you if you check to make sure outdoor lights illuminate your house number.
3. Color. The numbers should contrast with their background so they're easy to spot and read.
4. Size. Tiny numbers might be cute, but they're hardly practical. Bigger is better.
Even keeping these considerations in mind, there are thousands of options for great house numbers. Whether you go with something consistent with the overall look of your house (like ceramic on brick or stencil on stucco), something that constrasts (like minimalist stainless on a traditional brownstone) or something that's just plain unusual (neon? oversized sculpture?), your house numbers will give your guests a taste of your home's personality before they even step inside.
Add your own tips in the comments, or take the discussion over to the buzz board – each month, the best design tip or story (related to this or any other home design project) will win a $50 gift card to a one of several home design stores (more details here). June’s contest starts today – so good luck! Can’t wait to read everyone’s stories!
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Traditional numbers complement a conservative exterior and flower boxes.
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Sometimes simple - like this neat ceramic circle - is best.
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An elephant adds a little personality to this simple sign.
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Even the most elegantly run-down space is charming with a quintessentially European number plate.
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Numbers perched on an outside window are cute and disarming.
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Neon's not for everyone, but it is kind of cool - and definitely hard to miss!
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| This Portuguese street sign, stenciled on the side of a building, is great inspiration. |
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This doormat hammers the "number" point home. I can also imagine a cool stenciled door on the front of a funky house.
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| This bold NYC sculpture is hard to miss, and great inspiration, especially for modern homes. |
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Old school stick-on numbers are inexpensive and have a charming schoolhouse/city feel.
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This mailbox does double-duty as a house number.
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