A mailbox might seem irrelevant amongst the many great and small things that come with designing and decorating a home. After all, you may ask, who still gets physical mail these days? However, a mailbox constitutes a functional part of your house. Importantly, it is often one of the first things guests, neighbours, and even passers-by notice. As such, the mailbox that will sit outside your home deserves some thought and can be a unique highlight, as this article will explain.
Stand Out With a Unique Mailbox Design
Most people know exactly what a mailbox looks like, because almost every mailbox anywhere looks exactly the same. However, there is no law that requires all mailboxes to be the same size, shape, and colour. A custom mailbox is an easy and very effective way to add style to your home. In fact, there are various Mailbox post styles available and they are relatively easy to procure and install.
You can choose a pre-designed mailbox that does more than just serve functional needs but actually represents your family. It would be a window into your family’s personality and your family’s specific and particular interests. The real hassle is choosing a design that suits your home, your surroundings, and your unique style. So, here are some useful guidelines to help you pick a style that will harmonise with you.
Consider Your Home’s Architectural Style
The first style focus should be to complement the architecture of your home. It depends on if your home is traditional, modern, country, or minimalist. Whatever the case, the mailbox works only if it adheres to the design of your house. The colour of the mailbox matters almost as much as the material of its construction. Great options are stainless steel in matte colours. Or consider neutrally coloured boxes with simple, brass or bronze features for added elegance. You may also consider post-mounted mailboxes with decorated tops or scrollwork.
Modern homes with sleek, minimalist mailboxes are an unbeatable combination. Wall mounts also fit the modern aesthetic, with usually understated numbers or nameplates to further the crisp style. Country homes are best served by wooden mailboxes and could be shaped like birdhouses. Little things like floral details add cosiness and invitation to your home, in colours such as soft blues, whites, or pastels.
Match Your Mailbox to the Neighbourhood
In addition to fitting your home’s style, consider the style of your neighbourhood. Of course, the main goal is for your mailbox to be different, reflecting your family’s unique tastes. Still, it is important that it also integrates well with the surroundings, especially if you live in a community that has HOA rules. There is often more variation in suburban settings, within some level of continuity. Consider what the neighbours are doing and pick a design that adds your personal touch to the feel without going out of place with the general vibe. A polished, well-kept mailbox, regardless of style, looks great in these areas.
A vintage or antique look will rarely be out of place in an older neighbourhood. The more rural the area you find yourself in, the more creative liberties you may have. You could consider a natural-looking mailbox design, such as a wooden or stone mailbox. Rustic mailbox designs are most fitting for the surroundings in the country, and you can show some personal style with colour or quirkier design features. Most gated communities have their requirements regarding how homes can look. Yet, even those few communities with very strict HOA rules allow slight latitude in choices. These include colour selection for your mailbox or personal touches such as adding the name of your family to it.
Reflect Your Family’s Personality
Does your family love sports? Consider a mailbox in your favourite team’s logo, colours, or even a design inspired by the mascot or crest. Just make sure the design stays tasteful and does not overpower the general look of your house. If your family is one of those who love nature, then you might want to incorporate the natural elements of it into your mailbox. Mailboxes shaped as animals, birdhouses, or those incorporating natural materials like wood or stone bring a sense of the outdoors to your front yard.
Complementing your home’s architecture and the requirements of your neighbourhood are secondary focuses at the end of the day. The most important thing is that your mailbox can reflect something unique about your family. That is why you would even want your mailbox to be unique. You want it to serve as a statement piece of decor, in addition to obviously holding your mail. So do not be afraid to get something that stands out.
Whether you choose a mailbox that has a sleek modern design or one that is more charmingly rustic, your mailbox can be an inviting reflection of your home and lifestyle.
