If you pay great attention to the look of your property, then you probably spend a significant amount of time deciding on what elements to install in it. One of your primary considerations, perhaps, is making sure that everything goes well together — not so much in a matchy-matchy sense, but more in terms of functionality and style.
For instance, if you live in a tiny, minimalist home in a small lot, then it’s most likely that you would not opt for a large post-mounted mailbox. Perhaps you would be more keen on a brick-in letterbox design because of its proportionality to your property and the type of mail and parcels you receive.
If you are not sure about the design or type of letterbox most suited for your home, here is a practical guide to help you out.
Houses and Suitable Letterbox Designs
* For a detached family home with a big yard or garden
This type of property deserves a big post-mounted letterbox that is easy to see from the road. If you have a family home, you may want to make sure that everything in your yard contributes to its curb appeal, and a post-mounted letterbox will definitely do the trick.
What’s particularly lovely about such a letterbox is there are so many ways to make it look even more visually delightful. You can install it in a plant box and add a variety of decor to it, so it’s a welcome sight not only to the postman but also to everyone else who sees it.
* For a house that opens directly onto the sidewalk
If there’s no yard or lawn for installing a post-mounted mailbox, the best alternatives are a brick-in letterbox or a wall-mounted letterbox. Such mailbox types do not take up much space. You can install these options on the wall, the front door, or even a column by your home entryway.
* For properties with a gate
Quite often, private properties secured with a gate also come with a wraparound parapet or fence. Therefore, the best picks for them are a wall-mounted letterbox that you can attach to the gate, a fence-mounted type and, of course, the all-time favorite post-mounted letterbox.
A post-mounted letterbox is perfect if you want that old-fashioned, countryside appeal. Meanwhile, the two other options are better if you prefer a more modern-looking curb where the lines are clean and sleek.
* For a modern and sophisticated residence
Most modern and luxurious homes have a non-traditional shape. They either have very sharp or unconventional lines and shapes. The letterbox designs that go well with such architecture are the brick-in and freestanding types.
Both letterbox options do not take away anything from the architecture. A freestanding letterbox can even work as a side accessory. It is nice to look at, but it is a detached, standalone feature of the home that can complement the design.
Letterbox Accessories
Accessories can improve the functionality of letterboxes and make them even match more beautifully with homes. Provided below is a short list of worthy add-ons for whatever design of mailbox you choose.
1. Stick-on numerals and letters
Give a new postman an easier time locating your mailbox by sticking your house number and even full address on the letterbox. By doing so, you can be sure that there will be no stray mail in your letterbox.
Stick-on numerals also come in glow-in-the-dark varieties. You may want to opt for them, especially if different food delivery services frequent your place even after dark.
2. Bell
A bell is another nifty letterbox accessory to consider. If you have subscriptions and parcels delivered to your home often, the bell by the letterbox will notify you instantly that something has arrived for you.
3. Newspaper holder
This old-fashioned feature is still worth considering if you still get newspapers and magazines delivered to your home. The holder by the letterbox will make sure that the reading materials are kept securely in place so they don’t get lost, ruined or blown away by the wind.
Also, if you have a newspaper holder attached to your letterbox, you can create a routine of checking the letterbox for deliveries every morning. Plus, delivery services can hang parcels from it as well.
A Letterbox That’s an Asset to Your Home
The right design and accessories for your letterbox will make it a completely stylish and functional asset to your property. Hopefully, this guide will help you make the right choice of mailbox to use for your home and enhance your life.
AUTHOR BIO
Jay Flavell is the General Manager at Sandleford Holdings. He has been working in the DIY & Home Improvement industry since 2007 and has vast experience sourcing and developing products from overseas suppliers in the Far East. Jay has also been successful dealing with a number of major DIY & Home Improvement retailers throughout his career.