Choosing a House Number Plaque

There are many ways to display your house number, from freestanding lawn address signs to mailbox numbers, but the most popular approach is a house number plaque placed directly on the house, either on the door itself or just next to the front door.

This is a good choice since most people looking for your address will automatically let their eyes be drawn to that space near your front door where they expect to see a house number.

Placement of Your House Number Plaque

A little forethought will go a long way when it comes to the placement of your house number signs. First, consider the size and shape of the plaque. If you have a multi-digit address, you may want to consider a plaque that displays a vertical number. If there is little room beside your front door, you can hang your house number plaque over the garage door. Assess the lighting by your front door. Will the plaque be visible at night? Do you have ornamental trees or shrubbery that blocks the number from view? The perfect placement is one that is visible from the street and well-lit, but at least partially protected from the elements.

Color, Size and Material

Once you have decided on the placement of your house number sign, your next choices are color, size and material. Consider the color of the house when choosing the color of the plaque. Choose a color that compliments, perhaps the same color as any accent colors on your house. Make sure the color of the house numbers and letters contrasts enough to be noticeable. To ensure that the numbers are readable from the street, make some mock ups with paper and markers and tape them to the house. Can you see them from the street?

House number plaques come in a wide variety of materials from wood, acrylic or vinyl to aluminum, slate or ceramic tile. Each of these materials has specific pros and cons and it can be difficult to know which one to choose. Recently tile house numbers have been especially popular because of their colorfulness.

Consider seasonal weather conditions in your area. Will your house number plaque have to endure rain and snow? These weather conditions can fade the color on your plaque and require regular maintenance. Don’t forget about the sun. If you live in a warm climate, long exposure to the sun can also wreak havoc on your house number plaque. If you have a covered porch on your house that will protect your plaque from the weather, these issues are not so important.

Personalized Address Plaques or Individual Numbers

You have the choice of either ordering a custom made house number plaque, with your entire address on it or you can buy individual numbers in various materials or tiles with numbers painted on them. The options are practically endless.

Now that you know which questions to ask yourself, you can decide which house number plaque you need.