Modern House Numbers

Modern house numbers exemplify contemporary, minimalist design philosophies, often making heavy use of negative space, 3-dimensional shapes and shadow-based contrast between similar colors. Modern house numbers fill a niche for unobtrusive signage outside usually ultra-modern homes of all descriptions.

Line

Typical design in modern house numbers calls for strong, consistent use of lines. Strong sweeping curves and precise straight lines form the core of each number. Deviations or inconsistencies are very uncommon. It is also a popular choice to combine polygons of different shapes and sizes to form the number, rather than specifically molded lines.

Types

The variety ranges from the ostentatious personalized neon signs which has the tendency to annoy neighbors to more stately vintage wooden signs. They come in house number plaque form as well as single-piece wood.

Form

There are two different schools of thought on the form of modern house numbers. One school demands consistent and accurate thickness in all spaces between lines. Modern house numbers of this school can give a somewhat cold, harsh feel of clinical precision and correctness. Used in a complementary manner with a building of similar design, this style becomes quite endearing.

Formality

The less formal style often used in rounded modern house numbers requires that lines, such as the two circular lines that form each ring of a figure 8, are slightly offset so that thickness of the number's form varies, though the lines remain precisely perfect circles. Either style can be presented in an inverted manner as a sheet of metal or another suitable material with numbers carved from it. Engraved designs are rare.

Color

White, black, and shades of gray are the mainstays of the modern house numbers palate. Colors should be used consistently across numbers present, laid on a solid background of contrasting color, or mounted a few centimeters above a background of very similar or same color, using the shadow cast to remain legible. Modern house numbers are occasionally set on backgrounds of very pale pastel colors, such as pink or baby blue. Any color can be used in the correct context to carry over the theme of a construction, a variety of dark-stained or natural timbers are also suitable for a more organically oriented theme.

Purchase

While the philosophies behind modern house numbers remain fairly consistent across all retailers, small stylistic differences can produce subtly unique effects. Often a selection of modern house numbers will be available at your local homeware store, available for simple screw-in mounting. Complexity varies as installation of yard address signs differs much from stainless steel house numbers.