Your house number is a small detail of your home decorating scheme, but it’s often the first thing visitors notice. Well-placed and stylish outdoor house numbers not only enhance your curb appeal, but they can also clarify for newcomers where exactly you live. They’re crucial for deliveries, emergency services, and even boosting your home value.
But where to place house numbers? This guide will tell you everything you need to know and offer 20 stylish and practical options for making sure your address numbers stand out in the way they’re meant to.
Where To Place Outdoor House Numbers
The most common and classic placements for outdoor house numbers are tried and true for a reason—they’re visible and convenient for anyone who needs to look at them. Here are the top three ways people choose where to place house numbers:
- Above the front door. This traditional spot guarantees that your address numbers for your house will be in plain sight for anyone approaching your home from the front. Opt for numbers that complement your door’s style and color, and consider mounting them near or under a light fixture so they’re visible at night.
- Beside the front door. If space above your front door is limited or outside your porch light’s reach, putting them next to your front door is another smart choice. This can work well regardless of whether your home is traditional or modern, and it usually allows for large numbers that can easily be seen from a distance.
- Mailbox mount. If your mailbox stands near the street, it’s the perfect place for your address. For some extra flair, choose numbers that match the mailbox style and size to ensure a cohesive look.
While these classic address number placements are reliable, don’t be afraid to explore other possibilities. Again, the only thing you need to keep in mind is clarity for anyone visiting your house for the first time.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Address Numbers For Houses
Before diving into creative house number ideas, consider the design factors that will make them stand out. Below are some common options:
Materials
- Metal. Metal house numbers are durable and weather resistant, and they come in a variety of finishes, including stainless steel, copper, and wrought iron. They can add a touch of sophistication to any exterior!
- Wood. Wood numbers can be warm and inviting and offer a natural touch to your exterior home decor. They often blend seamlessly with cottage-style homes or more rustic-looking design schemes.
- Acrylic. Acrylic numbers are modern, sleek, lightweight, and weatherproof. This makes them a popular choice for anyone wanting a minimalist approach to their exterior design.
Size
As a rule of thumb, your numbers should be larger the further away they are from the street. Aim for a minimum height of four inches for optimal visibility, but consider larger ones if your house is more than a hundred feet into your front yard.
Front
- Classic serif fonts. Serif fonts (like Times New Roman) have a distinct shape on the ends of letters and numbers, and they offer a timeless look that can complement any home.
- Sans-serif fonts. Sans-serif fonts (like Arial) don’t have distinct shapes on the ends of letters and numbers. They offer a clean and modern aesthetic, which can be perfect for contemporary exteriors.
- Cursive fonts. While you’ll want to be careful using cursive fonts, they can add elegance and personality to the front of your house. Just make sure they’re easy to read!
Contrast
Always choose contrasting colors for your address numbers so that they’re as visible as possible for visitors. For optimal visibility, select numbers that stand out against your house’s exterior color, whether it’s siding or brick. For example, use dark numbers on light exteriors and light numbers on dark exteriors.
20 House Number Placements
Now that you’re armed with design knowledge, it’s time to unleash your creativity with a variety of trending outdoor house number ideas!
1. Above The Garage Door
Depending on where your garage is in relation to your house, this can be a bold and unexpected choice. It’s definitely best on houses with prominent garages, but either way, you’ll want to opt for large, illuminated numbers for maximum impact.
2. Wall-Mounted Planter With Numbers
Combine style and function with a custom-built planter box featuring integrated house number placement. If you need help with design, carpentry, and construction, consider hiring help! Just make sure that any plants you have in the planter won’t hang over the numbers and block them once growing.
3. Use The Door Frame
Instead of mounting your house numbers directly above the storm door, consider incorporating them into the doorframe itself. This works best on larger, wider door frames—particularly modern ones with clean lines and a seamless appearance.
4. On Stained Glass
Add a touch of whimsy and artistry to your home numbers with a custom-designed stained glass panel that features your address. This option works great on Victorian and Craftsman-style homes that have a vintage look. Alternatively, if you want to be daring, try incorporating stained glass into a modern exterior design!
5. Hanging On A Stone Plaque
For a rustic and natural vibe, try mounting your address numbers on a beautiful stone plaque. Choose a stone type that complements your home’s exterior color and design, and consider adding greenery around it for an extra natural touch.
6. Under The Porch Roof
For a sheltered placement of your numbers, consider hanging them under the roof of your front porch. This can be especially helpful in rainy climates, as it will keep your numbers protected from the elements.
7. Illuminated Mailbox Post
If you have a standing wooden mailbox post on the street outside your house, consider mounting your house numbers on it and adding solar-powered (or wired) lights to keep it illuminated at night. This is a stylish and functional choice for any house that has a detached mailbox.
8. Hanging Basket With Stenciled Numbers
For a charming DIY look, try stenciling your address on a hanging basket filled with vibrant flowers. Make sure the side of the flower basket with your house number always faces the street, and make sure whatever paint you stencil with can withstand the elements. If you live in a wintery climate, make sure this is just a seasonal approach, as you’ll always want your address numbers showing year round!
9. Modern House Numbers on Brick
If your home has a brick exterior, consider using sleek, minimalist, and modern house numbers. Choose a contrasting color that will show up clearly both in daytime and when illuminated at night, and make sure they stand out against the textured backdrop.
10. Address Stone Set Into Landscape
For a natural and integrated look, incorporate your address into a large boulder or stone that is integrated with your landscape. This option is perfect for larger properties and adds a unique and timeless touch to your home’s exterior. Just make sure that the number remains clear of any growing plants that might block it!
11. Illuminated Numbers
If you want a touch of illuminated vintage charm, try setting up a lantern that showcases your house address. This is a great option for your entryway, porch, or yard, but make sure that the house numbers clearly stand out and won’t be obscured in the lantern’s brightness. Consider frosted glass if the numbers are hard to read!
12. Upcycled Address Sign
This can be a great way to give life to old treasures. If you have old items like license plates, old pieces of wood, antique shutters, or even bicycle wheels, try incorporating them into a one-of-a-kind design to display your address numbers. This is a great option for artistic people who want a truly unique look!
13. Address Mosaic
Here’s another one for the artsy types: an address mosaic! Create a vibrate address mural out of small bits of tile, featuring your address as the centerpiece. This eye-catching option can add personality and pops of color to your house number placement and even give you something fun to discuss with your guests.
14. Illuminated House Number Decals
For a super modern and minimalist option, consider hanging sleek, self-adhesive decals on your house or door windows. Make sure they either glow or are lit clearly at night!
15. Address Stone By Your Gate
If you have a gated property in the country, consider using a mid-sized stone with clear numbers either etched into it or painted on it. This will offer your guests a warm welcome while still appealing to your property’s natural, outdoorsy charm.
16. House Number Stenciled Into Stepping Stones
If you live in a climate where snow won’t cover up your walkway in the winter, consider stenciling your address numbers onto one of the stones or sidewalk slabs that forms the start of your front walkway. This works well for homes that have natural surroundings, but make sure the numbers are clearly visible from the street.
17. Address Hanging From A Tree Branch
If you’re feeling extra whimsical, try hanging your address numbers from a sturdy tree branch that can easily be seen from the street. This is another great option for homes with natural surroundings, but again, be careful to keep the numbers visible once leaves start growing over them!
18. Hang Numbers From Your Porch Post
If you have a covered front porch, consider hanging the numbers on one of the posts that supports the roof. This is a clear, simple way to display your address and should always be visible from the street. Make sure that you also have a porch light illuminating the numbers at night.
19. Hang A Sign From A Tree Trunk
If your tree is thick enough, try nailing a uniquely designed number sign to the tree trunk. Alternatively, you can hang the plaque from the nail in the trunk. Again, make sure that any leaves growing in the summer months won’t prevent visitors from seeing your house number.
20. Paint Your Address On Window Shutters
If you’re up for a non-traditional use for your decorative window shutters, consider hanging numbers from the ones nearest to your front door! As an alternative approach, you can also stencil numbers onto your shutters. Again, you’ll want to make sure the numerals are lit at night so that they remain visible at all times in the event emergency responders ever need to visit.
Need Mounting Help?
If you have a new house and need assistance installing house numbers you bought at Home Depot or on Etsy, it might be time to hire help. Taskers can handle all your house number mounting needs, whether you’re hanging them, stenciling them, using anchors, or installing a light fixture to keep them lit up at night. Why wait? Hire a Tasker today.
