First impressions are crucial, aren’t they? This is exactly why you want your home to look appealing to anyone who visits it and your neighbours. One of the best ways to level up your curb appeal is to upgrade your front yard. The first things that come to mind, in this case, are lighting and greenery. But there’s one thing, in particular, most people seem to forget, and that’s the letterbox. It’s literally the first thing that people see when they’re in front of your home.
With this in mind, choosing the appropriate letterbox design for your home may sound a lot harder than it actually is. If you’ve never really delved into the magical world of high-end letterbox design options, don’t freak out just yet. We’ll let you in on the basics to make shopping for the right mailbox a breeze.
What Are the Different Types of Letterbox Materials?
There are several materials that are used in the production process of mailboxes.
Wooden Mailboxes
Back in the day, most houses had a wooden mailbox gracing their front porch. This doesn’t mean that they’re considered traditional or old-fashioned now – people love them as much and they’re still a common choice. But why are wooden letterboxes so good? Well, they’re charmingly quaint, all-natural and environmentally friendly which are all great mailbox design qualities if you ask us. Wood is extremely durable too, so it won’t get damaged easily from external factors and changes in weather conditions.
Stainless Steel Mailboxes
Stainless steel designs are quite long-lasting and don’t rust as easily as other materials. Their tough exterior wicks away moisture and resists corrosion effectively, with one exception – saltwater. Basically, they’re pretty tough but you still need to pay attention to how you handle them. In addition, it’s probably a good idea to polish the steel every now and then to keep it clean and protect it from possible damage. Take proper care of your letterbox and it’s bound to serve you a lifetime.
The stainless steel metallic hinges will undoubtedly provide a robust feel and sturdy build. Some mailboxes even have a handy magnetic door latch for easier access.
What Are the Different Letterbox Design Types?
Now that we’ve gone through the major types of materials, let’s have a look at how the mailbox can be secured into place in your home.
Wall Mounted Mailboxes
These types of letterboxes are commonly used in urban and densely populated areas because they’re simply attached to your wall without taking up any extra space. They’re placed either right next to your door or at the entrance gate. Most of them even have some type of overhang to keep your mail safe from weather conditions.
Flush Mounted Mailboxes
These are basically the same as wall-mounted ones, except they’re placed flush into the wall. This means they’re not hanging over the side but rather they’re fitted inside with just the opening visible. They’re a more discrete and subtle option if you don’t want your mailbox to be too visible.
Post Mounted Mailboxes
This type of mailbox is extremely popular in more rural areas on the outskirts of larger cities. It’s basically a mailbox attached to a post and you place it wherever you want in your front yard. Post mounted mailboxes are incredibly versatile since they come in a variety of shapes, sizes and designs so there will be no shortage of options for you.
Fence Mounted Mailboxes
As the name suggests, these are mounted on your fence. They’re similar to post mounted mailboxes because they’re both placed on the edge of the curb in front of your home. This type of mailbox is specifically designed to fit in seamlessly with your fence and not add any extra bulk or unwanted attention.
The Importance of Having a Good Letterbox
Any type of letterbox serves two main purposes – it marks your address and keeps your mail safe until you collect it. And these days, with so many people ordering things online, these two things can make a world of a difference. You obviously wouldn’t want an important letter or package to be damaged, now would you? Sometimes, your mail might even contain sensitive and private information that shouldn’t find its way into the wrong hands. This is where a mailbox comes in to protect your personal information.
With so many design types and materials available, there seems to be an endless number of ways you can design your letterbox. Make sure you take into consideration the space you have available and the overall exterior design of your home so that you can match the mailbox choices accordingly. Soon enough, your mailbox will imminently be a staple of your home and modern addition to your front porch. We hope we’ve helped you along your journey.
