When selecting house numbers, first consider the architectural style of your home. For a contemporary home, consider a streamlined house number design; cottage-style homes, on the other hand, often benefit from unique house numbers with a little more flourish. Decide on the style that best suits you and your home as you gather inspiration.
House Number Materials
Many materials can be adapted for creative house number ideas. Consider choosing a material already somewhere else on your home’s exterior, such as metal or wood. You can also use house numbers to introduce an unexpected element or color to your exterior. Here are some house number materials to consider:
Concrete or stone: Concrete or stone house numbers can be cut into a single block or stained a different color for accent. Corten steel: Also called weathering steel, this material supplies an unusual color and texture for a house number, particularly when contrasted against brick or a cool color such as gray. Paint: House numbers can be painted directly on a door, a section of siding, or another piece of wood to be hung on a house. Use a color that already exists in your exterior palette, or try a contrasting hue for an accent. Stainless steel: A smart choice for contemporary homes, stainless steel works well with various background materials, including mounting on the house in contrast to wood or attached to a separate piece of contrasting metal. Wood: Mounted on another piece of wood or the house itself, a carved-wood house number lends a traditional accent to a home.
You should also consider the background material for your house numbers. Some designs are transparent or outlines, so the color behind the numbers shows through. This color could be your house color or a secondary material that serves as part of your house number design. Backlit or illuminated house numbers have an added element of texture and dimension that works well with a range of styles. Plus, they help visitors find your home at night.
Where to Place House Numbers
The standard spot for house numbers is near the mailbox or above the front door, but creative house numbers can be placed in various places. Beyond attaching them to the house itself, other ideas on where to put house numbers include a post along a sidewalk or an entry point to the yard. A railing or fence might offer a good spot for house numbers to hang near the sidewalk or front door. You can also attach or paint the numbers onto stair risers in a front walkway.
DIY House Number Ideas
Create a custom display that suits your home’s style with these clever ideas for DIY house numbers.
Modern House Number Plaque
This modern house number idea takes just an hour to make:
3-D House Number Display
No room for a freestanding base? Install these numbers onto the siding. Spray-paint them first for a pop of color.
DIY House Number Sign
Spell out your address with a sign that stands out: To install this sign, attach rebar to the back of the structure and sink into the ground. For a dramatic nighttime effect, backlight your house number sign with a spotlight.
Painted House Numbers
Update your front door with a fresh coat of color and can’t-miss house numbers: If you’re not a fan of painting freehand, make a stencil from contact paper. Trace numbers onto the paper and cut out with a crafts knife. Apply to the door and paint.
Cedar Planter House Number
This modern house number idea is made with a cedar sign that also serves as a planter. The structure is clad in 1×3 and 1×4 cedar boards, which were stained to complement the home’s exterior (you could also paint the boards or leave them unfinished to weather naturally). Fill the planter with tall plants such as these snake plants, which can come inside during the winter, and trailing plants. Concrete reinforces the modern simplicity of the planter. This project uses a white countertop mix to form the number plaque; additional colors are available online.
