04.04.25
 

How to Choose the Best House Numbers for Your Home

How to Choose the Best House Numbers for Your Home

Finding the perfect house numbers is not just about aesthetics; it is about precision, durability, and craftsmanship. At Modern House Numbers, we specialize in handcrafted solid aluminum house numbers, plaques, and decals, designed for superior visibility, longevity, and style.

Choosing the right house numbers is simple when you follow a step-by-step approach. Start by selecting a modern style that complements your home’s architecture. Next, ensure durability with solid ⅜” aluminum and UV-protected finishes that withstand the elements. Then, focus on size and contrast for maximum visibility from the street. Finally, place your numbers strategically to enhance readability.

With the right choices, your house numbers can be both a bold design statement and a practical necessity, helping guests, deliveries, and emergency responders find your home effortlessly.

Let us break down everything you need to know to select the best house numbers for your home.

Steps To Choose the Best House Numbers For Your Home

 

Choosing the right style, size, and placement can transform your home’s exterior while ensuring visibility for guests and deliveries. Here is a step-by-step guide to choosing the best house numbers for your home.

1. Choose a Style That Complements Your Home

House numbers should seamlessly blend with your home’s architecture. Whether your style is modern, classic, rustic, or eclectic, selecting numbers that match your home’s character creates a cohesive look.

  • Modern Homes: Opt for sleek, minimalistic fonts with clean lines and metallic finishes. 

           Best options: Numbers + Letters, Decals, QuickShip.

  • Traditional Homes: Consider timeless serif fonts in classic finishes like matte black, dark bronze, or white.  

           Best options: Numbers + Letters, Plaques or QuickShip

  • Rustic Homes: Choose powder-coated numbers in earthy tones for a warm, natural look. 

           Best options: Numbers, Plaques or Custom Font.

  • Eclectic Homes: Bold or oversized numbers or letters in unique fonts and orientations add personality. 

           Best options: Numbers + Letters, QuickShip or Decals.

For the best results, coordinate your house numbers with your door hardware, light fixture, window frames, mailbox, and exterior finishes.

2. Pick the Right Material for Durability

When selecting house numbers, durability is just as important as style. The right material ensures your numbers remain visible, legible, and in top condition despite exposure to sun, rain, and extreme weather.

Common Materials for House Numbers:

Different materials offer varying levels of durability and maintenance requirements:

 

Material

Characteristics

Powder-Coated Finishes

Designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including exposure to moisture and UV rays. Available in matte black, white, matte brass, and dark bronze.

Brushed Aluminum

Lightweight, rust-resistant, and ideal for modern aesthetics. Sealed with a matte UV protectant to prevent fading, making it a strong option for coastal or industrial environments. Commonly used for its durability in various climates. 

Brass

Offers a timeless, polished look but may develop a patina over time if not maintained.

Stainless Steel

Durable and sleek but can be prone to tarnishing in extreme conditions.

Acrylic

A cost-effective option with various colors, though it is not as durable as metal options with a short lifespan.

Wood

Provides a warm, natural look but requires sealing to prevent damage from moisture and sunlight with a short lifespan.

 

The best house numbers for your home depend on your location and climate. In coastal or humid regions, corrosion-resistant materials such as aluminum or powder-coated finishes help prevent weather-related damage. In areas with extreme sun exposure, UV-protected finishes can help maintain color and readability over time.

At Modern House Numbers, we specialize in premium solid ⅜ inch aluminum house numbers, plaques, and decals, crafted for both modern aesthetics and long-lasting performance. Unlike brass or stainless steel, which may corrode or tarnish over time, our aluminum products are designed to maintain their pristine look in any environment, if properly maintained.

By selecting a durable material, your house numbers will remain a functional and stylish feature of your home’s exterior for years to come.

3. Select the Right Size for Visibility

Choosing the right size for your house numbers ensures they are easy to read from the street, improving both curb appeal and functionality. The ideal height depends on how far your home sits from the street.

Smaller numbers offer a subtle, understated look for homes close to the street, while larger numbers enhance visibility for properties set back further. If your house numbers are placed under a porch or awning, choosing a larger size can help improve readability from all angles.

The table below outlines the best size based on distance:

 

Distance from Street

Recommended Number Height

Best For

Up to 50 feet

 4 inches

Homes near the road, interior spaces, small entryways

Up to 100 feet

  6 inches

Walls, fences, garages, curbside monuments (most popular size)

Up to 150 feet

  8 inches

Garden walls, monument signs, properties set back from the street

Up to 200 feet

12 inches

Large homes, commercial properties, bold design statements

Up to 300 feet

15 inches

Large-scale commercial properties, maximum visibility needs

 

For most residential applications, a 6 inch or 8 inch size provides the perfect balance of style and visibility. If you want your house numbers to stand out, consider going bold with 12 inch or 15 inch options.

4. Ensure Proper Contrast for Easy Reading

House numbers should stand out against their background to improve legibility. The right color choice ensures maximum visibility and enhances your home’s curb appeal.

  • Light-colored homes: Use dark numbers (black, dark bronze) for strong contrast and easy readability.

  • Dark-colored homes: Opt for light numbers (white, brushed aluminum, matte brass) to make them pop.

  • Brick or stone exteriors: Choose numbers with a bold finish, such as black or dark bronze, to ensure visibility.

  • Neutral or earth-toned homes: Consider warm metallic tones like matte brass or dark bronze for a sophisticated touch.

  • Vibrant or colorful homes: Use contrasting shades for a bold and unique statement.

A floating mount design creates a sleek, modern look by casting subtle shadows, while also providing a practical solution for installation on uneven surfaces by keeping the numbers elevated and visually aligned.

5. Decide on the Best Placement

The right placement ensures your house numbers are easily seen from the street, improving both functionality and curb appeal. Consider these popular locations:

  • Front Door Area: Mounted next to or above the door for easy identification. This is the most common and effective placement for visitors and delivery personnel.

  • Mailbox: Works well if your home is set far from the street. Placing numbers here ensures they are visible from the street, even before someone reaches your home.

  • Garage or Driveway Entrance: Ideal for homes on large lots. This placement helps guide visitors and service providers who may not immediately see your front door.

  • Curb or Walkway: A secondary location that helps guests find your home faster. Painted curb numbers can also assist emergency responders in locating your house quickly.

Walk or drive by your home from different angles and distances to test visibility before finalizing placement.

6. Explore Customization for a Unique Look

Personalized house numbers let you add a touch of individuality, allowing you to express your style while maintaining functionality. Customization ensures your numbers enhance your home’s unique aesthetic.

  • Timeless Fonts: Match your home’s personality with unique typography. Choose from stylish fonts like Palm Springs, SoCal, Austin, SoHo, Backbay, South Beach, and Santa Barbara to complement your home’s design.

  • Oversized Numbers: Make a bold statement with extra-large digits. Larger numbers increase visibility from a distance and add a dramatic focal point to your home’s exterior.

  • Plaques: A stylish alternative that integrates numbers into a design element. Plaques provide a refined, cohesive look and can be customized with different materials and finishes.

Choose a finish that complements your home’s exterior hardware, such as door handles, light fixtures, and mailboxes, for a polished and cohesive appearance.

Upgrade Your Home with Modern House Numbers

 

The right house numbers are more than just an address marker; they are a statement of style, precision, and craftsmanship. By selecting premium numbers with expertly engineered finishes, you ensure lasting durability and visibility in any environment. Whether you opt for sleek modern numbers, letters or  plaques, the right choice will make your home stand out while improving visibility for guests and deliveries.

Enhance your home’s curb appeal with handcrafted solid aluminum house numbers, precision-cut for modern aesthetics and built to last a lifetime. Explore our handcrafted collection at Modern House Numbers for the perfect finishing touch!

Picture of the Author

Rick is a licensed architect at Repp McLain Design & Construction. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Arizona and an MS from the Department of Architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). When he’s not designing and fabricating he enjoys spending time with Brandy, Jack, Avery & Taylor and restoring his grandfather’s Ford pickup truck. Learn more about Rick on LinkedIn.

You can learn more about Rick on the , on LinkedIn, at the AIA Website, or on Facebook.