Our Favorite Ways To Creatively Display House Numbers

House numbers are often treated as an after-thought, but their importance can't be overstated. After all, how else will the mailing company deliver your packages? Or the 911 emergency services reach your house in time? Or first-time guests find your home? Besides being incredibly functional, you might also be required to display them clearly per the law. However, the numbers need not look boring. In fact, the more interesting the display, the more eyeballs they'll grab and make it easier for people to identify your residence.

You just need to ensure the numbers displayed are correct, are legible from the street, and complement your house's exterior. To ensure this, consider the number's placement, height, color, style, and material. For instance, you want to situate the numbers at eye level or above to enhance their visibility. Choose the best spot for your house number for maximum curb appeal. Moreover, there must be a ½ inch of space between the numbers. You don't want to space them too closely together such that they're practically tumbling into one another. Similarly, increased intervals will make the eye work overtime. Plus, the numbers should be large enough to be read without squinting the eye. A good rule of thumb is to opt for 4-inch numbers (at a minimum). Additionally, your address numbers should be in sharp contrast to their background. This means coordinating shades is a no-go. Finally, pick weather-resistant and durable materials. That being said, here are our favorite ways to creatively display house numbers.

Are you a fan of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's infamous detective, Sherlock Holmes? Then, why not display your house number front and center on your door? This way, all the paparazzi, well-meaning friends, interesting foes, and John Watson (aka your partner-in-crime) will have no trouble locating your house. Or maybe draw inspiration from real-life Number 10 (Downing Street) to make your address number stand out. You don't need to stick to center placement, either. The top and side are good options, too. Just ensure the numbers are big enough to be read clearly from the street.

Displaying house numbers on a plaque is a classic choice since it'll seamlessly fit in with your design scheme. For instance, if your home is sporting a historical look, weathered plaques can relate the hardships they've endured over the years. If you need something minimal and solely functional, plaques will nail this role, too. Alternatively, if you're going for the contemporary look and want a striking house number display, bespoke plaques are the way to go. Otherwise, consider this simple house number woodworking DIY that will add to your curb appeal. Optimal placement and number size are vital when choosing a house address plaque.

Looking to revamp your house number display? Roll up your sleeves, don your safety gear, and get ready to DIY a flower box to beautifully display house numbers while adding curb appeal. Break out your measuring tape to determine the size of the planter. Now, all you need is a wooden crate (or good quality boards), stain, glue, sealant, and a saw to build a personalized house number planter. Once you're done, stick on or drill the numbers and insert the planters in the allocated slot. Don't forget to drill holes in the planter for drainage.

Not a big fan of displaying address numbers on the front door but have limited options? Utilize the bare space above your garage door to showcase the numbers horizontally. Go with floating numbers, a singular plaque, painted designs, or multiple plaques to display the numbers. However, if you don't have the space empty, get creative and use the sides of the garage door. Opt for a horizontal or vertical placement based on the amount of space available. You can even use the door as your backdrop but the numbers will only be visible when it's closed.

In case you can't have a dedicated external light source to illuminate your house numbers after the sun goes down, get LED ones. These numbers have LED strips attached to their backs that provide ample illumination when required. Moreover, if you choose bright lights over their warm counterparts, the numbers will light the way at night, simplifying navigation. Regarding their installation, it's recommended you get a professional electrician since you don't want to connect the lights directly to the mains, or the increased pressure might rupture the LEDs.

The simplest and most budget-friendly way to upgrade your house numbers is to paint them on the exterior of your house. The door, its frame, siding, or curb are all good options. Grab your paint and brush (or a can of spray paint), don your painting gear, and clean the surface you want to paint the numbers on. Try choosing a shade that's present in your exterior (like the color of your door) or go with a contrasting tone to ensure your house numbers are legible. Moreover, maintain a steady hand to paint the numbers in a straight line.

Embrace biophilia and display your house numbers with panache using turf. You don't need to worry about the maintenance since artificial turf works as well as real. Simply cut the turf per your house numbers, stick them on top with exterior-friendly glue, position the turf on top of the numerals and press it down. Alternatively, nestle turf in a wooden box, adhere it to the surface with multi-purpose adhesive, and screw in the numerals using a drill before hanging the box. Add a few pots or plants near the address numbers to complete the look.

Breathe new life into your chipped ceramics, glass, or tiles by turning them into a mosaic house number masterpiece. The first step is to flesh out the style and size of the numbers. It can be as simple as something hand-drawn or as refined as a computer design. Now, trace the outline of the numbers (and other design elements) onto the base and wear your safety gear. Follow this up by cutting the tile (or another material) with a dedicated nipper or hammering it. Finally, glue the pieces down per the design and apply grout over the finished sign.

While house numbers usually become one with the surface they're installed on, that's not the only way you can display them. Get floating house numbers for a 3-D effect. Such numbers are affixed to a surface via studs and spacers to make it look like they're floating in space. The shadows beneath the numbers complete the job of convincing onlookers of their mid-air status. Moreover, these address numbers complement most home designs, including modern and traditional. To get the look, order a customized design and follow the enclosed instructions to a T.

Have a set of stained-glass windows atop the transom of your entryway door? Use them to display your house numbers. Determine the colors you want the numerals to exhibit for a truly mesmerizing display. However, if you don't have a stained-glass window above the door but still have a few clear panels, you can DIY renter-friendly stained-glass windows for a brilliant view. Alternatively, purchase personalized stained-glass house number stickers. Remember, the numbers can be as colorful as you like, but the surrounding panels should be clear or frosted.

Wanting to be subtle while making a lasting impression with your address numbers can often feel like a double-edged sword — impossible to balance. But that's not always the case. Incorporating your spirit animal into your house number display will add a dash of fun and steal the show. National animals, birds, auspicious mammals, and symbolic creatures will improve your exterior's aesthetic. If you want to truly stand apart and turn heads, don't shy away from adding whimsical characters to the mix or embracing your inner Gollum.

What do you do when you have a few tiles leftover from your luxe bathroom makeover? You banish them to a life of cobwebs and no sunlight. Instead, save a few from their dreary existence and turn them into breathtaking house numbers. You don't have to do much; just stick a printed-out version of your address numerals with outdoor Mod Podge and apply a coating (or two!) of glue to ensure the numbers don't come off a while later. Seal the tiles to keep them safe from sunlight and moisture prior to hanging (or sticking) them.