How-to: Customise your mailbox with signage

Heads up! Snail mail is making a comeback and we cannot wait! In a world dominated by the pings and buzzes of social media notifications, handwritten letters are a breath of fresh air. Don't think utility bills or publicity, think postcards from holiday destinations, letters from friends or family members, or even a love letter - who knows? It is time to dust off your mailbox and boost your curb appeal. Discover how to beautify your garden by choosing the best signage for your wall mounted post box.

The post box was the first of the personal mailboxes used in the UK

The Origins of the Wall Mounted Post Box

In the UK, people didn’t have letterboxes in their towns until the 1850s. Before this, people would go to their local ‘Letter Receiving House’ to collect their post. However, Royal Mail encouraged people to install a wall mounted post box into their homes, and by 1853 the first pillar boxes made their appearance on the streets of towns and cities. This allowed people to have their post delivered to their door. In addition, they could also post letters without having to make a trip to the post office. It was at this time that the job of the “mail carrier” was born.

Did you know?

Studies show that in 2019, 10.3 billion addressed letters were sent in the UK!

The Styles of Post Boxes For Sale in the UK

Don’t let your mailbox take a backseat. Enhance your home with an outdoor postbox that sparks joy every time you check the mail. With so many styles available, why stick with something plain and boring? Put a smile on your face every time you pull into the driveway and reimagine the typical mailbox. To prove that a mailbox is a jewel in the exterior decor crown, we have come up with our favourite styles.

Traditional mailboxes also need mailbox signs too

Adios Chrome Letterbox, the Flamingo mailbox has arrived!

Add a touch of fun to your outside space with a creative mailbox. From flamingos to boats, people are embracing the DIY trend and giving their mailboxes a fresh new life. Make people stop and stare with a statement mailbox.

The Monochrome, Modern Mailbox

Sleek, sophisticated and secure. These are the properties that any modern mailbox should possess. Ideal for urban dwellings, this mailbox offers a refined edge to complement an equally modern build.

A Mini Version of the Large Post Box

Sometimes a classic design is hard to beat. For some, this is certainly the case with the iconic red post box. The bold red adds an inviting touch which is enhanced by the golden lettering. For a quintessentially British home, there is no other option than the red post box.

Embrace Nature with a Wooden Postbox

Add a natural touch to your home with the addition of a wooden postbox. Ideal for a rural property, the rustic materials create a soft and welcoming appearance for your home. Combine wood with metal to give the mailbox a modern appeal to fit any suburban home.

Update your Wall Mounted Letterbox

If your home already has a wall mounted post box, why splurge on a new one? If you are looking to update your letterbox, there are many ways you can do so. A fresh lick of paint or a fancy house number are some examples of budget-friendly ways to boost curb appeal. But, before diving head-first into a mailbox makeover, it is worth considering the following options: 

- The placement 

- The size 

- The design

- The material

In the US, the style of the mailbox is regulated by the US Postal service. However, in the UK the regulations are more relaxed. It is common however for people to opt for a standard, black, front-loading secure key wall mounted post box. These can be found attached to the gate post, on a wooden post on the driveway or the wall next to the front door. This style of black mail box is smart, secure and withstands harsh weather conditions. But, one of the best features is that there is a lot of surface area. This lends itself well to a quick DIY project.

Enamel signs are wonderful mailbox signs thanks to their durability. Choose the Highlander collection for a classic look.

Take Your Outdoor Post Box to the Next Level with Custom Signage

Adding a sign to your wall mounted post box is a very easy project and one that will pay huge dividends. Having an eye-catching sign for your mailbox will not only help the postman find your property, but it will also make your house more visible to the emergency services in case they ever need to be called out. Proper signage can save lots of time and it adds a smart finishing touch to your dwelling.

Steel Mailbox House Numbers

Marvellously modern, steel house numbers are an ingenious way to customise your black letter box. These classic signs normally come in a range of colours from black to silver or gold and can easily be fixed to the mailbox either with magnets or screws. Sleek and elegant, this style of sign is the perfect accent to modern architecture and city living. These signs are bought individually giving you total freedom to display any number combination available. Due to the durability of steel, these signs will be able to withstand all types of weather conditions, from rain to frosts and even scorching sunshine making these signs perfect for any climate.

White In Stock Sign number 2

Wall Post Box Name Plaques

In some cases, it may not be necessary to display a house number on your mailbox. However, since large letters and parcels are unable to fit inside mailboxes, it may be essential to display a sign that details delivery instructions for the postman. Name plaques can be made from a wide variety of materials such as acrylic, cast iron, steel or enamel. Typical messages to include on your plaque could range from ‘Please Leave Parcels On The Porch’ to ‘The Jones Family Postbox’. Say goodbye to mail mix-ups and undelivered parcels; name plaques allow you to add personality to your property practically and creatively.

Have You Considered Enamel Signs for your Wall Letter Box?

Enamel signs are ideal for mailboxes thanks to their durability and personalization options. The enamel is resistant to high temperatures, UV rays, water, corrosive atmospheres and frost. Even on beachfront properties, the hardy enamel signs will continue to look as good as new. These house numbers and name plaques are handcrafted in all shapes and sizes. At RAMSIGN, we want every return home to feel great!  The heritage, European aesthetic of enamel signs adds a clean and elegant finishing touch to the mailbox. What’s more is that the wall-mounted post box signs are flat and they come packaged with 3M VHB-tape. This can be attached to the back of the sign without the need for drilling holes. Who knew that customising a mailbox could be so simple?

How to Choose a Mailbox Sign for your Outside Post Box

Just like when choosing any design, there are many factors to consider. But, don’t let this become a daunting task. As with any DIY project, it is important to do your research before rushing to make a purchase. Mailbox signage is no different. Read on to discover our top tips for taking this must-have garden accessory to a whole new level.

Adding number mailbox signs to your mailbox adds a clear indicator to the postman

How To Choose a Mailbox Sign

Define the Purpose

Whether you need to display a house name, number or a helpful phrase, it is crucial to have this decided before you start your shopping. Having a clear idea of the purpose of your sign will help to narrow down the selection and allow you to focus on the best options for you. Another purpose for mailbox signs is also to alert companies that you do not wish to receive publicity/junk mail. A small, concise sign with a clear and polite message should act as a great deterrent for companies who want to advertise their wares.

How To Choose A Mailbox

Make Your House Feel Like a Home

The most important aspect of interior decorating is personality. Your home is your sanctuary and a reflection of you. Everything you place inside or out should represent who you are. Your home is the first impression visitors get of you before you open the door, so, you better make it a good one! Personality can so easily be reflected in a mailbox sign. That spark you feel when you see an aesthetically pleasing sign is a signal that that particular design represents you. Take notice of these instinctive pulls towards specific styles and soon you will begin to realise what sign you feel most connected to. Discovering your design identity is a key step to finding the perfect house sign.

Mailbox signs add a quirky touch to your living space.

How To Choose A Mailbox Sign

Let Your Mailbox Do The Talking

While a sleek and simple steel number will give your wall-mounted post box a refreshingly contemporary nod, it may not always be in keeping with the design and style of your home. It is important to factor in the design of the mailbox and the material of the surface on which it hangs.

- If the design of the mailbox is traditional, with decorative detailing forged into the metal, an enamel sign would make an excellent sign to use. The arched body of an enamel sign and the delicately raised relief of the hand stencilling will complement the texture of the mailbox and will not detract from the classic aesthetic. A modern house number would look very out of place on a mailbox like this.

- However, city slickers know that it is possible to mix the old and the new for an eclectic design edge. A stark black mailbox will benefit from the softness of a more traditional sign, giving a welcoming feeling to the property. Alternatively, indulge in the geometric appeal of a modern mailbox by featuring an equally contemporary sign such as an acrylic house sign or steel house number. 

Let yourself be guided by the existing styles present in your space. Have fun mixing textures and colours and discover what combinations make your eyes light up.

You don't need fancy tools to put up mailbox signs

How to Fasten a Sign to my Mailbox?

Depending on the style of sign you decide upon, there are many ways a sign can be fitted to a mailbox. The most popular methods are the following: 

- Magnets

- Screws

- Adhesive Strips 

These three methods are fail-safe, foolproof and affordable. All the materials can be found easily at your local hardware store and offer a long-lasting hold for your sign.

Simple mailbox signs can be used to show house numbers

HOW TO FASTEN A SIGN TO MY MAILBOX?

Magnets for Mailboxes

Extra-strong magnets are an effective and discreet way of mounting your sign. This method will only work with a flat surface and a box made from steel. Be sure to check the specifics of your wall letter box before ordering a sign that needs to be attached in this way. The advantage of this method of fastening is that it is flexible and the sign can be adjusted or removed quickly. However, this does mean that it is not theft-proof and could be easy to steal.

HOW TO FASTEN A SIGN TO MY MAILBOX?

Mailbox Screws

Use screws for mounting if your wall mounted post box is made from wood. Choose the short variety of screw and ensure that they are not fastened too tightly so as not to damage the sign. Over time the screws will develop a gentle patina making it seem as though the sign was always part of the wall post box. For outdoors, use brass or stainless steel screws.

Blue enamel signs make classic house numbers or mailbox signs
No junk mail mailbox signs are ideal to stop receiving unwanted post

HOW TO FASTEN A SIGN TO MY MAILBOX?

Adhesive Strips for Mailboxes

The most popular option. This method works perfectly for mounting signs onto flat, smooth surfaces. Use tape on any type of flat sign from acrylic to porcelain enamel. Apply the tape to the desired surface and attach the sign. The tape does not damage the property as screws do, but it still provides a lasting hold.

Adding Letterbox Signs to your Home

While a mailbox sign is not essential, it certainly adds a decorative oomph to your facade. The ideal sign will win you instant curb appeal points and make you the envy of all your neighbours. Take time to find the right one for you and make sure that it matches your personality and design aesthetic. A good first impression will carry you far so make sure your signage is sleek, elegant and proudly displayed on your wall mounted post box for all to see.

Personalise your mailbox now