House Number
Announce Your Place in the Neighborhood
Doubtless you've noticed the elaborate and distinctive signs that many homeowners place beside their door, in their yard, or along their drives, with their home's address in a pleasing display. These house number signs vary wildly in style, design, and placement - as different and unique as each of your neighbors. Does your home have a house number?
Every building has an address, but the truly house-proud and those who frequently entertain guests are often delighted to show off their house number with an elaborate and impressive sign. Having your house number on display serves several practical purposes, as well: it informs delivery people, which can be very useful if you live in a subdivision or a cul-de-sac, where addresses can get confusing; it alerts passersby of their location on the street, and informs visitors they've arrived; and, in an emergency situation, it can save your life by loudly announcing your address to emergency personnel as they drive up.
Your House Number Style
When it comes to choosing a house sign to display, you should consider three things: the architectural style of your home, the image you'd like to project to neighbors and visitors, and your budget. You can, of course, obtain an attractive house number sign for fairly cheap, but being able to spend a hundred dollars or more will result in a custom-designed, carefully crafted, impressive and long-lasting house number sign - an investment in your home, if you will.
Your house number plaque should match the general architectural concept of your home. For example, wrought iron posts with ornate house number signs are fitting for a Victorian home or a sprawling colonial, but look out of place and strange in front of condominiums or super-modern, sleek construction. If your home has ornate details and scrollwork, incorporate this into the house number sign; if your house is bright, sharply angled, and minimalist, try to design your house number sign within the same guidelines.
Considering your image and the image you want to project is perhaps the trickiest part of picking out a house number sign. You may not realize it, but the graphics (or lack thereof), typeface, and size of your chosen house number sign will tell neighbors and friends a great deal about you. A large sign with bright pictures and an informal typeface such as Comic Sans will give the impression of a laid-back, fun-loving family, whereas thick Blackletter calligraphy on a small but distinguished sign of conservative size and shape will impress people with your old-fashioned and humble attitude. Of course, people will have to get to know you and determine how well your house number sign suits you, but first impressions are hard to overcome.
If you're proud of your home and you're regularly inviting friends and family over to visit, consider designing and purchasing a custom house number sign for your lawn. More than just informing passersby of your address, it speaks volumes about your attention to detail, and the excellent care you exhibit for your home.