Round Corners
Smooth Corners
Round corner signs are visually satisfying and aesthetically pleasing. The smooth rounded corners help to direct the eye inward, making it easier for viewers to focus on the message rather than the form of the sign.
Square corners tend to give signs a somewhat harsh, removed appearance. In modern design, lines and curves are often the centerpiece of the visual message. Square corners can be distracting, and may actually work against the message on the sign by having an 'imperialistic' or overly forceful appearance.
Corners in Home Sign Design
Your home sign should be welcoming to guests. It should ideally put them at ease, and make it easier for them to enjoy their surroundings, especially if they're new friends or coworkers. To this purpose, a home sign should be designed for easy reading, aesthetic cohesion, and attractiveness.
A home sign with rounded corners is going to appear more laid-back, relaxed, and "open" than a sign with square corners. Most publicly posted rules and "warning" signs still have square corners, which contributes to the appearance of a square-cornered sign as overbearing or forceful.
Surface Area and Impression
The surface area of a square home sign is slightly larger than that on a round-cornered or elliptical home number sign, but the impressions are completely different. A round-cornered or elliptical home sign is going to be perceived as friendlier and less domineering, while a square-cornered home sign might seem overwhelming to some people.
Basically, this means you must make careful use of your surface area on a round-cornered home sign. Choose colors and images that matter to you; try to keep your font size small enough that it doesn't overwhelm the rest of the home sign, yet large enough to be read from the street. Your house number plaque should be inviting and pleasant to look at. Be careful not to include too many images or clashing colors, as these will make people look away or feel slightly uneasy about the home sign.
Home Sign and Home Decor Cohesion
Another important consideration is the furniture and architectural style of your home. Your home sign should echo these elements as much as possible, to bring about a general sense of the home sign "belonging" as part of your home decorative group. For example, if your house is filled with square edges - on counters, tables, furniture, appliances, etc. - then perhaps a square home sign would not be a bad idea. If your home has more curves and spheres in its design, your home sign should match this, as well.
Try to echo major elements of your home's architecture; try to include their shapes on your house sign. If you have a very specific design, you can always contact the home sign manufacturer to ask if there's a way they can complete it for you. In most cases they should be happy to accept the challenge, and will produce a home sign you can feel truly proud of.