Although mailboxes are mostly considered functional outdoor features, and not decorative ones, they still serve an aesthetic purpose.
A well-chosen fence or post-mounted mailbox, for instance, can enhance the design and ambiance of your outdoor space and your home overall. If you have a rustic-style abode, a country-inspired letterbox will complete the look of your property.
Your mail receptacle is one of the first things other people see when they pass by or enter your home. When you have a well-maintained and lovely letterbox, it will give them the right impression about the way you run and take care of your property.
Since a mailbox can make or break the overall aesthetics of your home, having one that looks out of place and outdated should never be an option.
If you want to have a letterbox that always looks new and works with your home’s overall design, make sure you follow these tips to improve and give it a more updated look:
1. Keep your mailbox clean and well-maintained
A spotless, polished, and damage-free letterbox not only makes this fixture more appealing; it also boosts its functionality and longevity.
Clean your letterbox regularly using a wet cloth and a mild cleaning solution. Give it a good wipe-down inside and out.
Check all parts frequently, as well. Lubricate the joints, door and locking mechanisms, and other moving parts if they squeak and become harder to open. If any component is failing or already damaged, order new parts and replace these immediately.
Lastly, make sure that your residential letterbox is always standing upright on its post. An accident with the mower and regular wear and tear can cause it to lean and make it difficult for the mail carrier to use.
2. Install a mailbox address number or plaque
With the variety of letterbox address numbers and plaques to choose from, you won’t have any difficulty finding one that will give your mail receptacle an updated look.
These accessories come in different styles, colors, sizes, and materials. Because of this, you can have an additional feature that enhances your letterbox and one that is functional at the same time.
Also, residential letterboxes have multiple areas where you can place your address. They can be placed on the door, the sides, the top (using mailbox toppers), or even on the letterbox post itself. You can, therefore, install it anywhere it can be seen easily and look great, as well.
Once you install your house number or address plaque on your letterbox, you will ensure that your carrier delivers all your mail to the right address. This will be particularly helpful to new employees who are still familiarizing themselves with the neighborhood.
The letterbox house number or address plaque will also be a great help to guests, food delivery drivers, and couriers.
3. Place a mailbox flag
Another charming feature that can give your letterbox an updated look is a mailbox flag. Although small, this accessory is one of the handiest things to add to your letterbox.
A letterbox flag notifies your postal carrier that you have something important that he or she needs to pick up. When you put this feature up, you instruct your carrier to visit your home even if he or she does not need to deliver anything and pick up your mail.
Letterbox flags are easy to install and easy to use. As such, there is no reason for you not to have one.
4. Add a strong lock
Although locks have a more functional role, when you choose the design correctly, you can have one that can also enhance the look of your letterbox.
However, when shopping for a mailbox lock, make choosing a heavy-duty one your priority. This accessory needs to safeguard your correspondence and other personal documents at all times. It has to be strong and difficult to break or remove.
Even if you already have a locking mechanism on your letterbox, consider replacing it if it is already old or looks ready to give. Install one that is made of durable material.
5. Replace your old letterbox
Sometimes, no amount of cleaning and polishing can improve the look and functionality of your letterbox. The only way to update it and ensure it does not stand out like a sore thumb in your front yard is to replace it.
If your mailbox is heavily damaged, rusted, and has mechanical or operational issues, you are better off buying a new one.
In case your post-mounted letterbox has become a possible roadside hazard, meaning it is poorly mounted or can topple anytime, and there is no way to repair it, replacing it is your best option, as well.
Keep in mind that your damaged letterbox can be the cause of vehicular accidents when it falls on the road. It can also hurt passersby, so if you want to avoid potential lawsuits, get it replaced immediately.
To avoid contributing to environmental waste and pollution, recycle your old mailbox. There are many ways to upcycle it, which includes turning it into an umbrella stand, storage box for your carpentry or gardening tools, and rubbish bin. You can find other tips on how to repurpose it online.
When you follow these tips, you can improve the look, functionality, and longevity of your residential letterbox. You will then have a fixture that you will be proud of displaying and using outdoors.
AUTHOR BIO
Jay Flavell is the General Manager at Sandleford Holdings. He has been working in the DIY & Home Improvement industry since 2007 and has vast experience sourcing and developing products from overseas suppliers in the Far East. Jay has also been successful dealing with a number of major DIY & Home Improvement retailers throughout his career.
