Decorative mailbox can add curb appeal, make personal statement
Despite the popularity of digital communication, most people still enjoy getting actual letters in the U.S. Mail. And unless you have a slot in the front door, you need a mailbox to receive them. But besides being a place where letters are delivered, the mailbox can also be a decorative design feature.
“A mailbox is the first impression of your home,” said Sheri Corsetti, who owns Hialeah-based Beautiful Mailbox with her husband, Andrew Corsetti.
“Decorative mailboxes can provide interest to the curb appeal of a property,” said Julie Cassetina, a spokeswoman for Wayfair, an e-commerce source for furniture, décor and home improvements.
A mailbox can also help introduce a homeowner to neighbors, said Wayne Morgan, owner of Morgan Home Accents in Tewksbury, MA. “When you move into a new home, a mailbox can announce to the neighborhood that someone is there, and what they have an interest in.”
FOLLOW THE RULES
Before you set your heart on a particular mailbox, check with your homeowners association to see what’s allowed. Also: “Be sure it follows postal regulations,” said John Wessel, owner of Excellent Mailbox in Oakland Park.
Rules may vary from neighborhood to neighborhood. A homeowner who currently has a mailbox attached to the front wall will probably be able to switch to one on a pole in the front yard. But the reverse may not be true. In a neighborhood where
boxes are on poles at the edges of properties, mail carriers deliver from their cars, and probably won’t park to bring your letters to the front door. If you plan to switch from a wall box to a pole-mounted one, consider it a permanent change.
CHOOSING A STYLE
Beyond rules, what you choose will depend on what you are trying to convey. A traditional mailbox in a traditional color, perhaps with decorative address letters and numbers, is a safe choice and can be an elegant accent to the front of a home. At Beautiful Mailbox, there are about 2,000 variations available, and homeowners can custom design a favorite on the website, Corsetti said. Some homeowners prefer boxes that match window trim or lampposts, she added.
At Excellent Mailbox, the most frequent choice is a traditional, rural-style box with a curved top, but some customers prefer
boxes with roof-shaped tops, Wessel said.
But don’t be afraid to consider less traditional choices. A mailbox that represents a hobby or interest can be a way to reflect your lifestyle. “While the mailbox can match the style of the home for a consistent look, it also provides a great opportunity to add a fun or festive touch,” Cassetina said. “It’s all about personal preference, style and function. Some may choose to have a custom replica of their home made for a mailbox, while others may use the mailbox to play up a favorite hobby, or pay homage to a pet. Bass or lure-style mailboxes, for example, are a popular option among fishermen. And of course, there’s the option to go with a box that reflects the landscape of the locale in which you live.”
Morgan Home Accents offers hand-painted boxes. A customer may, for example, send a photo of a beloved cat or dog to be portrayed on the box. “A handpainted mailbox can say something about your personality,” Morgan said.
MATERIAL
Whether you choose something traditional, rustic, elegant or whimsical, think about the material the box is made of. “Wood doesn’t do well in South Florida,” Corsetti said.
If you do choose wood, be prepared to maintain it. “Wood is often a preferred home for insects like termites, and wood mailboxes can warp from moisture over time,” Cassetina said.
Copper or brass are options, Morgan said. But copper or brass will require polishing unless you don’t mind it darkening.
Steel mailboxes are durable and affordable, Cassetina said. “However, keep in mind that steel is often a fairly sensitive material, making it somewhat susceptible to getting dinged, scratched or bent if it’s accidentally hit by a car or other objects.”
“There are different grades of stainless steel, and some may rust,” Wessel said.
Plastic is an option. “Plastic mailboxes are typically made from polypropylene, making them sturdy and durable,” Cassetina said. “However, it’s important to get one that’s good quality to ensure in won’t crack or fade from harsh UV rays and other elements.”
Powder-coated or painted cast aluminum are good options for hot, humid South Florida. “Powder coating is tough, but the color will last longer with paint,” Wessel said.
COLOR
Color preferences have changed over the years. “In the ’90s, white on white was popular,” Corsetti said. “In the early 2000s, it was green. Now it’s bronze and black.”
At Excellent Mailbox, customers most often ask for black, bronze or white, but boxes are available in more than a dozen colors. Some colors are custom orders, however, and may require a wait time.
SECURITY, SIZE AND INSTALLATION
Locking mailboxes can help discourage thieves. But some locks are easier to pick than others, Wessel said. Some homeowners choose high-security boxes made of steel, with locks that are more difficult to pick or break.
What size is right? “Consider if you receive a lot of mail and deliveries,” Cassetina said. “If you run a business or work from home and receive more mail that the average person, you may want to consider sizing up and getting a mailbox that can accommodate more parcels.”
Installing a mailbox on a post requires a hole that is 18 to 22 inches deep, Wessel said. The post should be anchored with concrete and aligned properly with the street.
Before making a purchase, ask if the pole is included in the price. Is installation extra? Do the box and post have a warranty? If so, what does it cover? Does the company offer service after the sale?
When shopping for a mailbox, remember that it is something you will see every day. Choose one that makes you happy.