As warmer weather lures us outdoors, our home's exterior suddenly seems more important. What better time to consider a simple facelift or personality adjustment with new house numbers?
Modern
Above: From midcentury architect Richard Neutra, the Neutra Aluminum House Numbers are corrosion and tarnish resistant. Design comes at a price; currently on sale for $35.70 each at Design Within Reach.
Above: Architectural Numbers by Weston lets you choose your font, material, and finish; the company then custom-manufactures your number and/or letter combination. Select from 41 font styles (including Helvetica, Futura, and Times Bold) and 12 different finishes, and from sizes ranging from 2 to 18 inches high. Prices from $15 per piece, depending on size and finish.
Above: Deco-inspired Avalon Modern House Numbers from Atlas Homewares are available in satin nickel or oil-rubbed bronze (to complement a more traditional look) for $15.63 each at Hardware Hut.
Above: HouseArt House Numbers designed by Ginger Finley are available in five finishes (shown in rust); $28 (4-inch size) and $48 (8-inch size) each at Lumens.
Above: Domicile House Numbers in red add a cheery note to an exterior. Five inches high, $18 each at Chiasso.
Above: The Signo House Numbers and Letters by Blomus are made in Germany of stainless steel; $26.99 each at Lumens.
Traditional
Above: The Asbury Ceramic House Address Numbers are sold individually for $10 each from Schoolhouse Electric in Portland, Oregon.
Above: Ramsign makes high-quality porcelain enamel signs in five different styles, including the black and white Engelhardt House Numbers designed in 1927 by Danish architect Knud V. Engelhardt, Denmark's first industrial designer. Priced from $49 for a single digit sign (the company ships worldwide).
Above: Traditionalist House Numbers in black by Atlas Homewares are six inches tall and $16.64 each at Amazon.
Above: Standard House Numbers that compliment nearly any style of architecture are available in six finishes (oil-rubbed bronze shown); $8.50 to $10, depending on size, at Restoration Hardware.
Above: Crafted of 3 5/8-inch porcelain tiles frames in galvanized steel, the Tile Address Set from Rejuvenation Hardware is $59 for three tiles, $70 for four tiles, and $81 for five tiles.
Above: Franco-File takes international orders and, in addition to house numbers, offers house-name plaques, thermometers, and various signs in English ("No Parking," "Private," and "Please Shut the Gate"). Also available through The French Number Company, another UK-based outfit that ships worldwide.
Above: For craftsman or mission style, consider Mission House Numbers from Atlas Homewares; available in oil-rubbed bronze or pewter for $12.43 each at the Hardware Hut.
N.B.: This post is an update, the original story ran on May 3, 2011.