Take Your Curb Appeal to the Next Level Using a Modern Letterbox

For centuries, letters have been the primary form of communication between people. People have used letters to reach their relatives and friends far away and spread news and announcements. Aside from the invention of the telephone, letters remained popular, both in personal and business communication. Nowadays, technology and the internet have extensively changed the way we communicate. Think email, social media apps and wifi availability. You would think with so many advanced ways to reach each other that today letters are a thing of the past.

However, this isn’t true at all. Recent studies have shown that mail is still one of the primary forms of communication, especially in business environments. This means letterboxes are still essential home features. Why is having a letterbox so important? And how can you use it to improve your home’s curb appeal?

The Importance of Having a Letterbox

Do you have to have a letterbox in Australia? No, having a letterbox isn’t required by law in Australia. However, there are certain requirements in terms of safety and the positioning of the letterbox, so if you decide on mounting one, make sure you comply with these laws. You might think ‘why have a letterbox when it’s not demanded’? Here are some of the main advantages.

Store Your Mail Safely

Even if you mostly receive electronic mail, it’s not unlikely to receive mail at your home address. Online stores have made shopping a breeze today. So, even if you don’t receive many written letters, your mail surely holds lots of online ordered packages. If you haven’t got a letterbox, any mail you receive will be carelessly left on your doorstep. Since you can’t predict the weather and the time you receive mail, your letters and packages can be damaged and ruined if not stored safely. The post office won’t take responsibility for any mail damage that happens because of this. Installing a high-quality post mounted letterbox can prevent your mail from getting lost or damaged.

Protect Your Privacy

You can easily hit the unsubscribe button on an email when you don’t want to receive further emails from a particular sender. You can’t do that with the post office. Chances are that you’ll receive mail, even if you don’t want to. The mail you receive usually contains your personal information, like your name and address. And sometimes, it can even hold some sensitive information. You don’t want such information to end up in the wrong hands. When you have a letterbox, all mail will end up in it, secured and locked. Some letterboxes can be ordered with a no junk mail sign, making receiving mail even safer and more convenient.

Make It Professional

If you’re a business owner or have a home office, providing your customers with an address they can reach you at can make you look more professional. It also provides your clients with an opportunity for anonymous feedback, as they don’t have to leave their contact information on the letter. This isn’t the case with sending an email or calling you.

Add Value to Your Property

Because of its proximity to the street, the letterbox is often the first thing people notice about your house. You can use this to add style to your house’s exterior. But that’s not the only advantage. Real estate experts say a letterbox is the first visual statement buyers see when approaching a property. They see it before they even get to the door. Investing in a high-quality letterbox can be vital for making a great first impression if you decide to sell your house sometime.

The Different Types of Letterboxes

Depending on the material they’re made of, there’re three main types of mailboxes:

1. Wooden
2. Metal
3. Stainless steel

Depending on how they are placed, there are four different letterbox types:

Post mount mailboxes. These are the letterboxes that were initially used. The first post mounted letter box was the “tunnel”. Invented in 1915 by U.S. Post Office employee and engineer Roy J. Joroleman, it was created to set a standard style for mailboxes across the country. Today, there are different designs of post mailboxes that can complement any curb look.
Wall mount letterboxes. Usually placed on an exterior house wall, next to the front door, these letterboxes present the doorway with interesting detail.
Fence mount letterboxes. Usually placed on a fence, these are the first thing a visitor or a passenger sees.
Flush mounted letterboxes. These can be inserted into a wall cavity for a flush finish or tailored to suit your needs.

Improve Your Curb Appeal Using a Post Mounted Letterbox

Choose a Timeless Design

A simple letterbox that’s made of materials that match the exterior of the house can create a timeless look. If your home design is modern and minimalistic, a post mounted letterbox with a wooden front panel is a great choice. Wood’s a great choice for traditional homes too. And you can never go wrong with black or white for the body. You won’t ever have to think of changing it, and it’ll set the base for increasing the curb appeal with other methods, such as landscaping, painting and lighting.

Don’t Compromise on Quality

It’s sad that letterboxes are subject to being damaged from time to time. They can be knocked over and scratched by distracted delivery drivers or even bumped. That’s why it’s essential to purchase a high-end letterbox that can go through wear and tear and still look untouched. As it’s exposed to different weather circumstances, choosing stainless steel hinges, visors, and security locks is always good. Mounting the letterbox a little further from the street can also help keep it in good condition. Just make sure it remains easily accessible.

Think Outside the ‘Box’

Use your letterbox as an accent point for your entrance area. Make it a wow factor by adding some depth and variety. You can plant some low-growing evergreen plants around the base. Or, you can plant a few seasonal plants and change the look year-round. Engrave your street number and make it an address display. Another option is to purchase same-style wall planters and enhance the overall look. Your decoration options are limitless. With a pinch of creativity and a minimum effort, you can take your curb appeal to a whole new level.