The Top 49 Mailbox Ideas
For a typical home, the mailbox is one of the few items that bridge the gap between private and public property. So, it’s no surprise that countless homeowners choose to use their mailbox as a canvas for self-expression!
With the right approach, it’s 100% possible for a mailbox to be both fun and functional. Keep reading for our favorite mailbox ideas worth trying yourself.
Contents
1. Concrete or Stone
Constructing a mailbox out of concrete or stone is a wonderful way to give your home curb appeal that is guaranteed to last!
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Concrete and stone mailboxes boast all different shapes, sizes, and styles. If you want to enjoy the look of stone without the heavy lifting, consider applying a thin veneer to your existing mailbox structure.
Many areas have regulations regarding which materials can be used for streetside mailboxes. So before embarking on your own mailbox-building journey, be sure to check with the local postmaster or similar authority!
2. Creative
A unique mailbox can help your home stand out from the rest of the neighborhood. And you don’t need to spend more than a few hours to make your vision a reality.
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With the right paint formula, any plastic or metal mailbox can be updated to suit your individual personality. Some artists even sell mailboxes decorated with their creations!
For those with a knack for DIY, designing a one-of-a-kind mailbox out of wood can be a great project. Or, for the less-crafty out there, consider investing in a handmade mailbox on a platform like Etsy.
3. Decor
Every home needs a mailbox of some kind. So why not let your mailbox double as a piece of lawn art?
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There’s no shortage of innovative mailbox designs crafted after various plants and animals. Take a look around your local lawn and garden center or online for a mailbox post inspired by your favorite wildlife.
Of course, your creative vision shouldn’t overshadow the practical role of your mailbox. Ensure labeled house numbers are clearly visible and that your mailbox can be accessed without issue. Your route’s postal workers will thank you!
4. House
No one really knows where the trend started. But house-style mailboxes can be found nearly anywhere the post is delivered.
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There are two types of house-shaped mailboxes: The first looks like a generic house or another building (like a lighthouse). The second is a tiny replica of the life-size home it belongs to.
Designing a house-inspired mailbox can be as simple as applying a coat of spray paint or as intricate as installing battery-powered lights! Some homeowners even decorate their mailbox “houses” for the holidays.
5. Mailbox Post
Getting the most out of any design project requires looking at the big picture. In other words, you shouldn’t ignore the supporting post when completing a mailbox makeover.
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The right mailbox post can completely transform your home’s front landscaping. A sleek cedar post is the ideal finishing touch for a mid-century modern mailbox design. Or you can use reclaimed pallet wood to construct a rustic-inspired DIY mailbox post.
Many regions have their own mailbox post trends that residents partake in. Investing in one of these trends is a great way to feel like a part of the local community!
6. Metal
A metal mailbox is a long-lasting solution that can be customized to suit your style in a variety of ways.
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If you’re on the hunt for a sleek design, consider investing in a stainless-steel mailbox in your favorite color.
A locking mailbox is a great option for those in need of a little extra security for incoming letters and packages. Metal is also a wonderful sculpting medium.
7. Modern
How do you bring a modern design to life with a canvas as small and simple as a mailbox? Incorporating strong geometric shapes in your mailbox silhouette is a great place to start.
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Many modern mailboxes boast an industrial touch. Materials like reclaimed wood or brushed metal frequently accompany this style of mailbox.
Bold, minimalist house numbers make great additions to a modern mailbox. Mount numbers in a contrasting color or material for optimal visibility and a standout aesthetic.
8. Rustic
The ideal mailbox for a backwoods cabin or quaint farmhouse probably won’t look much like your average suburban mailbox! But there are many ways to flex your creative muscles while staying true to your home’s rustic charm.
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It’s okay for a rustic mailbox to appear a bit rough around the edges. Actually, it’s often preferred.
Lumber and stacked river stone is the perfect pairing for creating a rustic DIY mailbox. Or you can put the materials inside your barn or shed to good use by crafting a one-of-a-kind mailbox out of scrap metal and spare tractor parts!
9. Unique
Swapping out the existing mailbox is a cherished rite of many new homeowners. What better way is there to make a home feel 100% your own than with a mailbox no one has ever seen before?
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Depending on the area, what constitutes a unique mailbox could be as simple as an interesting paint job or as intricate as a life-size sculpture.
Not all neighborhoods are keen on unique curbside decor. If your nearest neighbors are only a stone’s throw away, it’s common courtesy to consult with them before installing any truly outlandish mailbox ideas!
10. Wall Mounted
While a large number of homes receive their mail via truck, there are still countless neighborhoods that get their letters and packages delivered by someone on foot. In these areas, wall-mounted mailboxes tend to be the norm.
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Whether it is mounted to a fence or your home’s exterior siding, there are many ways to express yourself through your mailbox. And wall-mounted mailboxes tend to be subject to fewer rules and regulations than roadside ones.
Don’t forget to think about adjacent details like your house numbers or built-in lighting!
11. Wood
We tend to associate wooden mailboxes with rustic or modern design. Yet there’s really nothing this versatile material can’t do!
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Wood is extremely flexible — both in terms of design and the actual building process — and couldn’t be easier to customize. All you need is a quality coat of paint to match your new wooden mailbox to your home’s exterior.
Even if wood is the star of your mailbox idea, there’s no need to use it alone. Wood pairs beautifully with all kinds of metal, stone, and more.
Mailbox FAQs
In the United States, there are a surprising number of rules and regulations regarding what you can do with your own mailbox. For example, homeowners are not allowed to attach fliers or posters to their mailboxes.
With that said, most decorations are fine as long as they don’t interfere with the safety of the mailbox or prevent postal workers from using it.
Before decorating your own mailbox, take the time to research any restrictions in place in your own area!
While regulations may vary around the world, in the United States curbside mailboxes must be at least 41 inches from the ground to the bottom of the door. The maximum allowed height for a mailbox is 45 inches from the ground to the door.