Small redesign efforts can do so much to boost the visual appeal of the different items you have in your property. If you are looking to spruce up the style of some of your property features, your letterbox can be an ideal item to start with since it is small but is noticed by every visitor to your property.
A few little tweaks can do the job. Here are eight ways to redesign your letterbox.
1. Change the typeface of the number and address attached to the letterbox.
This tweak is easy as there are so many options for stick-on numerals and letters. You can simply choose from them. Or, if you are pretty skilled in calligraphy, why not paint your home number and address on the letterbox? Just purchase the right kind of paint and a calligraphy brush to give it an old-world charm.
2. Guard it with mythical creatures.
Miniature fairy gardens are all the rage these days and you can make your freestanding letterbox a feature in a fairy garden. Decorate it with little figurines of fairies, dwarves, and even small animals. Adding these little guards to your letterbox will give it magical and whimsical appeal – which may give your neighbors and postman a laugh.
3. Give it a new metallic coat.
Rose gold and copper are quite popular. They are both fancy hues and they can make your letterbox stand out more as a property feature.
Traditional letterboxes usually come in stainless steel silver. But if you want to give yours a more regal look, just purchase a can of spray paint in either rose gold or copper. A couple of coats is often all you need for a completely new look.
4. Deck it out with stick-on tiles.
If you love mosaics, you can create a mosaic design on your letterbox by using stick-on tiles. All you have to do is determine the pattern to create and purchase the different colors of small stick-on tiles to make that pattern pop.
Stick-on tiles are available at most hobby stores.
5. Cover the interior of the letterbox with wallpaper.
Give your mailbox a nice little country charm by decorating its interior with wallpaper. Floral, gingham, and paisley prints are perfect for a rustic, country interior.
If you think that wallpaper will easily come off, try fabric instead. You can stick it to the interior walls of the letterbox using epoxy glue, such as the E-6000 or B-7000. This glue will keep its hold no matter how hot the weather gets. However, it typically takes a full hour for the fabric to stick really well to the metal interior of the letterbox. Other than the waiting period, this design spruce up is easy-peasy.
To make the fabric waterproof, all you have to do is to apply an acrylic sealer on it.
6. Make it look like something else.
If you are a true creative, you can transform your letterbox into something else without compromising its basic function. If you visit Pinterest, you will find countless images of letterboxes that look like mini school buses, trains, friendly whales, cottages, and others.
For a letterbox that looks like something else, you usually will only need paint. But, you can also alter the general shape by attaching pre-cut plywood to it.
7. Change the post.
Hold up your post-mounted letterbox with a different material. Old bikes are popular alternatives to the traditional wood or metal post. Some people have also used birdcages with succulents inside, as well as old sewing machines.
You actually can use any material as an alternative to the traditional mailbox post options. However, you have to make sure that it’s sturdy and holds the letterbox properly. Plus, it should meet the height requirement of the national postal service.
8. Light it up.
Attach a light or lights to the letterbox. A classic Coleman lamp right above it is pretty enough. Or, you can wrap string lights around it, which looks rather lovely especially during the holiday season.
Lighting up your letterbox will not only enhance its nice appearance, but it will make sure that your letterbox is easy to spot even on a dark and foggy day.
Those are eight ideas to consider if you want quickly redesign your letterbox so it’s not only functional but a visual delight as well.
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 in dealing with a number of major DIY & Home Improvement retailers throughout his career.