Address signs and house numbers are often treated as a last detail, but they play a much bigger role than most people realise. They’re one of the first things seen from the street and a permanent part of your home’s exterior — so getting them right matters.
A well-chosen address sign or set of house numbers should feel intentional, legible, and in harmony with your home’s architecture and outdoor space. Below is a designer-led guide to help you make the right choice.
Before thinking about size, colour, or placement, look at the style of your home.
Modern homes tend to suit clean lines, negative space, and simple layouts. Minimal address signs or evenly spaced house numbers often work best here, allowing the architecture itself to remain the focus.
Traditional homes benefit from proportion and balance. Slightly more presence in the sign or numbers can feel appropriate, as long as it still respects the scale of the façade.
The goal is not to match a trend, but to choose signage that feels like a natural extension of the building rather than an add-on.
If you’re unsure, this is where custom address signs and house numbers can make a real difference, as they’re designed specifically for the proportions and style of your home.
One of the most common mistakes with house numbers is choosing something too small.
Consider:
How far your home sits from the street
Whether there are fences, trees, or planting in front
The angle from which visitors and delivery drivers approach
Numbers and signs should be easily readable from the road without feeling oversized up close. A sign that looks perfect at arm’s length but disappears from the street won’t do its job.
Custom sizing allows the scale to be adjusted so the signage feels right both visually and practically.
Because address signage lives outside year-round, material choice is critical.
Steel is particularly well suited to outdoor use:
It handles New Zealand weather well
It offers strength and longevity
It allows for crisp shapes and clean edges
Outdoor signage should age gracefully rather than degrade quickly. Finishes, coatings, and fixing methods all play a role in how a sign will look over time, especially in coastal or exposed areas.
This same thinking applies across other outdoor pieces, including outdoor wall art, where durability is just as important as design.
Where you place your address sign or house numbers can dramatically change how they’re perceived.
Common placements include:
Exterior walls near the entry
Front fences or gates
Freestanding walls or pillars
Height, spacing, and alignment all matter. Numbers placed too low, too high, or too close together can feel awkward even if the design itself is beautiful.
Lighting is also worth considering. Subtle illumination can improve visibility at night and enhance the overall look without being harsh or overdone.
Custom signage isn’t just about personalisation — it’s about creating something that feels considered.
Custom solutions are particularly helpful when:
Your home has a non-standard layout
You have a long or unusually short street name
You want signage that integrates with other outdoor elements
You’re aiming for a more architectural, intentional look
In these cases, personalised steel signs allow for flexibility in layout, scale, and finish, resulting in a piece that feels designed specifically for your home rather than chosen from a catalogue.
Address signs and house numbers may be functional, but they’re also a design decision. When chosen thoughtfully, they contribute to the overall presence and character of your home’s exterior.
If you’re planning new signage or updating existing house numbers, custom work is now open, and I’m happy to help you create something that feels right for your space — durable, legible, and considered.
Custom orders are currently open via the website.
Comments will be approved before showing up.
✨ Looking for the perfect gift that truly reflects New Zealand? NZ‑made gifts combine authenticity, sustainability, and unique design — from outdoor wall art and garden sculptures to thoughtful home decor pieces. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, sending something overseas, or simply wanting to share a piece of New Zealand, these gift ideas are crafted to inspire and delight.
Discover unique NZ gifts from LisaSarah – handcrafted steel wall art, garden ornaments, and native-inspired designs. Perfect gift ideas in New Zealand for her, him, or the home. Locally made, stylish, and meaningful, these gifts bring garden art NZ and NZ heritage into every space.
