Your traditional post-mounted mailbox doesn’t have to be boring. There are plenty of options that can add to your curb appeal and landscaping. This guide explores more than a dozen designs and materials for a nice-looking mailbox and offers valuable advice on selecting the ideal one for your home.
What To Look For in a Post-Mount Mailbox
When selecting a post-mount mailbox, it must comply with U.S. Postal Service regulations. According to the USPS, the bottom of the mailbox should be 41 to 45 inches from the road surface and 6″ to 8″ from the curb. This ensures easy access for mail carriers and helps maintain consistency in mailbox placement throughout neighborhoods.
But outside of that, you have plenty of room for customization. When choosing a post-mount mailbox, consider these key factors:
- Accessibility: Consider features like an easy-to-open door or a large drop chute for convenient mail retrieval and deposit.
- Customization options: If desired, choose a mailbox with personalization options, such as custom address plaques or decorative elements.
- Design and aesthetics: Select a style and finish that complements your home’s exterior and landscaping, whether you prefer a modern look or a classic design.
- Durability: Opt for materials like rust-resistant aluminum or heavy-duty steel to withstand weather conditions and minimize maintenance.
- Ease of installation: Verify if the mailbox has mounting hardware and a clear installation guide for a straightforward setup.
- Post construction: Choose a mailbox from sturdy and durable materials such as rust-resistant steel or high-density polyethylene.
- Security features: Look for mailboxes with locking mechanisms or anti-theft designs to protect your mail from theft.
- Size: Choose a mailbox with ample capacity to accommodate daily mail and small packages, particularly if you receive larger items regularly.
- Weather resistance: Check for features like powder-coated finishes or weatherproof seals to protect against rain, snow, and sun exposure.
18 Functional and Unique Post-Mount Mailbox Ideas
To give you some inspiration, below are 18 different styles and ideas for post-mounted mailboxes that combine functionality with unique and stylish designs.
Copper Mailbox
Copper mailboxes are a perfect blend of elegance and durability, developing a unique patina that adds character as time goes by. This Good Directions mailbox, made of solid copper, boasts an etched finish and brass accents. While they may require a higher initial investment, copper mailboxes offer long-lasting appeal and value. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help preserve their luster.
Fleur de Lis Mailbox
The Fleur de Lis mailbox from Lamps Plus is made from durable cast aluminum with a bronze finish, offering both strength and visual appeal. Its unique scroll pattern and decorative elements bring vintage charm to your home’s exterior, complementing traditional and contemporary styles alike. Additionally, practical features such as a newspaper slot and customizable address plaque provide added functionality
Vandal-Proof Mailbox
This Architectural Mailboxes TUFF BODY Vandal-Proof mailbox is designed to withstand potential tampering or vandalism. This sturdy mailbox offers strength and durability, with a 20-pound heavy gauge steel plate, a black powder-coated finish, and a stainless steel door with a heavy steel flag. Its robust construction provides added security for homeowners in areas prone to vandalism or harsh weather conditions, ensuring the safety of their daily mail.
Antique-Style Rural Mailbox
The Salsbury antique rural mailbox is made of aluminum and features a magnetic door catch and an adjustable burgundy signal flag. It is available in four powder-coated finishes—antique bronze, copper, brass, or nickel—making it suitable for various home styles. The mailbox offers versatile mounting options, including standard, classic, decorative, or deluxe posts, allowing homeowners to customize the installation to fit their landscape.
Olde Towne Mailbox
Architectural Mailboxes’ Olde Towne model combines historical charm with modern durability. Available in black, antique rust, or verde green, this 60-inch cast-aluminum mailbox complements various home exteriors. The included mounting and assembly hardware ensures easy installation. It’s a practical choice for homeowners seeking a mailbox that blends classic design with reliable functionality.
Brass Mailbox
The Westchester mailbox from Streetscapes is handcrafted from heavy-gauge solid brass sheet and bar stock, offering durability and intricate detailing. It features a polished antique patina finish that adds rich character, with shades of red and brown, and blue and green highlights when new. Over time, the finish darkens beautifully. Although brass mailboxes have a higher initial cost, their ability to develop a unique patina makes them a popular choice for homeowners looking for a distinctive and long-lasting mailbox solution.
Cast Leaf Mailbox
The Cast Leaf mailbox from Special Lite is a rust-free, solid cast-aluminum mailbox designed to endure the elements while preserving its decorative charm. It comes in finishes like antiqued bronze, frosted umber, Swedish silver, copper, Verde green, and white and gold, making it suitable for various home designs. Optional features, including a newspaper holder or a two-door style for easy mail access, enhance its versatility.
Mailbox Planter
The Westbrook Plus post from Mayne features one arm for your mailbox and another for a planter, adding greenery to your mailbox area. Made from durable polyethylene, it requires minimal maintenance—a simple rinse or occasional power wash keeps it in top condition. While the mailbox is not included, this versatile post accommodates various styles, allowing homeowners to customize their setup. The planter enhances curb appeal and provides space for seasonal flowers or plants.
Solar Lighthouse Mailbox
The solar-powered lighthouse mailbox from the Rockline Lighthouse Collection is a hand-crafted replica of the Barnegat, New Jersey lighthouse. It features a solar-powered beacon that automatically lights up at dusk and turns off at dawn. The standard-size box is adorned with real stones, adding texture and authenticity.
Geometric Mailbox
The Boulevard curbside mailbox from Special Lite is made of rust-free cast aluminum with a powder-coated finish for durability in various weather conditions. It comes in a range of finishes, including hand-rubbed bronze, frosted umber, Swedish silver, copper, and verde green, allowing for customization to match your home’s exterior.
Double Mailbox
The Boulder Colonial Double Mailbox set features a historic-inspired design and includes two dome-shaped steel mailboxes and newspaper holders, all finished with a durable black powder coat. The corrosion-resistant cast poly post and finial ensure long-lasting durability. This set is perfect for duplexes, mother-in-law suites, or fostering community between neighbors.
Secure Mailbox
The Secure Logic Mail Vault from Steel Mailbox Co. is designed to address the issue of mail theft with its advanced security features and practical design. It has a large drop chute and ample storage capacity, holding a week’s worth of mail. The keyless touchpad entry system adds an extra layer of security. In addition, its rust-resistant galvanized steel construction with a powder coating ensures durability. This modern design combines tech-enhanced security with long-lasting materials, providing peace of mind for busy households.
License Plate Mailbox
Consider Aaron Foster’s handmade metal mailbox crafted from genuine state license plates for a truly unique mailbox This mailbox not only showcases American automotive history but also provides practical functionality. Each mailbox features a random assortment of license plates, making every piece a distinctive functional art. Special state requests are not accommodated, ensuring that each mailbox remains one-of-a-kind.
Imperial Mailbox
The mailbox from Imperial Mailbox Systems is handcrafted from cast aluminum and coated with premium enamel paint, making it resistant to rust, insect damage, and harsh weather. It offers customizable features such as a brass-numbered address plaque and options for locking or non-locking designs. The mailbox is available in colors including black, white, gray, green, almond, verde green, and bronze, allowing it to be tailored to match various home exteriors.
Two-Tone Mailbox
The Coronado mailbox and Grande post from Architectural Mailboxes are crafted from 16-gauge galvanized steel and aluminum. They feature a durable powder-coat paint finish with brass accents. Available in various color combinations and customization options, this system can be tailored to suit different preferences and home styles.
Contemporary Classic Mailbox
The Fuoriserie Ecco 3 mailbox combines contemporary design with classic functionality. Made from galvanized steel, it features a sleek sandblasted finish and is available in black, copper, gray, or silver to suit different home styles. The matching pole assembly kit, designed for in-ground installation, ensures a stable and durable setup.
Custom Mailbox
Companies like Dean’s Custom Mailboxes create unique designs, including replicas of your home or representations of your favorite hobbies or interests. The process involves submitting photos or ideas, with turnaround times ranging from 6 to 26 weeks based on design complexity. Typically crafted from 3/4-inch pine, these custom mailboxes balance durability with design flexibility. Even though they may come at a premium, they provide a unique way to express your personality and add a distinctive flair to your property.
Swinging Arm for Mailboxes
The MailSwing includes heavy-duty, all-steel adjustable arm mounts that can be installed on any post, allowing the mailbox to extend further from the curb. The design of the MailSwing enables it to swing out of the way upon impact, protecting the mailbox from damage. This investment can save time and money on repairs, as its robust construction can withstand repeated impacts, minimizing maintenance and extending the lifespan of the mailbox.
