Decorative and illuminated house numbers
Attentive readers of our blog are certainly well acquainted with (illuminated or non-illuminated) letters and logos by now, but one product type often remains unmentioned in this context: numbers!
Illuminated 3D numbers also belong to our Letters family in terms of product logic (as long as they are not Neon, obviously), but often have completely different areas of application. One of them we want to take a closer look at in this article: house numbers with and without illumination.
Lighted house numbers for businesses
In the business world (but of course not only there) a good first impression is crucial to attract new customers. Illuminated house numbers are a great way to visually enhance a building facade and thus positively highlight a business location.
In particular, businesses that rely on walk-in customers and on-site appointments can benefit from the stylish and modern touch that a highly visible and aesthetically pleasing house number can add to a building. Decorative numerals have this in common with illuminated advertising and light-up company signs of all kinds.
The use of illuminated house numbers offers numerous advantages, including:
- Increased visibility: Illuminated house numbers make it easier not only for customers, but also for delivery drivers, for example, to find the location, even in low-light conditions.
- Improved brand image: Illuminated house numbers add a touch of modernity and sophistication to the exterior of a building, setting it apart from the competition by making a strong first impression on potential customers.
- Energy and cost efficiency: Most types of illuminated house numbers are powered by LED lighting. LED-lit house numbers are long-lasting and use less electricity than traditional light bulbs.
- Increasing the attractiveness of the streetscape: By placing illuminated house numbers on the exterior facade, the attractiveness for passers-by is increased and a business can more easily attract walk-in customers.
Modern lit house numbers for residential houses
Of course, decorative house numbers can be used not only in business, but also in residential areas. For apartment and high-rise buildings, lighted house numbers have been common for a long time. In most cases, these are basically small lightboxes – either internally illuminated with the respective house number as foil print or as a closed box where only the digits are illuminated from the inside. We've all seen those old-school lighted numbers from the photo on the right before.
However, more unusual and higher-quality variants of illuminated house numbers are also becoming increasingly popular for residential buildings. Especially in new construction areas, you can now find many creative applications.
Decorative and/or illuminated house numbers come in a variety of styles and designs, from classic to modern. They can be made of different materials such as metal, acrylic or even glass neon. We present below a selection of the most popular and creative options.
photo credit: Robert Katzki
Acrylic lighted house number
An illuminated house number made from acrylic offers a modern look that can enhance the curb appeal of a home. Acrylic is lightweight and durable, and it can be customised with different fonts and colours.
Metal light-up house numbers
An illuminated metal house number is a high-end option that will add a touch of luxury to any building.
As an illumination option, lighting from behind (back-lighting) probably makes sense for metal house numbers, but front-lit house numbers with metal sides or side-lit 3D numbers with a front made of metal are great options as well.
A popular choice of material is stainless steel, but it definitely has its price. A price-conscious, but equally high-quality and durable alternative is aluminium. Especially if the house number should have a certain colour that fits into the overall design concept of the house or apartment complex, aluminium is a good choice.
Stainless steel is primarily in demand for a brushed-metal look, but this can be achieved at a much lower price with, for example, the aluminium composite dibond, which is available with a brushed silver or aluminium finish (see photo above).
Glass Neon house numbers
An illuminated glass neon house number is a modern and elegant option that can add a stylish touch to the exterior of any home or business.
However, when installing a neon house number, some safety precautions must be taken into account. For instance, the house number should not be installed at a reachable height. In addition, the installation should ideally be done by a professional.
If a glowing glass neon house number is exactly what your home or business has been missing, try out our Glass Neon Configurator!
LED Neon house numbers
A house number made of LED Neon can also be a stylish and modern addition to a building. LED technology is energy efficient, durable and allows for great design flexibility. Plus, LED Neon is easy to install and requires minimal maintenance.
Get inspired by our sample images and then head over to our LED Neon Configurator to try it out!
Illuminated house number with twilight sensor
A lighted house number that includes a dusk sensor will only light up when it is dark enough outside. This type of house number is especially practical for homeowners who want to save energy and reduce their electric bill.
Our example project is particularly clever: The side-lit number 11 is mounted on a plate that is also illuminated from the back, on which the twilight sensor is hidden. In terms of colour, the house number and the back plate are exactly matched to the design concept of the residential building, as can be seen in the photo taken in daylight.
As an alternative to a twilight switch, a motion detector at the house number is possible as well. A house number with a motion detector can make it easier for visitors to find the house at night, while also providing additional security by alerting homeowners to unexpected guests.
photo credit: Oliver Maître
LED back-lit house numbers
Modern back-lit house numbers are an innovative option that creates a striking visual effect. Indirect lighting of the house number is both functional and stylish, thus enhancing the ambience of an entrance area in a discreet and elegant way. House numbers with backlighting are available in different materials in various price categories.
Large illuminated house numbers
Go big or go home! If you have already decided on and budgeted a decorative house number, why not go for a light-up house number in XXL size? But be careful, the size should of course always be proportionate to the facade, otherwise it will look wrong. An illuminated XXL house number can be useful for a multi-storey residential house or a high-rise building, or a building that must be clearly visible from a distance even in the dark, such as a warehouse.
Lighted address signs
A light-up address sign, meaning a house number that also includes the street name, is a practical option that helps visitors quickly find the right address or entrance without problem. This type of house number is especially useful to navigate areas with complex street networks.
Below are two visualisations from a former customer project that involved installing glass neon address signs on several buildings in Berlin-Friedrichshain.
For you to get creative as well, we have prepared two designs made of Glass Neon and LED Neon in our respective Configurators. Just put in your address and see how you like it!
Decorative wall numbers without lighting
We have now presented many variants of house numbers with lighting, but decorative house numbers do not necessarily have to light up to be special.
In addition to non-lit 3D numbers, another option are two-dimensional, flat numbers. These are usually made of metal (aluminium) for durability and can be painted or powder-coated in custom colours. 2D house numbers are best mounted on the facade with spacers, which creates an interesting shadow effect when the sun shines on them. To enhance this effect or to maintain it even at dusk or in the dark, the house numbers can also be illuminated with separate spotlights.
Our best-practice example for the use of decorative house numbers without illumination is the Maar Handels GmbH, who operates an online store where you can order spare car parts and accessories: The house number 34 was designed in the same font and colour scheme to match the company logo, blending perfectly with the overall brand design. Both are made of a stone-like composite material (acrylic stone) commonly known under the brand names Staron or Corian, among others, and were mounted on the house facade with spacers.
Specially designed decorative house numbers are an easy and relatively inexpensive way to enhance the exterior of a business and make a positive first impression on potential customers. Whether you choose LED illuminated house numbers, back-lit or indirectly illuminated designs, or non-lit wall numbers, there are numerous products to fit any style and budget. The targeted use of illuminated or non-illuminated house numbers can subtly enhance the visibility and image of a business. Decorative house numbers can be used as branding elements and enhance the appeal of any building – or home.
If you have any questions about our products or prices, or if you would like to discuss your personal ideas with us, we would be happy to hear from you! Alternatively, you can request a completely free quote for your own illuminated house number directly here.