The Complete Guide to Choosing the Right House Sign
Choosing the right house sign is about more than just displaying your house number. A well-designed sign improves visibility, enhances your property’s appearance, and makes your home easier to find for visitors, deliveries and emergency services.
With so many materials, sizes and styles available, it can be difficult to know where to start. This guide explains everything you need to consider when selecting the perfect house sign for your property.
1st 4 Signs
Why a Good House Sign Matters
A clear and well-positioned house sign:
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Makes your property easy to locate
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Improves kerb appeal
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Reflects the style of your home
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Adds a personalised finishing touch
Whether you live in a modern new-build, a countryside cottage or a town terrace, the right house sign adds both practicality and character.
Choosing the Right Material
The material you choose affects durability, appearance and maintenance.
Slate House Signs
Natural slate offers a timeless and traditional look. Each piece has subtle variations in texture and colour, making every sign unique.
Slate is:
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Extremely durable
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Weather-resistant
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Ideal for traditional homes, cottages and period properties
If you’re looking for a classic, long-lasting finish, slate is one of the most popular choices in the UK.
Aluminium House Signs
Aluminium provides a sleek, contemporary appearance.
Benefits include:
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Modern aesthetic
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Lightweight yet strong
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Rust-resistant
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Low maintenance
Aluminium works particularly well on modern homes and rendered properties.
House Name, House Number or Both?
You can personalise your sign with:
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House number only
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House name only
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House name and number
For properties set back from the road, including both can improve visibility. If your property has a unique name, a personalised house sign adds identity and character.
What Size Should a House Sign Be?
Size depends on:
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Distance from the road
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Mounting position
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Lighting conditions
As a general guide:
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Small frontage → compact sign
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Long driveway or rural property → larger format sign
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Poor lighting → higher contrast lettering
If drivers struggle to see your current number, it’s likely too small or lacks contrast.
Font and Lettering Choices
Clarity is key.
Avoid overly decorative fonts that reduce readability from a distance. High contrast between text and background improves visibility, particularly in low light.
Good examples:
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White or silver lettering on dark slate
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Black lettering on lighter aluminium
A house sign should be stylish — but above all, it must be easy to read.
Fixings and Installation
Most house signs are supplied with appropriate fixings.
Common mounting options include:
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Stand-off fixings for a floating effect
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Hidden fixings for a clean finish
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Direct screw fixings for brick or stone
Consider your wall surface before ordering to ensure you select the correct mounting type.
Weather Resistance and Durability
In the UK climate, your sign must withstand:
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Rain
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Frost
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Sun exposure
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Temperature fluctuations
High-quality slate and aluminium house signs are designed for long-term outdoor use without fading, rusting or warping.
Matching Your Home’s Style
Think about:
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Brick colour
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Render tone
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Door colour
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Architectural style
Traditional homes often suit slate with engraved lettering.
Modern homes tend to pair well with minimalist aluminium designs.
The goal is to complement your property — not overpower it.
House Signs as Gifts
Personalised house signs also make thoughtful housewarming gifts.
They are:
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Practical
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Personal
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Long-lasting
A customised house sign is something the recipient will use and appreciate every day.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right house sign comes down to three key factors:
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Visibility
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Material durability
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Style compatibility
By selecting a high-quality, weather-resistant material and ensuring clear, readable lettering, you’ll invest in a house sign that enhances your property for years to come.
If you’re ready to explore personalised house signs in slate and aluminium, browse our full collection to find a design that suits your home perfectly.
