House numbers The best color House Pick a color that has a light and dark contrast with the background. The background is usually the color of the house. This will make the number stand out so it can be viewed from the street. If your house has a dark color, you need a number in a light color. If your house has a light color, get a dark color number. For example, a black number is perfect on a white house. A white number will show clearly on a brick house. A lighted number is even better for easy visibility at night. If the house color is dark, a number in a dark color will not be visible from street distance. The same is true with all light colors. Please don't ever get brass or bronze numbers. Mailbox The number needs a light and dark contrast with the mailbox color. If you go with stickers, the ones with black numbers on white background are excellent. Another option is to mount a sign above or below the mailbox. Don't get a color similar to the mailbox's color. Be sure not to paint over the numbers. Stickers with shiny silver numbers on black background are not visible. Street curb Black numbers painted on white background are excellent. This is a delivery driver's best friend. They are clearly visible from a distance even with very little light. Don't get white numbers on blue or green. They are not visible beyond six feet. Large bold white numbers on green are okay. Don't get a number with no background. Last updated: August 4, 2008 return to top