House numbers The best color House The idea is to have a light and dark contrast with the background, which 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 background or house color is dark, don't put a dark color number on it. Don't put a light color number on a light background. It will not be visible at street distance. Please don't ever get brass or bronze numbers. Street curb Please get black numbers painted on white background. This is a delivery driver's best friend. It is clearly visible from a distance even with no light. Large white bold numbers on green are okay but not as good. Don't get white ordinary-size numbers on blue or green. This is not visible beyond six feet. Never get a number with no background. Mailbox The idea is to have a light and dark contrast with the mailbox. Stickers that have black numbers on white background are excellent. You can mount a sign with a strong contrast 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 silver numbers on black are not visible. Last updated: August 16, 2001 return to top