Your letterbox, while seemingly small, plays a surprisingly important role in the function and appearance of your home. After all, it’s one of the first things visitors and passers-by will notice. A well-chosen letterbox can complement your home’s aesthetic and offer secure, convenient mail delivery.

Firstly, do you legally need a letter box?

In most countries, there’s no legal requirement to have a letterbox.

However, there are some key points to consider. A letterbox offers a safe and secure location for receiving mail. If you don’t have one, mail delivery becomes more challenging for postal services and you run the risk of missing out on important deliveries and communications.

It’s also worth bearing in mind some regions or local councils might have requirements regarding mailbox placement, size or design. It’s therefore advisable to check with local authorities to ensure any specific regulations are adhered to, even if a mailbox isn’t legally mandatory.

How do I choose a letterbox?

Standard letterboxes are quite simple and minimalistic – they have a slot, and the post-man pushes mail through them.

If you’re not happy with the one you have – either because you don’t like how it looks, or because you feel that the one you have is too small, consider the following before you buy a new letterbox:

Sizing
Exactly how do I know what size letterbox I need?

Well, very old post boxes tend to be quite small, and designed to accept only standard sized envelopes. If you get a lot of newspapers or magazines delivered, then you should opt for a bigger, deeper modern letterbox.

Standard contemporary letterboxes should easily accommodate A4-sized envelopes and magazines without the need for folding.

Extra features
A draft-excluder is a must-have for any modern letterbox. In addition to a draft-excluder, consider the way the letterbox itself opens. A letterbox with a flap that springs shut to cut down on drafts even more is always a good choice.

Door thickness
Traditional letter boxes run through the door, if you have a very thick door then the range of choices open to you may be limited.

Wall-mounting
Instead of having a letterbox on your door, why not try a wall-mounted letterbox with a lock? These have the added benefit of improved privacy, and are a good option if you have a pet or a small child that likes to play with the mail when your back is turned. A freestanding letterbox is another great option too.

Which letterbox is best?

It’s important to consider your home’s architecture and entrance doors.

For example, a traditional Victorian house might look best with an ornate, vintage-style letterbox, while minimalist styles would complement a modern home.

Colour coordination matters too. Try matching the tone of your letterbox with other accents on your house, such as your door hardware, window frames or gutters. This creates a cohesive, polished look.

Overall, the range of colours available for letter boxes is quite limited. It’s a good idea to pick something fairly neutral, so you can keep your mailbox even if you decide to re-paint your door.

How do I secure a letterbox?

Chosen a mailbox that catches your letters? Make sure there’s a large drop from the letterbox opening to the base of the box.

It’s common for thieves to fish mail out from shallow letterboxes. Opportunistic thefts like this are far more common than thefts where the criminal broke open the lock.

And remember that ultimately, it’s a lockable letterbox which provides the most peace of mind, especially if you receive important or sensitive mail.

Learn more about smart home security technology for doors and securing wooden front doors with our dedicated articles.

Should I choose a parcel box or letter box?

Experts say over 2.71 billion people are expected to shop online in 2024, up from 2.37 billion people in 2020. If you frequently receive packages from online shopping, you may want to opt for a parcel box. Either instead of or in addition to a letterbox.

A parcel box allows for secure delivery even when you’re not home, they’re typically sturdier and feature locking mechanisms to deter theft. This means there’s no need to wait home for package deliveries or worry about missed deliveries.

If you do go for a parcel box, make sure it’s mounted securely to a wall and that it has a good lock. Check the box for parcels frequently – nothing attracts thieves like an overflowing parcel delivery box.

What is the best material for a letter box?

Generally, the best material for your letterbox is a balance between durability, security, aesthetics, and your budget. However galvanized steel, stainless steel or aluminium are excellent choices due to their strength, weather resistance and longevity. They can withstand harsh weather conditions like rain, snow and extreme temperatures.

What is the difference between a post box and a letter box?

A post box is used for collecting outgoing mail deposited by the public.

They’re typically freestanding, brightly coloured boxes (often red in the UK), usually located on street corners, outside post offices or at designated collection points. Some are historically significant while others can be found in unusual and quirky locations.

A letter box or ‘mailbox’ is used for receiving incoming mail delivered by postal carriers.

You’ll see them attached to the exterior of a residence or commercial property like an office block, often matching the architectural style of the building.

Letterboxes: a small but crucial design detail

Choosing a letterbox might seem trivial, but a thoughtful selection can add both style and functionality to any property. By considering these tips, you’ll guarantee that your letterbox perfectly suits your needs and complements the overall look of your home.