"Can We Install Your Brushed Aluminum numbers On Our White Wall?

Now here's a great question from the Modern House Numbers mailbag!

"Can We install brushed aluminum numbers, letters or plaques on a white or light colored wall?"

Usually, the short answer from our design team might be "No!", because Rule Number 1 for addressing is usually, "Create Contrast". BUT, we know rules are made to be broken especially with design. We will always advise that creating contrast is certainly the best bet, but a more subtle approach can also be successful. Here are the top tips from our design experts on how to pull off light on white!

4" SoCal Number & 12" Palm Springs Numbers, Brushed Aluminum | Photo 2: H3K Design

1. Go Big

If you want to install our brushed aluminum finish on a light or white surface, one great way to make sure your house numbers are legible is to install the largest size that you have space for. This helps your address to be visible and legible from a distance, while also giving you a modern look in the more subtle color scheme you are after.

 12" Palm Springs numbers, Brushed Aluminum Finish | Photo: H3K Design

Large address numbers is a trending exterior detail that we don't see going anywhere. Bigger sizes are functional and also very contemporary. You could change nothing else on your exterior and by installing bold numbers, you'll get a huge boost in your curb appeal!

15" Palm Springs Numbers, Brushed Aluminum Finish

1. Go Higher

 8" SoCal Letters, Brushed Aluminum Finish 

To boost your legibility and get attention, place your numbers and letters higher on your installation surface

This placement will be extremely eye-catching because it's unexpected!

This will give your visibility a boost and help guests and delivery drivers notice your address. This customer also took note of the shadows the house created on the wall surface. They selected the highest location possible that wouldn't be obscured during the day. Smart!

 6" Palm Springs numbers, Brushed Aluminum Finish, Vertical Orientation 

If you're installing near your door, consider a vertical installation where you align the top number with the top of your door. This small detail makes your entrance look more modern instantly! The higher placement also catches the eye. In this example, our 6" size works well because the entry to this home is very close to the street. The choice of our Palm Spring font adds modern flair, and by and by painting the door a fun color this draws attention to the entire entry.

1. Go Custom

Custom Address Plaque, Palm Springs font, Brushed Aluminum Finish

When you need the perfect detail to match your exterior, we can help create something special just for you. For this customer, we worked with the space between the window and garage door to create a plaque that would maximize the size of the numbers while also working with the space available. The massing of the plaque and the finish, coordinated with the other fixtures and hardware, helps to create a coordinated set of details that are subtle and modern.

Custom Interior Signage & Wayfinding, Brushed Aluminum Finish

Brushed Aluminum on lighter surfaces can also work on the inside of your home or business. This color combination combined with directional information reflects the modern style of the building while helping people find their way.