Love is about more than a number.

But, sometimes, a number can reflect the love of something. It’s not always about the money (if that’s what you’re thinking about).

Often, it’s about house numbers. A house number is a key part of the identity of any house, like an extension of the furnishings you choose for the interior.

That’s why creating a DIY house number can be so special. A decent house number can make a positive statement about the people who live inside.

Thinking about creating and displaying your house number, but not sure where to start? Here’s what you need to know.

Pick a Spot

It’s easy to assume that there aren’t many places for house numbers to go. The only option, basically, is right next to the door, right?

Not quite. Posting house numbers next to your door is one potential place for you to choose. But the truth is that there are many other options to think of.

There are many places throughout your yard and front porch that could good host your numbers. Maybe you want numbers to be in the common spot of eye-level, right next to the door. But don’t make that decision so fast.

They could go next to your mailbox. Another possible spot is on the ground along the walkway from the road to the front door. Or, the house numbers could blend in with the garden and patio you’ve put so much effort into.

On the whole, the choice is yours. And, if you’re still stuck picking a spot, it might help to think about the theme you want.

Think Theme

What kind of presentation does your home have?

The answer is something only you can provide. Depending on what the front of your house looks like, you can coordinate your house numbers to match up with everything else around it.

Check out the most recent winners of a front-yard contest in Chula Vista, California. (That’s right–a contest to decide which yard was the prettiest of them all). Obviously, the style of their home is very specific, and might not reflect the average neighborhood.

But, scrolling through the photos, it becomes clear how key the house number is to the presentation. The numbers aren’t the focal points of any yard, but they top off the general feeling of every yard.

It’s important to keep that in mind when thinking about house numbers. Every house has a different theme to its design, from rustic to woodland to stone and everything in between. Creating numbers means sticking to that theme.

And, in most situations, sticking to theme means sticking to the right colors.

Keep Color In Mind

Picking colors for design purposes is a deceptively tricky task. It might seem simple enough, and it is. But that doesn’t mean it’s a no-brainer.

According to science, the kind of colors people see affects their actions as a customer, visitor or passerby. That’s why it’s important to consider what kinds of colors will help a house number sign contribute to the visual appeal of the yard.

If a yard is full of green grass, a green sign will probably be too similar and blend in too well. That’s why it’s important to present a good contrast with the general color scheme of your yard.

Of course, you don’t want to go too far in the other direction. Contrast is nice, but too much of a good thing is simply too much. A neon yellow sign could do just as much visual damage to a calm yard as anything else.

The key when posting house numbers is to create a connection between a passerby and your home. In a world where digital connections are everywhere, like the ones created by Reality Flux, real-world connections are even more important.

Keep in mind what an ideal relationship is between house numbers and the yard. You now have the location and general feel of your numbers imagined clearly in your head.

It’s time to create.

Pick A Material for Your House Numbers

When heading to the store to get your materials, what should you pick?

Think about the kind of climate your numbers will be in. Does it get very cold or wet or hot where you’re staying? Then you should pick material that is as durable as it gets.

The worst outcome of mounting your own DIY numbers is to find them wrecked by the elements. Bugs, temperatures and the general surprises of nature have been known to do a number on numbers. So, make sure the numbers have some fortitude.

The best way to determine the ideal material for you is to reach out to an employee at a local supplies store. There, they can give you an idea of what material you need to keep your sign intact through every season.

Exactly how you put up the numbers can also affect that durability.

Mounting the Numbers

When you mount, make sure that you do it in a way that is safe for yourself. But also make sure that the numbers survive the transition, too.

If you’re using a nail to mount the numbers on a wood board, make sure that the weight of the numbers is supported by the wood. Also, take care to make sure that any rough edges are smoothed down and that there is a safe space for them to fall should disaster strike.

Plus, make sure that they’re visible!

Go Create Some Numbers

With these tips, you’re more ready now than ever before to create your house numbers and properly display them for everyone to see. Think of the address numbers as a little finish on the outside of your home.

After all the effort put into designing a home’s interior and exterior, forgettable house numbers will be just that: forgettable. They’ll blend into the background.

But, if they hit the mark, they’ll be the cherry on top of the aesthetic appeal of your house. By standing out, they’ll let your home stand out in the neighborhood.

Oh, and of course, they’ll help people find your address when visiting.

Looking for more tips on how to live your best life working at home? Check out the guides we’ve made for people like you.

Now it’s time to make some numbers. What are you waiting for?