What Does It Mean If You Have A White Mailbox

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Mailboxes come in a range of hues — black, red, blue, white, and more — and in a variety of styles, from curbside and wall-mounted, to those placed near the front door. They may also be one of the first things people see when they approach your home. Yet, unless your homeowner's association enforces specific rules that limit your mailbox choices, you may not have given much thought to its color — or assumed it doesn't really matter. In truth, the shade you choose goes well beyond function: It can boost your home's curb appeal, complement its style, and even hint at your personality.

Take the white mailbox, for example. If you've picked this timeless option, you most likely appreciate simplicity over glitz, finding contentment in clean and classic design. A white mailbox also suggests a preference for tidiness and order, and a willingness to put in the effort to keep things that way. Of course, its crisp appearance only works well if it's properly cared for.

The one major drawback of a white mailbox is that it can quickly show dirt, and this won't really reflect your need for cleanliness. If yours has started to look dull, a quick refresh can quickly give your mailbox a stunning upgrade. By using a sponge or cloth dipped in warm, soapy water to wipe away pollen, dirt, and other grime, you can keep your mailbox looking crisp and clean. While you're at it, you could also give its interior a once-over, and then dry it thoroughly with a cloth to prevent rust.

There are many reasons you might want your mailbox to be white. For one, the bright hue makes it easier to spot from the street. It contrasts well against a green lawn, for example, so your mail carrier can locate it quickly, reducing the chance of missed deliveries. White also pairs beautifully with a fluorescent orange carrier flag, the hue preferred by the United States Postal Service for that mailbox component.

White also complements almost any home, whether it's covered in colored siding, brick, or natural stone. Plus, it pairs beautifully with the most popular architectural styles, including, coastal, farmhouse, modern, and traditional. Not to mention that it can provide an excellent backdrop for your own artistic or practical additions, whether you want to affix weather-resistant address stickers or adorn your box with colorful decorations for holidays or celebrations. No matter your reasons for selecting a white mailbox, consider it as your own blank canvas that's full of possibilities!

However, if you have one that's another color and want it to be white — you can give it a fresh coat of outdoor-appropriate spray paint, such as Rust-Oleum's ultra-cover spray paint in gloss white. Before painting, be sure to remove or carefully tape off the carrier signal flag (the sometimes red piece you can raise to alert your mail carrier that outgoing mail is inside) using multi-surface painter's tape. Don't forget to make sure the paint has dried fully before it's ready for use again.