Make Your Home Stand Out with a Modern Floating Address Plaque
Finding the perfect address plaque to match your home's style can be a challenge. You want something eye-catching yet tasteful, unique but not over-the-top. If this sounds familiar, a modern floating address plaque may be just what you need to make your home stand out.
With their clean, contemporary design, floating address plaques add visual interest to any exterior. The dimensional, floating numbers draw the eye while complementing both traditional and modern architecture. Read on to learn how a floating address plaque can give your home an elevated, artistic look.
What is a Floating Address Plaque?
A floating address plaque is a customizable sign that displays house numbers in a modern, eye-catching style. The defining feature is the floating appearance of the individual number profiles, which are attached to a narrow border at the bottom. This creates a dimensional, layered look in which the numbers appear suspended in front of the plaque's base.
Floating address plaques are commonly made from durable, weather-resistant materials like recycled aluminum or acrylic. The aluminum is finished with a long-lasting two-part paint, while acrylic varieties feature UV protection. Plaques typically accommodate up to five digits and range from small signs to statement pieces over three feet wide.
Benefits of a Floating Address Plaque
Floating address plaques offer several advantages that make them a smart choice for homes with contemporary or transitional architecture:
- Visually appealing - The floating numbers create modern flare.
- Customizable - Available in different colors and digit styles.
- Durable - Made to withstand weather and wear.
- Easy to install - Can mount on wall, lawn, etc.
- Distinctive - Makes your home stand out.
Unlike generic plaques, these signs add artistic flair to your home's exterior. The dimensional, suspended look of the digits is an elegant, refined touch that catches the eye. Floating address plaques complement both modern and transitional home styles, adding a contemporary element while remaining classic and tasteful.
Design and Customization Options
One of the appeals of floating address plaques is the ability to customize the design. While plaques often come in a standard aluminum, you may be able to select premium materials like copper, brass, or stainless steel to match your home's aesthetic. The plaque can be hand-brushed to your desired patina or accented with highlights.
The digits themselves offer numerous customization options as well. You can choose the font style, ranging from sleek modern fonts to elegant serif. The size and depth of the numbers can be adjusted along with the spacing. If you prefer an understated look, subtle brush-finished digits are available. Or make the numbers pop with vivid colors like crimson or teal applied to complement your home.
Plaque dimensions provide further room for customization. Standard aluminum plaques are commonly available up to 36 inches wide, but smaller signs 12-18 inches wide better suit modest properties. For grand entrances, choose a wider plaque up to 48 inches showcasing oversized digits. The plaque's depth also impacts the visual effect, with deeper plaques and digits creating a more dramatic floating illusion. Opt for a proportion that aligns with your home's scale.
When it comes to mounting, floating address plaques give you flexibility. The standard is installing directly on the wall beside the door. But you can also opt for lawn installation using a sturdy ground stake, or explore ceiling and corner mounting for unique placement. The plaque orientation can even be customized, from horizontal to angled.
Installation Guide
Installing a floating address plaque is a straightforward process, but proper placement and setup ensures it looks seamless.
For standard wall mounting, position the plaque about 5 feet up beside the main entrance, centered or aligned with architectural details. Have helpers hold it in place while you drill pilot holes for the mounting screws. Use wall anchors for added support. Take care to precisely follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Lawn installation takes a few extra steps. Mark the desired spot with stakes, keeping sightlines in mind. Dig holes for the mounting posts, fill with concrete, and set the guide tubes. Once cured, slide the sign down over the tubes and secure in position. Always check for buried wires or pipes first.
If lighting the plaque, install any electrical components prior to mounting the sign. Take some time to stand back and view the plaque during the day and night to ensure the scale, position, and lighting enhance your home as desired.
Compare With Traditional Address Plaques
When deciding on home address signage, the floating plaque has some distinct advantages over more traditional flat plaque designs:
While classic plaques are a timeless choice, they offer little in the way of artistic flair. The flat design features straightforward digits that tend to blend rather than stand out. Its muted effect fails to make the desired visual impact.
By contrast, the floating address plaque's multidimensional digits add artistic interest, giving it an elevated, modern look. The attention-grabbing floating effect has greater curb appeal. For homes with contemporary elements, the floating plaque's style aligns better than traditional options.
Compared to plaques with intricate scrollwork borders or decorative shapes, the floating plaque retains a clean, refined look. Its minimalist style avoids seeming dated over time. The minimal border keeps the focus on the dimensional digits for timeless appeal.
Style Ideas and Inspiration
While floating address plaques complement any contemporary home, you can tailor the design's colors and materials to your specific aesthetic. Here are some inspiring ideas:
- For Farmhouse Chic - Opt for a distressed white finish with simple lettering.
- For Modern Industrial - Choose galvanized steel with rivet accents.
- For Desert Contemporary - Use creamy beige aluminum and curved digits.
- For Pacific Northwest - Try timber plaque with hand-forged iron digits.
Landscape lighting opens up additional design possibilities. Uplights on the trees or ground spots create dramatic nighttime effects. For lawn mounting, extended lighting casts a glow on the plaque without glare.
Position the plaque thoughtfully to enhance the architecture. Align it with the door or proportional to the facade's features. Let oversized modern digits command attention on a sprawling ranch home. Or use petite digits on a narrow plaque to suit an urban rowhouse.
FAQ
What size should I order?
Take measurements of your facade and doors to determine appropriate plaque proportions. Standard sizes range from 12-36 inches wide, but larger or smaller custom sizes are an option. Oversized plaques make a statement on grand homes, while smaller plaques keep the look refined on mod!est cottages.
How do I choose digits?
Select digit sizes and fonts that complement your home's style. Sleek, thin fonts have contemporary appeal, while bold digits and scripts create a more classic look. Scale digit size up or down depending on plaque width. Keep digits proportional.
Can the plaque be lit?
Yes, floating address plaques can accommodate lighting. For optimal visibility, install uplighting or gooseneck lights. Make sure lighting doesn't create glare and properly illuminates the digits.
A floating address plaque offers the best of form and function. Its dimensional, suspended digits add artistic flair to your home while remaining clearly visible for guests and emergency responders.
If you're looking to upgrade your home's curb appeal with a contemporary twist, a customized floating address plaque makes an elegant statement. Transform a forgettable facade into a work of art with this unique, modern amenity.