Make your home stand out with a unique mailbox

Last updated on May 5th, 2025 at 01:39 pm

For the past few years, since I moved to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, unique mailboxes have caught my eye. Every time I see one, I take a photo. It’s about time to show you some of the attractive and unique mailboxes that I have seen along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Most of the mailboxes that I have seen were in Ocean Springs, a small town where my wife and I love to walk around. The neighborhoods are interesting. Unlike the suburban developments that many of us live in, the homes in Ocean Springs are all custom homes built over the past 150 years. Many people have unique mailboxes that make their homes stand out.

People in Ocean Springs (and elsewhere along the Gulf Coast) seem to have a thing for a unique mailbox. If you think about it, you see the mailbox before you see the house. You would think it’s something like keeping up with the Joneses, but it’s not. Not every home has a unique mailbox. Most were purchased from a hardware store.

Table of Contents

Mailboxes as Art: Why I Believe They’re Making a Comeback

Mailboxes have always struck me as more than just functional—they’re a form of art. There’s a neighbor of mine, just a couple of houses down from one of my properties, who proves this point beautifully. He didn’t stop at designing a mailbox for himself; he created handcrafted mailboxes for several other neighbors as well. Each one is different, and you can instantly tell they were made by hand—not churned out in a factory overseas.

More Than a Mailbox—A Creative Expression

One of the more common artistic designs I see around here is the brick pedestal mailbox. These are often built in newer neighborhoods where homes have brick exteriors. Homeowners use leftover bricks to construct sturdy, attractive mailboxes—sometimes with planters built into the side. These are practical and elegant, but I’m personally drawn to the more whimsical creations. I’ve seen mailboxes made of wood, wrought iron, even sculpted metal. They aren’t just containers for mail—they’re statements.

For example, on Etsy you’ll find hundreds of unique, handmade mailboxes—everything from coastal themes to mid-century modern designs. Many of these could easily double as art installations. Likewise, The MailboxWorks offers a curated selection of high-end decorative and luxury mailboxes for those looking to blend style with substance.

These designs inspire me, and I believe more people would consider a custom mailbox if they knew how accessible and affordable these creative options are.

Not Everyone Gets the Joy of a Personal Mailbox

Of course, many people reading this probably don’t have the option to express themselves through their mailbox—because they don’t have one at their home. Instead, they get their mail from a large, multi-unit steel mailbox that serves 20 or more homes. That’s the direction the U.S. Postal Service has been going in recent years for new developments, especially in cities and suburban complexes.

Fortunately, I live in a neighborhood where we still get mail delivered directly to street-side boxes. And here in Ocean Springs—like in much of the Mississippi Gulf Coast—that kind of personal delivery is still common. Some even enjoy the rare treat of doorstep mail delivery, something nearly unheard of in much of metro America today.

mail box designs — basic mailbox designs

Remember When Delivery Meant Something Personal?

I’ve lived in communities with centralized mail systems. Trust me—when you get a package that doesn’t fit in the box, the carrier leaves a slip inside instructing you to visit the post office. That’s not exactly convenient, especially if it happens often.

Contrast that with life here on the Gulf Coast. When my mailbox is too small for a delivery, the carrier simply brings it to my porch. That kind of care is what I appreciate—and it makes having a beautiful, personalized mailbox feel even more special.

Sure, a few new developments here have adopted the multi-box system, but most neighborhoods still value the tradition of individual curbside mailboxes—some of which are absolutely stunning.

Bring Back the Art

Maybe we’re all overlooking an opportunity to bring beauty back to the curb. Whether it’s a hand-welded design, a mailbox built from reclaimed wood, or a modern artistic piece purchased online, these little structures offer an easy way to add personality to your home. In a world where uniformity is spreading, I say let’s stand out—one mailbox at a time.

Where Do You Find a Unique Mailbox?

It all starts with your creativity. If you’ve got a few tools and a good idea, you can build a one-of-a-kind mailbox that reflects your personality and your home’s character. Don’t know where to start? Take a drive around your area—there’s plenty of inspiration out there. I’ve spotted everything from lighthouse mailboxes to miniature shrimp boats right here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Around here, nautical themes are popular. But depending on where you live—whether it’s the desert, the mountains, or farmland—you can create something that fits the local flavor. In the Southwest, I’ve seen adobe-style boxes. In ranch country, it’s not unusual to see one shaped like a horse or perched on a post made from a weathered fence rail.

Matching your design to your environment

Matching your mailbox design to your environment is one of the most common (and effective) approaches, but don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Want something fun and offbeat? Go whimsical. Prefer sleek and modern? That works too.

If you’re the hands-on type and want to build one from scratch, there are some great step-by-step resources online:

🔨 Instructables – A massive library of creative DIY mailbox projects with detailed instructions and photos.
🪚 Family Handyman – Practical, USPS-compliant mailbox post and box plans designed to withstand the elements.
🛠️ Ana White – Stylish, beginner-friendly woodworking projects, including artistic mailbox designs and unique posts.

Want to make yours more functional? If you live in a low-crime area, consider adding a small package compartment to your design. It’s an increasingly useful feature as more of us receive daily deliveries. Some folks even add newspaper slots for that nostalgic touch.

Don’t want to start entirely from scratch? No problem. You can find unique mailbox posts and bases that let you focus on decorating or modifying the box itself. One of the most artistic examples I’ve seen was mounted on a handcrafted replica of an oil rig platform. It was creative, personal, and definitely a conversation starter.

I’ll be adding more photos of artistic mailboxes to this post as I find them. If you’ve created something special—or spotted a mailbox that made you do a double-take—[send it in]! I’d love to feature mailbox art from across the country.

fire hydrant mailbox — Very typical mailbox build with brick

french mailbox — Very typical mailbox build with brick

USPS rules for placement of mail boxes — Do it right, follow the USPS rules

📬 USPS Residential Mailbox Rules

I made the mistake of placing my mail box in the wrong place, and the mail carrier would not deliver the mail. Who knew there were rules? I found out the hard way. Please read this section before you start on your journey to create a beautiful mailbox.

1. Mailbox Placement (Curbside)

Height: The mailbox must be positioned so that the bottom of the mailbox is 41″ to 45″ from the road surface.
Distance from the curb: Set the front of the mailbox 6″ to 8″ back from the curb (or edge of the road).
Clear access: The mailbox must be easily accessible from the postal carrier’s vehicle—don’t block it with parked cars or landscaping.

2. Post and Support

Use sturdy, stable posts made of materials like wood or metal.
Avoid concrete or brick posts set directly in the ground unless approved—USPS recommends posts that will bend or break away if struck by a vehicle (e.g., a 4″ x 4″ wooden post or a 2″-diameter steel or aluminum pipe).
Don’t use dangerous supports like heavy steel pipes, concrete posts, or masonry piers unless recessed safely.

3. Mailbox Design

Must be USPS-approved (or custom-built to meet USPS specs).
The box should be large enough to hold normal mail without it sticking out.
If locking: Must include a slot large enough to accept packages and allow for outgoing mail (locking mailboxes must be USPS-approved).
The door must open easily and close securely.

4. House or Unit Numbers

Clearly display your house number on the mailbox in numbers at least 1 inch high.
If your mailbox is grouped with others, label each box clearly with house/unit numbers.

5. Rural Mailboxes

The same rules apply. In some areas, delivery may be to the door, a wall-mounted box, or a cluster unit, depending on local delivery policy.

6. Wall-Mounted Mailboxes

It must be near your main entrance and easy for carriers to access without obstruction.
No formal size requirement, but it should accommodate normal daily mail volume.

🛠️ Notes for Custom Mailboxes

If you’re creating a custom or artistic mailbox, be sure:

The mail carrier can open it easily from the vehicle.
It has a flag to signal outgoing mail (for curbside delivery).
It doesn’t pose a safety hazard to people or vehicles.
It’s not excessively large, sharp, or obstructive

📄 Official Resources:

USPS Mailbox Guidelines (PDF)
Local postmasters can provide additional direction or approval for unique designs.

Clearly, since you are interested in this article, you love to work around your home. Please read this article about trimming trees and hedges.

Read this article about why I decided to retire in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. One of many articles about retirement, personal finance, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast, which my wife and I decided to relocate to. Please sign up to receive notice of our new blog articles.

Please leave comments on this page. Sign up to receive notifications of other articles (to the right)

Mailboxes as Art – FAQ

Absolutely! Many homeowners create their own artistic mailboxes using wood, metal, brick, or repurposed materials. Just make sure it meets USPS regulations for height, size, and accessibility.

Yes, the USPS has specific guidelines regarding mailbox placement, size, and construction. Also, HOA communities may have design restrictions, so always check before building.

Durable materials like treated wood, powder-coated metal, brick, and stainless steel are ideal. These hold up well against weather and require less maintenance over time.

A unique mailbox adds personality and charm to your property. Whether rustic, coastal, or modern, it can become a standout feature and even increase perceived home value.

Yes! Integrated planters, solar lights, and decorative posts are popular ways to personalize mailboxes while still following postal guidelines.

Consider a lighthouse-style mailbox with a solar beacon, a bird-shaped post like a heron, or a mini replica of your home. Anything that reflects your style works!

Use weather-resistant paints, sealants, or powder coatings. Regularly inspect for rust, cracks, or fading—especially in coastal areas like the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Not necessarily. You can create or purchase artistic mailboxes at a variety of price points, from affordable DIY builds to high-end designer pieces.

Yes—as long as your new mailbox follows USPS height, distance from the road, and accessibility rules, you’re free to upgrade it however you like.

It depends on your location. In areas like Ocean Springs and much of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, curbside and doorstep delivery is still common. But newer developments often use centralized mailbox clusters.