If novelty mailboxes make you smile, but you don't want one of your own, you should walk down the classic mailboxes aisle. No matter what the architectural style of your house, there's a well-made and appropriately styled mailbox you'll be happy with. You'll be able to add just that personal finishing touch to your landscaping you want.

Variations on the Classic Mailboxes Theme

Classic, of course, means different things to different people. As you think about replacing your mailbox, whether it's a curbside or porch model, you certainly want one that reflects your taste and character. The ultimate in classic mailboxes is probably the heavy brass mail slot in the front door. It's easy to envision them in mid-19th century England. However, there's more variation in style and form with mailboxes, of course.

A combination mailbox post and planter is a wonderful way to accent your landscaping and house. Envision a colonial Greek revival pillar, with an L-support in the front for your mailbox, and a parallel one in the rear for a flower box. You'll find the same theme carried over into wrought-iron Victorian mailboxes as well.

Perhaps you're thinking in terms of a wall-mounted brass mailbox for your front porch. Whether you select the polished brass you've seen in period English films, or an antiqued bronze, these classic mailboxes will serve you many years. Many Victorian and Edwardian style boxes are available in verdigris, which sets off the detail they often feature--whether in a roof-shaped lid or bas-relief floral decor--in just the style you admire.