We may live in an email and WhatsApp-driven world, but snail mail still serves a purpose.
The classic method of sending correspondence in a stamped envelope through the post remains the formal way to do certain things and make big announcements, from sending wedding invitations and getting exam results to receiving all the essential documents on a new home purchase.
Going paperless diverts the dread of getting household bills from the doormat to the inbox, but there are some things you need to see in black and white on paper.
Many doors don’t have an existing letterbox slot to feed post through, in which case a different solution is needed to ensure mail can be delivered properly.
A wall-mounted design is a great option for keeping letters safe from strangers and dry from the weather. It will typically cost less than letterbox installation to your door, which can go up to £80 according to 2023 estimates from Checkatrade.
The benefit of a wall-mounted design is that you can put it up in a place and height that suits you. Plus, choose wisely and it can become a decorational piece to raise your property’s curb appeal. A wall-mounted design can stop important papers from being shredded by over-zealous pets when you’re not at home or keep post secure for various residents living in a houseshare or a block of flats.
Wall-mounted post boxes can be installed inside or out, but if you’re exposing them to the elements, pick a material that can withstand the UK’s infamous climate. Aluminium, and galvanised and stainless steel are robust, strong choices with a degree of weather resistance for good measure too.
If you’re looking for a new letterbox to organise your entrance and keep letters safe until you can get your hands on it, we’ve rounded up the nicest and most stylish options below.
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Safes UK Old England Compact Stylish Mail Post Box
Used to doing things with a little fanfare? Maximalists will love this bright red and gold design, modelled on vintage letterboxes with embossed decoration on solid steel. It comes with two keys to open the body of the box and retrieve your mail. There are pre-drilled holes on the back to make installation a breeze.
Black and grey options are also available but stick with red to make a real stop-and-stare statement (plus, your postie won’t be able to miss it).
Buy now £39.70, Amazon
Burg-Wachter Classic Post Box
This no-frills box (okay, there is just the one on the upper trim) is perfect for attaching to entry walls and wall exteriors. Available in an array of soothing National Trust-esque colours, the lockable design is forged from alloy steel and weighs 2.46kg, meaning barely any stress to the surface on which it's being mounted.
Buy now £35.05, Amazon
Argos Home Senior Wall Mountable Black Lockable Letter Box
A fancier choice thanks to the script font, this smart black letter box comes with a lock and a lip to slip envelopes into. It comes with wall fixings included, so if you’re handy with DIY you can get it up in no time.
Buy now £24.00, Argos
Safe Libro White - Front Loading 27Ltr Large Post Box
Whether you’re a keen magazine subscriber or need a post box for your business, this front-loading design can hold up to 27 litres, making it a sturdy option. Two keys are included to open the lock and the piece is weather and rust-resistant, so it’ll stay looking good for ages. There is also a side opening to make access easier depending on your mount setting.
Comes with a 5-year warranty.
Buy now £34.28, Safe
Cast Iron Royal Mail Wall Postbox Letter Box
Embrace vintage style with a Royal Mail-inspired letter box, finished in traditional sign with a former British monarch’s cipher. Made from cast iron and aluminium from a small UK business, the options come in a choice of red or black, finished with gold-coloured paint on the lettering. The lockable piece comes with a set of keys and is pre-drilled making them easy to secure with the right fixings.
Buy now £99.99, Etsy
SONGMICS Post Box, Wall Mounted Letterbox
Rain can ruin a letter box, especially if it gets into the lock and starts developing rust. Luckily, the swivel cap on this design keeps the lock shielded from moisture and means it will stay in use for many years ahead. The 3 x 30cm slot is wide enough to hold mail that’s A4-sized or smaller and it comes with fixings to mount it to a door, wall or porch area. Made from zinc-plated steel with a powder coating, there’s also a viewing window to allow you to see if delivery has been made at a glance.
Buy now £33.99, Amazon
All Chic Post Box Mailbox Vintage Mailbox
This romantic vintage letterbox will make a sweet addition to your entryway and comes with wall mounts to make it simple to install. The design means it will work well as a money collection box at weddings from well-wishers. It’s not waterproof, so will need mounting in a sheltered space or porch area.
Buy now £39.99, Amazon
Living and Home Antique Style Lockable Aluminum Letter Box
For subscribed periodicals, newspapers, bills and letters, this official-looking letterbox makes a fantastic choice. It’s corrosion-resistant, so it’s ideal to hang near your front door. The classic design boasts a generous inner compartment, useful if you don’t check your mail often or get a lot in each delivery. Everything will stay safe behind the lock for which two keys are supplied. The powder-coated finish also helps to stave off weathered ageing.
Buy now £22.00, Debenhams
