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Choosing the right sign for your home - Mac and Lilly

Choosing the right sign for your home


The right house sign does more than help people find you, it sets the tone for your home before they even reach the door.

A house sign may be a relatively small detail, but it can make a real difference to your home’s kerb appeal. The right design should complement the style of your property, sit comfortably within the available space and be clear enough for visitors and delivery drivers to see.

To make choosing easier, we have broken the process down into a few simple steps to help you create a sign that feels right for both you and your home.

Step 1: Look at the space

Begin by deciding where your sign will go and measure the available area.

The shape of the space will often help you choose the shape of your sign:

Landscape works well beside most front doors and suits house names or longer wording.

Portrait is ideal for narrower spaces, such as between a door and window or on a gatepost.

Square creates a balanced, contemporary look and works particularly well with a prominent house number.

Also consider how far away the sign needs to be seen. A sign positioned close to the front door can be smaller, while one viewed from the road or at the end of a driveway will need to be larger.

Step 2: Choose the size

Our most popular 30 × 12cm landscape sign is a versatile choice for most entrances, with space for a house number and name.

For a more substantial look, our 30 × 20cm landscape sign offers additional height and works well with larger numbers or wording arranged over two or three lines.

Our 15 × 25cm portrait sign is designed for narrower spaces, while our square signs are available in 20 × 20cm, 30 × 30cm and 40 × 40cm.

For homes set farther back from the road, our larger 40 × 20cm landscape sign offers greater visibility and more room for longer wording.

If you only need a house number, choose our compact 14 × 10cm landscape or 12 × 12cm square sign.

Our simple size tip

Cut a piece of paper or cardboard to the exact size of the sign you are considering and temporarily attach it to the wall.

Stand back and look at it from the pavement, driveway or wherever visitors will approach. This makes it much easier to see whether the sign will look too small, too large or just right before ordering.

Need a different size?

We also offer custom sizing, so you are not limited to our standard options.

This is particularly useful if your sign needs to fit an existing space, cover marks left by a previous plaque or accommodate longer wording. Send us the measurements of your available space and we can advise on a suitable size and layout.

We can also prepare an artwork proof free of charge and with no obligation to order, allowing you to see how your wording and layout will look before making a decision.

Step 3: Choose your style

This is where you can create something truly unique to your home and personal style. A house sign may not be a huge investment, but it will probably be part of your home for many years, so it is worth taking the time to get this part just right.

Our standard fonts have been carefully selected because they look beautiful while remaining clear and easy to read. However, if you already have a particular font or style in mind, just let us know.

If you are unsure how the different options will look with your wording, we are more than happy to prepare several artwork proofs. This allows you to compare different fonts, layouts and lettering colours before choosing the combination you love.

Choose your font

The style of lettering can completely change the character of your sign.

If visibility is important, choose a clear font with generous spacing rather than an overly decorative style.

Classic — traditional and timeless

Classic Script — softer and more decorative

Modern — simple, clean and easy to read

Contemporary — strong and minimal

Choose your lettering colour

All our signs are made with a matte black UPVC base and raised acrylic lettering.

Silver, gold and white create the strongest contrast against the black base. Gloss black offers a more subtle, tonal finish, while wood-effect acrylic brings a warmer appearance without using real wood outdoors.

Decide what information you need

A simple house number may be all you need, particularly beside a modern front door.

For properties that are harder to find, including the house name or street name can help visitors and delivery drivers. Try to keep the wording concise so the lettering remains clear and well spaced.

If you need a directional sign, we can also include an arrow to help guide visitors towards your home, parking area or entrance. The arrow will be created in the same raised acrylic design as your chosen lettering for a beautifully consistent finish.

What you can expect from a Mac & Lilly sign

Choosing the right design is important, but so is knowing that your sign will be beautifully made, easy to fit and designed to last.

Every Mac & Lilly house sign includes:

Our signature 2cm-deep design
A substantial matte black base gives the sign its distinctive depth and presence.

Precision-cut raised lettering
Each separate acrylic letter creates a genuine three-dimensional finish with natural depth and shadow.

Made especially for your home
Every sign is handmade to order in our Cumbrian workshop, using the wording, layout and finish you have chosen.

Artwork proofs available
We can prepare a free digital proof before production, giving you the confidence that the wording, spacing and overall design are right for your home.

Made for the British weather
Our weatherproof, UV-resistant materials are designed for year-round outdoor use.

Hidden wall fixings
Concealed keyhole fixings allow your sign to sit neatly against the wall without visible screws. Screws, wall plugs and a paper fitting template are included.

Free UK delivery
Delivery is included with every house sign and applied automatically at checkout.

From your first idea to the finished sign, we are here to help you get every detail right. The result is a sign created for your home, made with care and designed to be enjoyed for many years to come.

A Sign of Good Taste

Ready to create a sign for your home?

Explore our house sign collection, or get in touch if you would like help with a custom size or design.

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