A picket fence has plenty of character already, adding a real warm and inviting touch to the front of your home. But with a few well-chosen accessories, it can do a whole lot more than just define your property or frame your garden. From a snazzy fence-mounted letterbox that keeps all the day-to-day mail right at your fingertips, to house numbers, some outdoor lighting and a few planters that add a bit of personality, it’s really not that hard to give your fence a bit of a makeover that improves both how it looks and how it works.

Fence Letterbox

Adding a letterbox to your picket fence can do a couple of things. Not only will it look a whole lot neater, but it also makes your front entrance a lot more practical and convenient. Instead of having a separate post box structure sticking out of your garden or competing with the exterior of your house, a fence-mounted option creates a tidy and cohesive look. Plus, you get the chance to pick a style, color and finish that goes with your picket fence and the overall style of your home.

When looking for a fence letterbox in Australia, you’ll find plenty of different designs with all sorts of features, so it’s worth thinking about how you actually get your mail and other deliveries. These days, a lot of households are getting parcels delivered pretty regularly, so a letterbox that can take in a few decent-sized parcels is a pretty useful addition. Why leave a delivery just hanging around at the front door, or expect someone to be home to sign for it, when you can just have a decent-sized letterbox that can swallow the odd parcel when you’re not around?

Of course, everyone’s got different needs, and it’s not just about parcel space. If you’re one of those people who gets heaps of newspapers, for example, look for a model with its own dedicated newspaper holder to keep them separate from all the other mail. A shelf that can take an A4-sized envelope or document is useful too, or even a front or rear door on the letterbox so it’s easy to get to it no matter where your fence is.

As you can see, what makes the best fence letterbox in Australia isn’t always the biggest or most elaborate one you can find. It’s the one that looks good to you and has all the features you need to get through your day without too much fuss.

House Numbers and Address Plaques

Once your picket fence letterbox is all sorted, why not make life a bit easier for visitors and delivery lads to find their way to your front door? A clear house number or an address plaque on the picket fence is a tiny detail that can really make a big impact. Not just because they add a polished touch to the fence, but because your address becomes a cinch to spot from the street – a real lifesaver for strangers and delivery blokes alike.

You’ve got many different styles to choose from too – modern numbers, classic script or something a bit fancy that fits in with your place’s character. The key is to pick a finish and style that works snugly with your letterbox and fence, rather than clashing with them, so your entrance looks like you gave it some thought.

Planters

Got a pretty bare picket fence? Adding a few planters is a pretty easy way to add some color, texture and some much-needed life to the front of your place. Fence-mounted planters or hanging baskets can mellow out the clean lines of the fence while still making a great first impression without taking up a huge chunk of garden space.

For a proper old-fashioned village look, think about getting some flowering plants like petunias, pansies or geraniums. Or if you’re after something a bit more laid-back, try some trailing plants like ivy or lobelia for a bit of a relaxed, tumbling effect. If you want something a bit more practical, herbs like rosemary, thyme or parsley can do the trick in sunny spots.

If you’re after something even easier, have a look at self-watering planters, which have a built-in reservoir to help keep your plants hydrated when you’re away for a bit. They’re a real godsend during hot weather, or if you don’t always have time to water your plants.

Just make sure the plants you go for are suitable for the sunlight you get and your local climate. A few well-chosen planters and you’ll be amazed how much more connected your picket fence feels to the garden and the rest of the house.

Lighting

A picket fence can be just as beautiful at sunset as it is in the daytime – with the right lighting, that is. A string of small solar lights running along the fence line or near the gate will give your home a warm and welcoming feel as it lights up pathways and entry points at night. Placing a light near the fence letterbox or house numbers makes it much easier for visitors and delivery drivers to see where they’re going in the evenings. For a traditional picket fence, a simple lantern-type light is a classic choice, but more modern homes might suit something sleek and understated.

As long as they’re solar-powered, these lights are pretty much on autopilot – no need to worry about wiring, and they’ll automatically switch on as the sun goes down. Whether you want to add some extra visibility, emphasize the garden or just make your entrance a bit more inviting, a few strategically-placed lights can really bring your outdoor space to life.

Post Caps

It’s often the small details that make a big difference when it comes to getting your fence looking just right. Adding a post cap to the top of each of your picket fence posts is a great way to add a bit of flair and finish off the look. From simple, flat or pyramidal styles to more ornate designs that’ll give your fence a traditional feel, there’s loads of choice out there to suit pretty much any style – from a classic cottage to a super-modern minimal look. Plus, you can pick materials and finishes that fit in with the rest of your fence, gate and other outdoor bits and bobs.

But post caps aren’t just about looks – they also help keep the rain and moisture out of the top of your fence posts, making them a practical addition as well as a decorative one. Pair them with a few other carefully chosen bits and bobs, and your picket fence will look more thoughtfully designed than just functional.