All categories
Business & Offices
Electronics & Media
Fashion & Accessories
Groceries & Essentials
Health & Personal Care
Home & Living
Kids & Family
Sports & Outdoors
Search in ZoneOffer
Think of your mailbox as the front-door handshake for your home — a small thing that says a lot. The right mailbox accessories do more than look good; they protect your post, deter tampering, and keep deliveries dry. Whether you want to upgrade a letterplate, add a secure lock, or fit a bell box cover for alarm sounders, the right add-ons can extend lifespan, boost curb appeal, and give you peace of mind. Let’s walk through the best options, where to buy them in the UK, and how to pick the right piece for your situation.
One accessory that keeps popping up for home security is the Texecom Odyssey X1 bell box cover. Designed to protect alarm bell boxes from the weather and curious hands, this cover also helps the unit blend into a property’s exterior. If you’ve got an outdoor siren or sounder box, fitting a protective cover like the Odyssey X1 is a simple, effective upgrade that’s quick to fit and low maintenance.
The Texecom Odyssey X1 comes in striking color options such as white/red and black/blue, letting you match or contrast with your house trim. White/red is bold and visible — good if you want the alarm to be seen as a deterrent — while black/blue is subtler and suits modern or darker façades. Choosing colour is like picking a tie for your letterbox: go loud to warn, or go neutral to blend.
These covers are made to withstand the elements, but it helps to know what to expect. Typical bell box covers fit units that are roughly 6 to 12 inches across and 3 to 6 inches deep, so check your alarm sounder dimensions in inches before ordering. Look for UV-stable plastics or powder-coated metal finishes to avoid fading and corrosion, especially if your property faces strong winds or salty air.
When you’re shopping for mailbox accessories, it helps to know which retailers consistently stock quality bits and pieces. Here are some reliable places to check — from specialist electrical suppliers to large DIY chains and online marketplaces.
Expert Electrical is a specialist retailer that often carries products aimed at installers and homeowners upgrading security systems, including bell box covers like the Texecom Odyssey X1. If you want parts that are designed to work with alarm brands and are happy to buy from a specialist supplier, Expert Electrical is a great place to start.
Screwfix and Toolstation are go-to shops for many DIYers. They stock letterplate kits, mailbox locks, mounting hardware, and weather seals that are practical, affordable, and easy to find in store or online. These chains are handy when you need supplies at short notice and like consistent stock across outlets.
If you’re focused on curb appeal as much as function, B&Q, Wickes, and The Range carry a broad range of decorative letterboxes, nameplates, and post-box accessories. These retailers are good for finding finishes that match house numbers, door furniture, or porch fittings, so they work well when you want an aesthetic refresh as well as protection.
Large marketplaces like Amazon UK and eBay give you access to both branded and generic accessories, often with multiple sellers offering the same item. You’ll see a wide range of bell box covers, decorative plates, and specialist locks. The trick here is to read reviews and check dimensions in inches so you don’t end up with something that won’t fit.
Not every accessory is essential, but a few make a huge difference. From security upgrades to weather protection, these are the top items you’ll see and why they matter.
Bell box covers protect alarm sounders from rain, frost, and vandalism while keeping the unit visible for deterrence. They’re inexpensive, simple to fit, and compatible with many alarm brands when the dimensions are right. If your alarm is outdoors, this is one of the easiest upgrades with immediate benefit.
Letterplate inserts keep wind and rain out and improve thermal efficiency, which can translate into small savings on heating. They also prevent drafts and reduce rattling. Look for models with good rubber seals and a flap that swings freely without sticking.
If theft of mail is a concern, a secure lock and anti-fishing plate are worthwhile. Locks range from simple cylinder locks to more advanced systems that resist picking. Anti-fishing plates prevent someone using tools to hook mail out through the letter slot. Together they significantly reduce the risk of tampering.
Small upgrades like a stylish nameplate or a crisp house number can dramatically change the look of your entrance. Choose materials that won’t corrode and match finishes across door furniture for a coherent look. Brass, stainless steel, and powder-coated metal are popular choices.
Picking the right accessory is part measurements, part function, and part style. Here’s a quick checklist to make sure what you buy does the job without fuss.
Start by measuring the existing unit in inches. Note width, height and depth, plus distance from the mounting surface to any obstructions. Many returns stem from poor measurement, so keep a tape measure handy and record measurements to the nearest inch.
If your property is near the coast, choose stainless steel or marine-grade finishes to resist salt air. For inner-city homes, powder-coated or ABS plastic options work well because they’re low-maintenance. Think of material selection like picking running shoes — you choose them based on the terrain.
Do you want your alarm cover to shout “protected” or whisper “incognito”? Bright colour schemes act as a visual deterrent, whereas darker, muted tones help accessories blend into the architecture. Both are legitimate choices depending on your priorities.
Fitting mailbox accessories is often straightforward if you have the right tools and two hands. Here are practical recommendations to make the job cleaner and faster.
A basic kit of a drill with metal and masonry bits, a screwdriver set, a spirit level, measuring tape in inches, and suitable screws will cover most installations. Use stainless steel or galvanized screws for outdoor fittings to avoid rust. Take your time aligning the piece before fixing it down to avoid ugly re-drilling.
Seal any new holes with exterior-grade silicone to keep moisture out and to prevent rot in wooden doors. If you’re mounting a bell box cover, allow a small gap for sound, then seal around the edges to keep rain from finding its way behind the unit. Think of the sealant as the gasket on a jar lid — small but crucial.
Good maintenance extends the life of any mailbox accessory. A little care once or twice a year prevents bigger problems down the road.
Wipe metal finishes with a damp cloth and mild detergent; avoid abrasive cleaners that remove protective coatings. Check screws and fixings annually and replace any that show rust. If a cover has paint chips, touch them up to stop corrosion from spreading.
Letterplate hinges and locks benefit from a small amount of lubricant applied in thin strokes. Use a silicone spray or graphite for locks to keep things moving smoothly without attracting grime. Treat moving parts like bicycle chains — light maintenance keeps them in shape.
Your mailbox and accessories can be a subtle style statement. From modern minimalism to classic Victorian, there are easy ways to coordinate accessories with your home’s look.
Match mailbox hardware to other exterior fittings like door knockers, light fixtures, and house numbers. A consistent finish — for example, matte black or brushed nickel — ties everything together and looks intentionally designed rather than bolted on.
Consider tasteful personalization, like engraved nameplates or enamel house numbers. You can have style and security — just avoid large glass panels or overly delicate materials that compromise safety.
Smart shopping beats impulsive buys. You don’t always need the most expensive option to get a reliable accessory, but there are a few smart moves to get value for money.
Look at material descriptions, warranty details, and measured size in inches rather than choosing purely on price. Often a modest extra spend on a stainless-steel piece pays off in durability, saving you replacements later.
Retailers often bundle letterplate kits with draught excluders, or run sales during spring and autumn. If you’re planning a small entrance upgrade, group purchases together to take advantage of discounts and save on delivery costs.
Upgrading mailbox accessories is a small project with noticeable benefits: better protection from weather, improved security, and boosted kerb appeal. Whether you opt for specialist items like the Texecom Odyssey X1 bell box cover through suppliers such as Expert Electrical, or pick up letterplate kits and locks from Screwfix, B&Q, or online marketplaces, a little planning goes a long way. Measure carefully in inches, choose materials suited to your environment, and match finishes to your home’s style. With the right accessory, your mailbox can be both functional and a tidy piece of your home’s welcome.
Mailbox Accessories | Price | |
---|---|---|
Texecom Odyssey X1 Bell Box Cover White Red | £ 13,32 | |
Texecom Odyssey X1 Bell Box Cover Black Blue | £ 13,32 |