Recently my husband and I replaced our mailbox with a new locking version to keep the neighborhood kids from hijacking our Netflix. The only downfall, locking mailboxes aren't exactly sexy. Truth be told we never would have classified any mailbox as sexy until we came across this concept! Me-Yow!
Now don't get me wrong, we've featured many attractive modern options and sleek powdercoating and clean lines make me go weak in the knees like any other mid century or modern enthusiast, but they don't seem to hold the pizazz that this new design concept from Clare Hsu holds.
Clare aims at getting people back in touch with their mail and merging the traditional with the new digital age. Her design opens with the recognition of the homeowners finger print and even text messages you when your mail is delivered. It locks — but is still playful with color and looks modern and sleek without being bulky.
What do you think of the design? Do you want text messages from your mailbox or are you just fine with the standard options from your local hardware store? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
• Check out more photos of this design from Clare Hsu
Image: Clare Hsu
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Comments (13)
We recently got a Swedish mailbox to relace our old, rusted brass POS, but the design of this one is kind of cool.
Maybe I'm missing something, but how does the mail get into there from the postman if it locks or recognizes your fingerprint? Does it fingerprint the letter carrier as well? Does it text you when he/she gets there? I actually would be really interested in this, but never could find a good solution. Thanks!
LibLaur - It looks as though the mail has a one-way slot on the side of the box that allows anyone to put mail in the box, but a flap closes, keeping sticky fingers out. It would more than likely text when anything was put in the box, mail or stick via neighborhood kids.
I like it A LOT!
Now I just wish it were able to shred the three pounds a week we get of junk mail, credit card offers, and coupons. Naturally I would prefer not to receive all that and help the environment, but I don't know how.
Otherwise, the concept is beautifully executed.
By the way... Stealing mail is a federal crime, even if it's Netflix, with a potential punishment of 5 years or a fine up to $250,000.
elalexid - We put "No Junk Mail" stickers on our letterboxes in Australia. That means no catalogues or mail that is not personally addressed to be dumped in the letterbox.
Silly!
Thank you @sarahrae! NOW I think it's a good idea, for sure!
What. What next tea kettles that send you a text message when it starts to whistle. Or an oven that send you an email when your crumpets are almost done.
I'm surprised most people don't have the small stacked locking mailboxes. I guess that shows my urban bias.
Nothing wrong with downloading movies to skip the kids pilfering your Netflix, either.
Ugh. I couldn't think of anything worse than getting a text when the mail arrives, I'd be wondering all day who it was from. Kind of like when you get a call from a blocked number and they don't leave a message!
i wish i could have one of these! really cute idea and design.
KimGriff - Totally. I track the heck out of FedEx/UPS deliveries. If I knew something good was coming (money or something), I'd be all over my phone wanting to know.
I actually like this idea. I wouldn't do it - I have a locking mail box+feel comfy that my mail won't get gaffled. But it's cool.
May suck if the fingerprint thing breaks+you've got important stuffs in their.
I love this. Sometimes if I'm waiting for something in the mail, I'd run home on my lunch break to get it, but I never know when my mail's been delivered. The sleek design is great, too.
Australians are so lucky. I wish we could get rid of junk mail so easily as to slap a sticker on the box.
I cannot believe neighborhood kids are pilfering your Netflix. I'd set up a sting and catch those little bastards.