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By MARIANNE ROHRLICH

Published: September 16, 2004

HOUSE numbers offer a preliminary glimpse of a homeowner's taste, a first impression of rustic cabins, midcentury modern houses and everything in between.

For the safety conscious, one variety emits a red glow that is visible from 100 feet.

And for those inclined to design their own numbers, Weston Letters, a North Hollywood company, will make aluminum, bronze, stainless steel or copper numbers (not shown) in custom sizes based on original artwork. The company also stocks 41 typefaces, including Helvetica, Futura and Bodoni, in 12 finishes; $15 to $225 for a polished bronze 14-inch-high number from (818) 503-9472 or www.westonletters.com.

1. Six-inch-high numbers each come with a solar panel and shine all night after exposure to minutes of daylight. They are $16.99 each from www.polsteins.com or (877) 880-8877.

2. Metropolitan house numbers are six inches high and two inches wide. They come in various finishes; $10.50 each from Atlas Homewares, (800) 799-6755 or www.

atlashomewares.com.

3. Stainless steel numbers are based on those used by the architect Richard Neutra in the 1930's to 50's. The numbers, four inches high, are $60 each from Design Within Reach, www.dwr.com or (800) 944-2233.

4. Above: Twirling Twig, rustic-looking numbers on ceramic tiles, are $19.95 each from (509) 535-1237 or www.rusticconnection.com. Below: Rennie Mac ceramic tiles, with craftsman-style numbers, are $19.95 each from (509) 535-5098 or www.crafthome.com.

5. Hand-cut numbers on legs can be planted in the front garden. The numbers, either painted steel or copper, are four and a half inches high; $185 from (214) 249-6785 or www.

chaenomeles.com.

6. The Pinecone Address Plaque is cast in recycled aluminum from a wood carving and has a copper-color finish; $85 from Smith & Hawken, www.smithandhawken.com or (800) 940-1170.

7. Mission house numbers, five and a half inches high in bronze or pewter, are $10.50 each from Atlas Homewares.