Pillarbox vs. Letterbox — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 1, 2024
Pillarboxes are free-standing red postal boxes for mail deposit in the UK, featuring a cylindrical shape, while letterboxes are slots on doors or walls for receiving mail.
Difference Between Pillarbox and Letterbox
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Pillarboxes, traditionally found in the United Kingdom, are iconic cylindrical postal boxes painted in a striking red color, making them easily recognizable and historically significant. On the other hand, letterboxes are built into doors or walls, primarily designed for mail delivery directly into homes or buildings.
A pillarbox is typically used for the public to deposit outgoing mail, which is then collected by postal services. Whereas, a letterbox serves as a private entry point for mail to be delivered, linking the external environment directly with the home interior.
The design of pillarboxes has a protective overhang and a narrow slot to guard against weather and unauthorized access, focusing on security and durability. In contrast, letterboxes can vary widely in design but generally include a flap or cover for similar protective reasons.
Maintenance and ownership also differ significantly; pillarboxes are maintained by postal authorities and are public utilities. On the other hand, letterboxes are usually the homeowner's responsibility and are part of private property.
Location-wise, pillarboxes are strategically placed in public spaces to maximize accessibility for a larger number of users. Letterboxes, however, are personalized in location, existing wherever mail needs to be received, such as residential or commercial buildings.
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Comparison Chart
Type
Public mail deposit box
Private mail receiving slot
Location
Public areas like streets
Built into doors or walls of buildings
Ownership
Maintained by postal authorities
Maintained by property owner
Shape
Generally cylindrical
Slot-shaped
Primary Function
Collection of outgoing mail
Delivery of incoming mail
Compare with Definitions
Pillarbox
A cylindrical street fixture used for public mail deposit in the UK.
I dropped my letters in the bright red pillarbox at the corner.
Letterbox
May include a flap or cover to protect mail from external elements.
The letterbox flap keeps the mail dry during rainstorms.
Pillarbox
Maintained by the postal authorities and considered public property.
The local council recently refurbished the aging pillarbox.
Letterbox
The responsibility of the homeowner for maintenance and security.
They replaced the broken letterbox to prevent mail theft.
Pillarbox
Painted red for easy visibility and recognition.
The red pillarbox is a familiar sight on British streets.
Letterbox
A slot on a door or wall through which mail is delivered to a building.
I heard the clatter of letters falling through the letterbox.
Pillarbox
Features a protective design against weather and unauthorized access.
The sturdy design of the pillarbox ensures that all mail stays dry and secure.
Letterbox
Varies widely in design, material, and location.
Their ornate letterbox matches the design of their historic home.
Pillarbox
Strategically placed to serve multiple users in public spaces.
The new pillarbox was installed near the bus station for public convenience.
Letterbox
Personalized in location, reflecting the needs of the building occupants.
The office installed a large letterbox to accommodate business mail volumes.
Pillarbox
The pillarbox effect occurs in widescreen video displays when black bars (mattes or masking) are placed on the sides of the image. It becomes necessary when film or video that was not originally designed for widescreen is shown on a widescreen display, or a narrower widescreen image is displayed within a wider aspect ratio, such as a 16:9 image in a 2.39:1 frame (common in cinemas).
Letterbox
See mailbox.
Letterbox
A format for presenting movies on television that maintains the rectangular theater image on a television screen by reducing the overall image until the full width can be seen, resulting in blank space above and below the image.
Letterbox
To produce or present (film) in a letterbox format.
Letterbox
A box into which mail is put.
Letterbox
A collection point for mail intended for onward delivery, a secure box or receptacle for this purpose.
Letterbox
A delivery point for mail, a box, compartment or slot for this purpose.
A wad of junk mail was pushed through the letterbox in the front door and dropped onto the mat.
Letterbox
A hidden container that holds a logbook and rubber stamp, found by following clues as a form of recreation.
Letterbox
(mountaineering) A rectangular hole or slot.
Letterbox
(film) Transferred to home video formats while preserving the original aspect ratio, having black bars above and below the picture area.
Letterbox
(film) To transfer a widescreen motion picture to home video formats while preserving the original aspect ratio, with the placing of black bars above and below the picture area.
Letterbox
To hunt for letterboxes (containers with logbook and rubber stamp) by following clues.
Common Curiosities
What materials are used to make letterboxes?
Letterboxes are made from various materials including metal, wood, and plastic, depending on the design and security needs.
Can anyone use a pillarbox for mailing letters?
Yes, pillarboxes are intended for public use, allowing anyone to deposit mail.
What is a pillarbox used for?
A pillarbox is used for depositing outgoing mail in a public space.
How often are mail items collected from a pillarbox?
Mail collection from pillarboxes varies but typically occurs at least once a day.
Is it safe to send valuable items through a pillarbox?
While pillarboxes are generally secure, valuable items should ideally be sent with tracking or insurance.
Are pillarboxes common outside of the UK?
Pillarboxes are predominantly found in the UK and former British colonies, though similar structures exist globally.
Who is responsible for maintaining a pillarbox?
Postal authorities are responsible for the maintenance of pillarboxes.
How does weather affect the design of pillarboxes and letterboxes?
Both are designed with features like overhangs and flaps to protect mail from weather conditions.
How is a letterbox different from a pillarbox in terms of functionality?
A letterbox is for receiving incoming mail directly into a home or building, while a pillarbox is for the public deposit of outgoing mail.
What are the typical colors of pillarboxes and letterboxes?
Pillarboxes are typically red, while letterboxes may vary in color to match the building façade.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
