It’s All in the Details: Choosing Switchplate Covers for Your Home

If there’s an interior feature that’s disregarded by most homeowners, it’s the humble switch plate. When designing our interior, we are usually fixated on paints and wallpapers and even the colour of the trim, and leave the switchplates for last, settling for something cheap, plastic and with a pasty white tint.

But the truth is, switchplate covers are some of the features of our homes we interact with the most. So, even if you have a lavish interior, having to regularly touch something as flimsy as a cheap switch plate cover can ruin the whole experience.

That said, investing in quality switch plate covers can take your interior from wannabe-designer to magazine-worthy. It does not have to be an expensive endeavour either, and no, we are not supporting those cheaply painted covers you can buy at the dollar shop.

Consider Your Design Style

design switch cover plates
source: urbndata.com

Identifying the type of your home design is the first step in selecting the appropriate switch plates. Are you trying for a more rustic farmhouse feel or a more modern, minimalist look? Being aware of your style will make it easier to select the right option and guarantee that the room’s overall design is enhanced.

You might use antique brass wall plates if your walls are painted or covered in rustic wallpaper. Switch plates with a sleek and modern style are often what you should choose if your room has a more modern aesthetic with clean lines and a minimalist feel. Satin-finished plates or black light covers would make excellent examples of luxuriously polished ornamental outlet covers.

Pick the Right Finish

Switch plates are available in a range of finishes, including polished chrome, oil-rubbed bronze, and sponged copper. Select a finish that matches or enhances the finishes of the other fixtures in the room, such as the faucets, light fixtures, and doorknobs.

For instance, you may want to establish a certain professional and elegant look for your home office or a more formal dining room. In that case, stainless steel or satin nickel finishes may be a great idea.

Pay Attention to Colours

Which effect do you want your switchplates to achieve – blending seamlessly into the wall or creating a focal point? Either effect can be successfully achieved with the correct colours.

Take into account the colour of the light covers or outlet itself as well as the background the plate is resting on. If a stark white switch protruded from a beige plate that was positioned against a dark blue wall, it may appear strange. Make sure the surface is intended to accept one or two coats of paint if you decide to paint the cover.

Make It Unique

orange switch cover plates
source: rods.com

You do not have to have boring switches! Seek out distinctive elements that provide the space with visual interest, such as ornate patterns, textured surfaces, or decorative accents. For a splash of flamboyance and exuberance, consider crystal plates, gold light covers, or even faux leather and metal embossed wall plates.

There’s a variety of options to give any space a sense of grandeur and luxury. These beautiful switch plate covers are available in a range of patterns, from intricate floral motifs to basic diamond patterns, to help a space appear lighter and larger. Use your imagination to create outlets that will add the desired aesthetic appeal to your room by using ornamental wall plates with textured finishes!

Mix and Match Can Be a Great Idea

A mix of switch plate combinations may give a space more depth and dimension. Think about allocating distinct finishes or styles to distinct rooms in the house, such as a separate style or finish for the kitchen or bathroom. For example, you may use wood or glass switch plates in the living area and copper ones in the kitchen.

Try to mix and match switch wall plate types and materials to achieve a distinctive and well-coordinated look across your space. With a little imagination, you can create a gorgeous, unique look that expresses your taste and style.

Think About Size

To fit various switch and outlet types, decorative switch plate covers are available in a variety of sizes and configurations. To guarantee a good fit and a smooth appearance, make sure you select the appropriate size and configuration.

There are several different types, including rocker, toggle, decora, black plates, and single, double, or triple duplexes. Select switch plate covers that are the ideal size for your needs and seamlessly blend in with your style.

Don’t Forget Safety and Functionality

When selecting wall plates for electric switches, beauty is crucial, but so is safety and utility. To minimise the possibility of electrical shock, switch plates should be constructed from sturdy, non-conductive materials like metal or plastic. They must also have no gaps or exposed wires that could allow for unintentional contact, and they must be made to fit snugly around the electrical box.