Add Some Spice to Your Walls

Posted by wallplate on August 24th, 2019

If you're looking to add an element of design to your rooms, but have a limited budget, there is a solution. Don't bury your inner Martha Stewart. Let it shine forth, one room at a time by replacing your old, builder-grade light switches with highly decorative designs that will please the eye while performing their function. Start browsing the internet for wall switch plates and you'll uncover a wealth of choices. If you keep in mind that these plates should not be a focal point of the room, but should be elevated so as not to detract from it, you'll be able to narrow your choices down to a handful. There are some things to keep in mind, though, when choosing light switch plates.

Major Considerations

Even though you'll be working on one room at a time, you want to consider the entire house before you change out one switch plate. Does your house have a traditional tone, or is it cutting-edge modern? Do you want to add elegance and sophistication or are you searching for something a bit less formal? Once you decide on the basic tone you're striving for, examine the various materials available to see what best suits. Take a cue from the furnishings already in the room. If you have your copper pots on display in the kitchen, consider complementing them with copper switch plates. If your home had wooden wainscoting, consider a matching wood for the switch plates. The most common materials are nickel, bronze, brass, copper, chrome, wood, ceramic, and stone. There is such a wide variety of styles and materials available you'll find yourself having a hard time choosing. But if you keep in mind your vision for the entire home, you'll be able to narrow it down to a few favorites. 

What Comes Next?

Once you've determined the materials and finishes you want to use, it's time to take inventory of the number and configuration of each room's light switches. How many single plates do you need? How many outlets are double or triple switches? Write down how many of each you'll need, then determine if you want rocker or toggle switches, dimmer switches, and any child safety products you will need. Once your order is delivered, all you need to complete the project is about an hour of your time and a screwdriver. Tackling one room at a time makes the process less of a chore, and more budget-friendly. These are a few things to consider when selecting light switch plates.