Switch up Your Look

Posted by wallplate on March 23rd, 2020

If you're longing for a designer look for your rooms, but have a thrift store budget, you need to take a page from all those home improvement shows on television. Focus on the details while you're saving for the big renovations. One of the best ways to elevate your room to designer status is to change the switch plate covers. By upgrading from builder-grade basic white plastic plates to something a bit more upscale, your little changes will make your room look more complete. And best of all, this change can be handled by you, an hour of your time, and a screw driver. There's no need to hire an electrician to do the work. There are many options available, so take your time when selecting light switch covers.

Why Switch Your Plates?

Light switches no longer need to be strictly utilitarian. They can make a subtle statement about your style while they complement your decor. There are so many choices available, it may be hard to narrow down your look, but keep a few things in mind as you peruse your options. Even if your home isn't an open-concept design, you don't want each room to have different-looking switches, so keep in mind the style of your home as you plan. Settle on a material and carry it through each room and possibly switch up the look with different finishes. The most popular options for material are nickel, bronze, brass, copper, chrome, wood, and ceramic. A finish of brushed metal or a satin finish create a more modern look, where an oil rubbed bronze finish will offer an antique or classic look. 

How to Change the Plates

Once you've decided on a look for your new plates, take an inventory of the room and count how many switch covers you'll need. Pay attention to the configuration of each one. Are they single switches or ganged together, two or three switches at a time? Are the switches rocker type or toggles? Do you want dimmer switches? Place your order from a company who offers the best quality and price, but who has a stated return policy, in case your shipment is damaged in transit or you aren't satisfied with the style. When your new plates arrive, all you need is to unscrew the existing plates and add instant appeal when you install your new light switch covers.