Switch Plates

Tired of looking at that same old switch plate around your walls in your home? Or possibly in your office. You know that plate around the on/ off switch for your lighting system through out the rooms of the building? Maybe they're just too white, simple and boring. Or possibly too vibrant for the environment they've been placed in? Either way, its simple, and easy to replace with a wide variety of options and possibilities open to you.

They come in a variety of styles and designs for any room or function. Like the very plain white one that is standard and is probably already there, to the vibrant and wildly designed with a rainbow of colors. They also can be composed of a wide variety of materials such as wood switch plate, plastic and metal that come in a variety of standard sizes that should fit any port your looking to replace. They're available to operate and perform multiple functions. Such as the standard on/ off flipping switch, to the vertical dimmer, or the rotating knob dimmer. Or the electric wall plug in.

With the simple knowledge of unscrewing the plate with the proper tools from the wall with the electricity turned off through the buildings breaker, your ready to replace that old switch plate with the new one! Also, remember when remodeling a room to remove the switch plates while painting. Replacing a switch plate is a easy and inexpensive way of adding or reducing the right amount of vibrancy to any room in any environment.

Switch Plate Types

There are six primary types of switch plates. The most common being the standard on/ off switch found in nearly every house and building. This switch can be flipped with the flick of a finger. There is the larger version of this that looks like a giant pad that you push vertically accordingly for on and off. There are also dimming switches. One type is a vertically sliding dimmer. The higher the setting, the brighter the light, and vice versa.

The other type of dimmer is a turning knob type that works the same way as the vertical one, but is turned in a clock wise, and counter clock wise fashion. You have the euro antique version with two vertically posistioned buttons that are pushed in to turn the electricity on and off. Then there is the standard wall socket plug in switch plate.

Light Switch Plate: Some specialty switch plates have a small light built into them. Most commonly found on dimming switches. These lights provide a way of finding the light switch in a dark room and also serve as a built in night light. This is a great safety function to look for when buying a new switch plate.

Celestial: A popular design amongst many switch plates is the celestial design. The sun counter posistioned wit the moon and stars is a great way of symbolizing the function of the light switch of off and on. The rotation of light. There are many variations of the celestial movement on switch plates.

Ceramic: One of the many materials used for a switch plate, the ceramic is the most unique when it comes to sculpting a design on the switch plate. Nearly anything can be added. There are also a wide range of ways it can be finished off. It can be easily painted or baked with a glossy finish.

Forged Metal: Forged metals such as bronze is a very popular material used on switch plates. Especially in kitchens and bathrooms. They are a very easily cleanable and very versatile. They tend to last for a very long time and depending on the finish, they give the outlet a very nice rustic look.

Geometrics: Decorating a switch plate is also a very fashionable trend. Art museums have held exhibits with art composed upon switch plates. A popular style being the geometric style. A plate with a pattern of shapes and colors is very appealing to some with an artistic eye to the appropriate room.

Silver/ Chrome: Another popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms is the chrome finished switch plate. Chrome looks and gives a feeling of precision and cleanliness. Especially with the mirrored chrome finish. Often in chrome silver, but not limited to just that type. A simpler less flashy version would be the silver variety. Often composed of aluminum, it gives the room a more rustic feeling.

Wood Switch Plate: A very popular choice for switch plates is the wooden variety. Available in many choices of tree and finish. A wooden switch plate can be a nice addition to any room. It also a nice touch to match the finish of the switch to the furniture or photo frames of the room.

What is a switch plate?

A switch plate is the plate that goes around the light switch placed on a wall in a room or the plug ins near the base boards. Almost always positioned at a doorway or the beginning of a hallway, or near the floor of the wall. The purpose of the switch plate is to protect the wires from the outside environment of volatile forces such as water that can cause rust and corrosion while also protecting the people in the room of the wires carrying the very lively electricity. It also holds and places the switch its self in the wall. The plate also serves as protection from any tampering of the switch.

What is switch plate screws?

Switch plate screws are the screws that are usually included with the switch plate that secure it to the wall or place that it is desired to be positioned. These screws can come in a wide variety of sizes, styles, designs, and materials. If the switch plate is composed of an alloy, the screws usually tend to match the plate, or are painted to resemble the alloy. They can also be painted t match the design or images on the switch plate. The screws serve an important safety function of securing the plate to the wall so that the wires flowing with electricity are not exposed to the elements or people around them.

Outlet Covers

Outlet covers are very handy for outlets that are not in use, or need to be protected from young children. They can cover the outlet entirely, or just the actual plug ins them selves. Usually composed of a simple white plastic, they easily attach to the outlet by aligning the matching plastic prods of a plug in, into the socket. These easily adhere to the socket, and are not prone to ejecting or falling out. A child with little hands and little strength would have trouble removing them. There are also outlet covers that resemble door ways, complete with a spring loaded door that go around the outlet its self. These are usually used in an industrial environment or outlets that are outdoors and exposed to the outdoor yearly environment. They protect the outlet of extreme heat, cold, rain, ice and snow. Even curious animals or children can not open the door when the optional locks are applied.

How do I choose a switch plate?

Switch plates come in a wide range of materials and designs that can fit nearly any application of any switch or plug socket out there. Consider the environment and possibly the design of the room where the switch plates is going. Where it is going to be placed in the room. How often it is going to be used, and the possibility of people finding it when they need it. The size and correct slots an amount of slots. If its appropriate to the environment it will be found in. You don't want a loudly designed switch plate in an office environment, or do you?

What size do switch plates come in?

Switch plates come in a wide range of sizes according to the amount of switches in the outlet, or the amount of sockets in the outlet wall. There is a set standard of sizes according to those numbers. There is also a wide set of possibilities with multiple types of switches in one outlet. A switch with a dimmer and multiple standard on/ off switches for example. These also come with the proper amount of screws with the proper amount of predetermined holes according to the outlet. What ever the type of switch plate, you should be able to find what you need at your local hardware store.

Blue Thomas the Train Switch Plate

The Thomas the Train double switch plate cover will brighten up a kid's room with one of the most loved children's story book characters. Children adore this light switch cover and love to turn the light on and off, it makes them laugh and it makes them happy knowing that Thomas is on their bedroom wall. These delightful light switch covers are a firm favorite and by going on the Internet you will find that they are very reasonably priced at just...

Custom Black Eagle Single Switch Plate

This great Eagle design of single switch plate by Vicki Lane Designs is absolutely gorgeous. It depicts a large eagle gliding in front of large rock in a typical and classical way that eagles do. The attention to detail on the bird is fantastic and the coloring superb. By search on the Internet you can find these lovely designs for as little as $11.70. You can order them online, pay for them securely online and have them shipped directly to your home...

Triple Oak Wood Switch Plate

If you need a new switch plate cover that will match a country look decor in your home and add that finishing touch you have been searching for, then this stylish triple switch plate cover will do the perfect job. The clever design is made out of oak and highly finished so that it is extremely easy to keep clean by simply wiping it over with a damp cloth. It is a real bargain that cannot be missed. You can order it online and arrange shipment directly...

Copper Flower Double Toggle Switch Plate

The Western tooled Flower double switch cover plate adds a touch of traditional style to any room in the home. Beautifully crafted they are really well made and they give once you have mounted them onto a wall you will see just how they finish off the look of the room. For that old world look these switch cover plates match antique style or country decor really well. They are great value for money switch cover plates that can be mounted onto a wall...

Custom Fleur De Lis Switch Plate Cover

This classic design switch plate cover will add that finishing touch of class to any room in your home. It is handcrafted with a wonderful smooth finish which is really easy to keep clean. The lovely dark brown effect will fit into any decor. It is made to the standard size of a switch plate cover and comes with mounting screws included in the package Very easy to mount on a wall and replace an ordinary switch plate cover this lovely design is a...

Venetian Bronze Liberty Hardware Duplex Switch Plate

The Liberty Hardware Beaded single duples Venetian Bronze wall plate is a very stylishly designed one. It will certainly add a touch of class to any room in your home. Just by changing an old tired one with one of a Venetian Bronze wall plate will change the whole aspect of your room immediately you mount it onto the wall. The beaded look edge of the plate finishes off the design perfectly and these plates will go with any existing decor you may have...

Castle Colorful Resin Children Switch Plate

If you want to add a touch of fun to your children’s bedrooms or playrooms, the Princess Castle double light switch cover plate is the perfect choice. These delightful and colourful switch plates covers are beautifully designed and kids just love the image of the castle on them. They are coated with a protective finish which makes them very hard wearing and simple to keep clean by just wiping them over with a dampened cloth from time to time. You...

Green Ceramic Bear Switch Plate

The Stonecast Bear single switch plate cover is a great one to use in a country home or log cabin. They will add the finishing rustic touch to the decor of your home. You can purchase them for under $10, which makes them a real value for money bargain. They are made from hand-cast resin which actually gives the impression that they are made out of stone and they have images of pine trees and a bear wandering around on them. The screws are included...

Vicki Lane Mama and Baby Bear Switch Plate

The Vicki Lane Mama and Baby Bear single toggle switch cover plate is absolutely lovely. The image of the mother bear holding her baby is delightful and every kid would love to have this on their wall instead of the boring old plastic one they already may have on it. The design is great and the quality of the switch cover is very good too. You can find these switch cover plates by going online you can place your order pay for it and arrange to have...

Lutron White Plastic Triple Switch Plate

The Claro wall Plate is a great design if you want a discreet plate on your wall. It has been designed for switch plates with three openings and made out of resin with no visible fasteners. It will upgrade a room in seconds. They are very easy to install just by separating the front and back plates then attach the back plate to the wall, the screws are included in the package, and snap them to the front plate, it is as simple as that. You can find...