Designer Tips for Making Outlets & Light Switch Plates Look Better
Outlets & switches are a necessary element found in all homes. However, they can often be a challenge to design around. Today, I wanted to share my best designer tips for making outlet and switch cover plates look their best. While a necessity, they certainly don’t have to be a dreaded eyesore. Click through for some inspiring installation ideas for any room in your home. These easy upgrades make a big impact and feel more customized, intentional, and designerly than builder-grade cover plates.
Before we dive in, there are plenty of ways to hide certain outlets like implementing a floor outlet (pictured below in my home office), or disguising them with clever styling, but let’s be realistic- they’re a natural and common element found in every room in a house. There is no possible way to style or plan around all of them. That’s where this post comes in… being intentional, in terms of design.
Design Tips
First, and foremost- I wanted to share my personal design philosophy for switches & outlets…
My goal is always to make light switches and outlets feel as if they belong or seamlessly blend. The bottom line- they should feel intentional.
Therefore, I often prefer switch plates or outlet covers to match whatever wall they’re installed on. For example, the builder grade outlet cover (pictured above) actually works very well against the white wall in my entryway. That was an intentional decision on my part… no need to reinvent the wheel. A brass outlet cover would have been higher contrast and definitely would have been far more obvious than this white option.
In my kitchen, we have a warm gray tiled backsplash (pictured above). I ended up painting the outlet covers to match the backsplash tile. Again, my goal was to make the outlets seamlessly blend. From afar, they practically go unnoticed. They’re easier to style around, given they’re the same color.
I’m also a fan of tucking outlets into cabinetry, vanities, furniture, and other areas where it makes sense. Even though the outlet shown above lives inside one of our kitchen cabinets, I still painted it to match (see my color matching my kitchen cabinets here).
Brass Covers & Switch Plates
Other times, light switches are in a terribly obvious place, and you may need to embrace their aesthetic. In these instances, I’ll often use a brass or painted switch plate that feels cohesive with the space. I do this more often for light switch plates, as opposed to outlet covers. I’ll link some of my favorites for you below.
Click directly on each cover or switch plate below to be redirected.
We have brass switch plates in our basement, the entryway, and the hall. I’m sure I’ll continue to make updates as we renovate our home, but these feel especially intentional when they’re near a light fixture with the same finish…
Classic White Covers & Switch Plates
I’m also a fan of classic white switch plates. These are perfect for installing against a white wall or white tile. If you’re going with a basic white, there are some textural details that could play nicely alongside millwork. I’ll link some of my go-to white outlet covers and light switches.
Click directly on each cover or switch plate below to be redirected.
More often than not, I’m purchasing white switch plates and outlet covers. Why? If they’re not being installed against a white material or wall, I typically choose to paint them. Which brings me to my next design tip…
Painting and Wallpapering Switch Plates
While there are switch plates made specifically for painting and even wallpapering- you can also just buy white and prime them, then paint it as normal. That’s usually my go-to, and I’ve never had one scratch or chip. If you’re wallpapering, you’ll definitely want to purchase the specific cover made for wallpaper. Again, when I’m color drenching these- my goal is to have them seamlessly blend.
FAQ
No. In fact, mine do not. I’m a big fan of keeping them consistent within a room (or visual area). I also consider the fixtures in a room. I try to make sure the brass finishes are cohesive, if I’m heading in that direction.
I think they’re fun in the right space and definitely an opportunity to be creative. If they’re not going to blend seamlessly with your wall, make sure they have enough contrast- go bold with color or pattern to make it feel like an intentional creative move.
I love them! We actually installed these throughout our basement media room, basement bar / kitchen, and plan to continue them downstairs. We had to rewire much of the electrical on our lowest level, so these were a nice replacement. They’re much more expensive than swapping the switch plates though… the push button kit, that is. 
Against patterned wallpaper, I’d definitely buy a cover you can wallpaper to match. I love that high-end, seamless look! Otherwise, I painted my light switch cover the same color as my grasscloth wallpaper in our celadon guest room.
Not at all! Sometimes they make the most sense when you want them to virtually disappear. Take my staircase wainscoting for example (pictured below). The light switch is awkwardly tucked into the millwork and the angles aren’t doing it any favors. If I had used a brass light switch cover, the contrast would draw your eye directly to it. The white made far more sense, so it blends without standing out like a sore thumb.
Relevant
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Questions on all things outlets, light switches, or covers? Ask me in the comment section below- I’m always happy to help! I hope this post is useful and informative. This is actually a question I’m asked often, and being a details person (as well as an interior designer), I definitely wanted to share my thoughts and professional opinion. I hope everyone is having a great day and your week is off to a lovely start!
Good morning! Darn these pesky plastic plates ruining all of our pretty painted planes. Ha. Mind you, I’m eternally grateful for my electricity. I just don’t always appreciate the aesthetics. Simple fixes help though! Except for wallpapering, I’ve employed each of your strategies to pleasing effect. Outlet covers are painted or chosen to closely match the wall color. Often, they end up partially obscured by furniture too. I like to replace dingy, flimsy plastic switch plates with more substantial wooden ones before painting them to blend. They can add a little textural moment, and they withstand constant use and cleaning. I’m not opposed to the occasional option with a bit more flair. I snagged a leopard print acrylic switch plate at your first warehouse sale (!). Now, I smile every time I use the light in our primary bedroom.😍 Of course, I adore the beautiful push button switches, but I’m not even sure I knew they were an option when we had our house rewired.🙄 Probably just as well. Your budget friendly solutions do the trick. I’m happy to be among a detail-oriented crowd. Also pleased to see that you received your driving clearance!🎉 (I did send a stern look for the bike riding…) We’re still in low key birthday mode over here, so easing into the week. I’m intent on soaking up the gorgeous October sunshine because cooler weather is in the forecast. Cheers to a fab week (of gentle, moderate productivity), Sarah!😉💜
Right? So functional, yet so ugly, ha. I am grateful for them, too. I do love the wallpapered look, but have only had the opportunity to try it was (easier than expected). Such a smart tip to buy wooden plates if you’re going to paint. I definitely should have included that tidbit in the post! Thanks for sharing. I loved those leopard switch plates so much- love that it found a home in your primary bedroom. I had my post op visit yesterday and was indeed scolded for the bike riding- no more of that for a while. I hope your house is still in birthday mode- it’s a week and month-long thing over here. I’m also intent on soaking up all October has to offer. I’m thrilled to experience Maine for the first time. I’ve marked lots of notes in my phone- thank you again for the recommendations :) xo
Our new house has dingy beige outlets & switches with cheap plastic faceplates everywhere. As we paint each room we’re changing all the outlets & switches to white decorator ones (we decorate with pale, almost white, paint colors) and I’m installing stone faceplates (found on wallplates.com) that complement the rustic knockdown texture of our walls. I’m using white or painted depending on location. I’ll check out the white faceplate options you’ve linked for our few rooms with painted paneling – thanks!
I love to hear that, Cheryl! We’re doing the same… room-by-room. So glad you enjoyed this post. Have a lovely weekend ahead!
Brass switchplates make me feel like I’m looking at/in a seasoned home that has been around awhile, is well appointed, and classic (maybe I should get some!). Some of our plates match the wall while the others are white/waiting for attention.
I love that… same, Dawn! It’s amazing how those little details can have such a big impact.
Switch plates are the bane of my existence. Ha! Good morning Sarah! This house boasts a number of the most heinous switch plates to ever exist. Some are almond, some are a vanilla shade of white, and then there’s the decorator ones that someone selected in the worst version of oil rubbed bronze I’ve ever laid eyes on. Needless to say, I’m swapping everything I can as we work through each room. I havent struck gold in the way of decorative switch plates that I like, so everything is clean, crisp, white for now. After reading this post, there are a few rooms where painting them to match the wall makes sense. You’ve given me food for thought on this. I do love the brass option you’ve shown with clean simple lines- but that’s the closest I’ve come to finding any that I like. I’ll definitely be looking at my outlets and switches with different eyes, and who knows? Maybe I’ll find a room or two to be creative in! Thanks for sharing these tips Sarah!
Hi Lauren! Are they?! Ha! It does sound like you have quite the mash up in your home. Ours was similar. We’re slowing replacing them room-by-room as we renovate. Maybe the kids’ rooms would be a fun place to get creative with one?!
Like the etched flower brass switch plates from Anthro… I realllly need to share my Pinterest board for B’s room with you! It’s basically my version of a mood board.
Yess!! I’m catching up on IG messages today and will respond over there :) xx
Thanks for this post! Just the info I wanted. Do you have suggestions for kitchen outlets on glass subway tile? If we plan to repaint a room, should we wait to replace? We have all buider grade plates & didn’t replace them as we completed renovations. Planning to replace main loor & kitchen plates this year.
So glad to hear that, Lisa! I’d try to find an outlet that blends as best it can with the subway tile (maybe painted glossy in a complementary color?). If you’re planning to repaint a space, I’d definitely wait to replace your outlets, as you’ll need to remove them anyway. We typically replace them as we go, room renovation by room. Hope that helps!
W e are redoing an older home that needs updating. All light switches & plugs are off-white (?almond) but we are painting several walls White Dove… it is very$costly (electrician) to actually chg the plugs & switches to white but I don’t really want an off-white switch plate in my front foyer to spot upon entry. I like your suggestion of pure white switch plate covers, but what do I do about the off-white switch? I guess I could purchase wooden ones to paint, but unless I want to pay for electrician to chg out the switches and plugs -at least in the foyer-I have the same problem. Please advise- thank you.
Hi Antonia! White dove isn’t a super bright white, so I’d first see how it compares to the off white switches. If it’s not bad, I’d definitely paint the switch plates to match the wall color. If there is a larger contrast and it bothers you, it’s probably worth having an electrician come to swap the switches. Hope that helps!
Can you use black wall plates and outlet covers on colored walls
You can! It’s personal preference. We just installed black covers in our home gym to better blend over our black wallpaper in that space!
Excellent stuff, but please tell us What kind of paint to do the light switch cover ! And, must the surface be prepped ? Sandpaper ?
I recently painted my wall plates to match the walls and it makes a HUGE difference because it is a little detail that makes the whole room look well turned out. I lightly sanded them with 220 grit. Then two coats of paint (light sanding between coats only if there were imperfections in the coat). I tried applying paint with a bristle brush and with a sponge brush – I preferred the sponge brush because it left a more even coat. Then sprayed with two layers of matte clear sealant. To paint the screws, stick the ends of the screws into some cardboard to hold them in place. Paint the screws with a sponge brush with very little paint on the brush. Lightly dab the pointy end of the brush into the screwdriver slit of the screw. Sealant on the screws too.
When you mount the screws, put them in gently. If you screw too tight, you will scrape paint off the screw. There were a few screws that lost a bit of paint while mounting, so I dabbed paint on them them with a Q-tip.
Hi! What color outlet and vent covers would you recommend for a room painted with Green Snoke paint? The ceiling and wood trim is white.
Thank you!