Changing your plain white plastic sockets and switches can be a great way to finish a room or give a space a spruce-up.

The trick is to make sure anything you do with the finish of the sockets and switches blend with the rest of the room, after all they are now going to become a design feature for your room.

Changing the plain sockets and switches in a room can transform the space, adding a more polished finish to a room. Either on its or as part of a complete redecoration changing your switch plates can be a cheap way of giving you room a new lease of life.

 

So what kind of things should you consider when choosing new sockets and switches?

 

Whether it is the door handles or light fittings, the window latches to the fireplace surround you should consider how the new sockets and switches will fit in with other metal works in the room.

 

The typical finished available are Nickel, Brass, Chrome, Stainless Steel and Black Sockets.

 

Read more about socket and switch finishes here.

 

Flat plate sockets and switches can give a great finish to a room, but beware!

 

They are very unforgiving so if you have anything other than flat walls steer well clear, and if a spirit level is not your favourite DIY tool these are probably not the plate for you.

 

They should up anomalies easily so need to be put on straight, or at least parallel with the door and skirting.

 

There is nothing better than getting a top quality plasterer in to skim a wall to get rid of that old artex or to even out old wall wobbles but don’t forget newly plastered walls take months to dry properly.

 

I’m sure your plasterer has said don’t wallpaper for 6 months but did he warn you the drying process can stain brass sockets and switches?

 

It’s no big deal, just ask your socket supplier to provide you with gaskets to provide a seal against the damp and you’re good to go!

 

Sockets and switches come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, from round to oval, from Georgian to Victorian and everything in-between, but make sure it suits the style of the room!

 

For a more in-depth guide to the shapes and sizes available check out our style guide.

 

I’m sure you’ll love the finish to your new room, but what if you love it too much? What if you decide to continue your new project throughout the rest of the house? Will you use the same plates and finishes? Will the style suit your other rooms? Worth having a think before you get too far down the line!

 

Final Tip: If in doubt consult an interior designer – they can transform your room beyond your wildest dreams!