Selecting Switch Plate Covers

What Makes a Good Cover?

A good switch plate cover fits the entire area surrounding your light switch. You can tell a poorly cut switch cover because you'll be able to see markings from the previous cover on the area surrounding the switch. A good cover is also appropriate for the style of the room: selecting covers that stand out in the room does not necessarily mean the should be extravagant or bright in color. On the contrary, switch plate covers you choose must be of a good cut, quality and finish to give you the best results. Switch plate covers should be solid and made of a durable plastic that will not crack over time.

Research Your Options

Finding a catalogue filled with switch plate covers is highly unlikely. However, browse interior design magazines can help you perform research and compare switch plate cover styles in a range of homes. Interior decorators use a wide range of factors to determine the best detailing for a room. The interior architecture of the space, the amount of light and color palette affects the design. The switch plate cover chosen in each of the design ideas you view are selected based on these attributes. The more options you review, the easier it will be to determine the correct switch plate cover for your room.

Shopping

Switch plate covers are available through a range of retail outlets. One of the most common places to find a switch plate cover is at a home improvement store. However, switch plate covers are also available at home goods and crafts stores. The benefit of buying a switch plate cover from a home improvement store is that there is always inventory available. More decorative options are available through home goods stores, though the availability of certain styles may vary based on customer demand.

Switch plate covers vary significantly in pricing. Covers may cost as little as 50 cents at a garage sale or thrift shop, but as much as hundreds of dollars when purchased from a luxury retailer. The average switch plate cover, however, ranges between $2 and $20.

Custom Covers

There are many ways to customize your switch plate cover, such as enlisting the help of a local artist. Artists can help you bring your decorative vision to life. Have a plain white switch plate cover painted to match your room theme or create an entirely new shape for your switch plate design. For example, if your child’s room has an animal theme, a custom made switch plate cover in the shape of a whale or monkey is a fun option for your children. Pricing varies based on the demand of the artist, but the cost of custom artwork is substantially higher than purchasing a switch plate cover from the store.

Crafts

Switch plate covers can be reinvented through the use of patterned contact paper. Choose a pattern to adhere to the surface of your existing switch plate cover. Adding decals to your switch plate cover also creates a custom look without the hefty price tag that comes with hiring a professional. Simple accents often go a long way especially in a room with a traditional décor style. Rooms with bright finishes or that is overrun with accessories may need a change in texture to make the switch plate cover stand out as opposed to adding more patterns to the room.

Considerations

Switch plate covers can be created or purchased from a store. Narrowing down your selections requires the use of your imagination. There are few limitations to building a sophisticated series of switch plates for your rooms. If you have original designs, keep in mind that these can be resold to collectors and other homeowners if you choose to change your covers again down the road. Choose a design that can remain in the room over an extended period of time rather than following the most current trends. This helps you to avoid the chore of selecting a new switch plate cover every time the décor in your room changes.