When you redo your kitchen or any other room in your home, you rightfully focus on walls, floors, cabinets, lights and appliances. You usually don’t think about switchplates. And yet, you see these fixtures every time you switch a light off and on or plug in a device. So picking the right covers can accent your decorating scheme. Here are a few tips for picking the best ones.
Start with a Plan
You’ll need several switchplates for your remodel especially if you’re replacing them in several rooms. It’s important to make an accurate count of each cover and to detail what each one looks like. Don’t forget to check behind furniture and appliances and inside closets and cabinets. One easy way to minimize planning mistakes is to take a picture of each cover with your smartphone. You then have an accurate visual representation of the fixture you need for that location. If there are specific notes you want to include with the photo, write on a yellow sticky note that you put near the plate, and then take one photo of the cover and the note.
Pay Attention to Description and Orientation
One style and color of switchplates usually comes in multiple orientations and openings. Read the description carefully and use the photo you took to verify that you have the right size and shape. Check that the orientation is correct. This is not an issue for plain covers, but decorator versions with patterns have an up direction. Will the design still work if you need to mount the plate horizontally? Use the direction to ensure that openings are positioned correctly, such as having the toggle on the right and the outlet on the left.
Choose the Right Colors
Do you want your switchplates to blend invisibly with the wall or to stand out as highlights? The right colors will help fulfill either desire. Consider the background on which the plate rests as well as the color of the actual light switch or outlet. It might look odd if you had a stark white switch sticking out from a beige plate that’s resting on a dark blue wall. If you want to paint the cover, make sure that the surface is designed to take a coat or two.
Be Budget Conscious
One switch may not cost much, but if you multiply the price by the number you need in several rooms or an entire home, the money quickly adds up. If you prefer decorator plates, one trick to save money is to use those expensive covers only in areas where they are most visible and rely on plain covers in locations that are hidden, such as behind furniture or in an unused corner.
The right switchplate can put the finishing touches on your interiors. At Mees Distributors, Inc., we can help you find the perfect materials to match your kitchen’s design. Stop by our showroom to view the options for your remodel!