You use them every day but probably don’t notice them 99.9% of the time. What are they? Light switch plates and outlet covers. Almost always beige or white plastic, these essentials of modern life either go unnoticed or stick out like a sore thumb. But they could be so much more…

TO HIDE OR NOT TO HIDE

Image: CravingSomeCreativity.com

First things first: Do you want your switches and covers to blend in or stand out? There are good reasons to make a light switch or outlet cover as discreet as possible—and equally good reasons to use them as an opportunity to make a design statement. Which way to go often depends on where it is. If it’s in an awkward place or draws unwanted attention, then blending in is probably best. Paint or wallpaper the covers to match the walls and watch them fade into the background.

On the other hand, if your cover is in a prominent location (or you’re feeling adventurous) then it could be a chance to add a touch of personality. If that sounds more appealing than the semi-invisible route, here are some options to consider:

EMBRACE YOUR DESIGN AESTHETIC

Image: Pinterest

Do you love French country? Art deco? Craftsman style? Cabin chic? Cottagecore? Whatever your design style, there’s a light switch cover out there for you. You can find everything from ornate metal to rustic wood to art glass and more. The problem likely won’t be finding some you like as much as narrowing down your choices. Do a little online searching when you have some time to spare…you’ll be amazed at the wide range of options.

CONSIDER A CONSISTENT FINISH

Image: RoomForTuesday.com

Perhaps you prefer to keep things simple while complementing the rest of your room. Enhance your design with a switch plate and/or outlet cover(s) that tie in with the existing decor. For example: do you have sconces or fixtures that are brass, black, or silver? Match their style and finish for an understated, elegant look.

ADD A LITTLE ART

Image: CreativeKismet

Think of the cover as your canvas. You don’t even have to be an artist: Washi tape or stickers can liven things up, or you could decoupage pretty paper on the cover or even glue on fabric. There are plenty of online videos to show you how.

If you’re not the crafty type, fear not: you can purchase pieces with virtually anything on them from a multitude of online retailers. If you can’t find exactly what you want, you can probably even find someone who will make it for you.

PUSH A BUTTON

If you love the idea of pushbutton light ‘switches,’ you’re not alone. It may not quite be a trend (yet) but there’s a fair amount of chatter about these on design blogs, so we expect to see more of them. One small downside: they may require a bit of rewiring. That said, button switches add an extra touch of elegance and a bit of a Downton Abbey vibe, so it might just be worth it.

Whether you choose to make a change or leave your covers as is, bet you’ll notice them more now. You’re welcome.