The Best Light Switch Cover

Buying Guide

Whether you’re working on a home remodeling project, adding on an addition to your space or just changing up a few small details, getting new light switch covers is an important part of the process. While they have a highly functional role, they are at eye-level on the wall and contribute to the style of your space just as much as their function.

Often called switchplates, light switch covers can be tricky to buy. You have to consider a number of factors to ensure you have the right one. Begin by making a detailed list of all the different light switch covers you need for each room. It’s common to miscount the number of plates you need, so it’s best to take the time in the beginning to do an inventory of switchplates as well as the shapes you require. Some people go around the space with brightly colored sticky notes and stick them on each electrical box so they can easily see that they are all accounted for.

There are many different types of light switch covers you can get. Single plates, as the name suggests, are for just one light switch. Double plates accommodate two light switches. There are also multi-gang switch covers for three and four light switches. A toggle plate is what you call a traditional up-down light switch found in many homes. A rocker plate is a more modern style, with a wider and flatter switch. If you want to have a dimmer switch, then opt for one which has a rotary dial. You even have the option of getting a blank light switch cover, which is for empty electrical boxes or ones you just want to cover and not use.

• An important tip to remember when ordering light switch covers is to not buy them too early. The right timing is key; otherwise you may end up with light switch covers you don’t need. Wait until the electrical component of your project is almost complete so you can see which electrical boxes are installed, their size and their orientation. This is essential information you need for choosing your light switch covers.
• If you’re dealing with issues such as contractor errors that result in holes or gaps, a jumbo light switch cover may be able to solve the problem for you. They are larger than normal so they can cover imperfections around the electrical box. This way, you don’t need to deal with additional drywalling and painting because you can simply cover up the unnecessary holes.
• Covering up imperfections isn’t the only reason to get jumbo light switch covers. If you have a particularly large room, then jumbo light switch covers work better than their regular-sized counterparts as compared to the scale of the room. This size also makes them easier to spot in a massive space.
• Do all your light switch covers have to match? It all depends on your budget and aesthetic tastes. Often, it’s best to have the light switch covers matching in a space, such as a room or a floor. If they don’t, it can look a bit haphazard. However, if you’re on a budget but still like the look of higher-end light switch covers, consider getting those for the highly visible electrical boxes – and choosing budget-friendly ones for the electrical boxes that are in closets or behind closed doors.