Light Switch Cover Replacement

Article 8

That Old House Meets This New Woman 

by P.K. Costa

Light Switch Plate Cover Replacement

Sometimes a home just needs that little touch of cozy to make it feel like a home. And it's certainly no secret that like a man in his man cave, a woman loves making a home space feel comfortable, and will inevitably add a little bit of herself in some form or another (whether artistic or not)--and aside from donning a window with lace curtains or hanging a few paintings and photographs--light switch covers have become the new art. 

These days you can add a little style to almost everything--and when I first approached the light switch isle in the hardware store I felt like I was in an art gallery trying to pick out a small frame--apparently you can almost choose any style from a grape scene for the wine connoisseur to stone or copper for the matching of hardware throughout the rest of the home. Basically, your choices are endless and I'm sure online your choice styles are extended even further. I chose a little elegance and old-world style to match some drapery rods I wanted to install above a double set of windows, so I knew what I was looking for.  

It's true that replacement of light switch covers is not a necessary, but it sure is a quick fix to sprucing up a place if you don't plan on going the crown moulding route anytime soon, or, if you just plan on touching up a room that you are trying to rent out or sell. Or, as in my case--just wanting to add a touch of me in the room. (I must admit I like bling.) If I'm not mistaken, you can even paint your own design on light switch covers (I'll have to do the research on that one, actually as I know someone who is going to ask me *smiles*). But for now, I am switching out a few plain old off-white light switch covers:

Light switch cover plates (single, or double; as well as
switches and outlets) are actually fairly easy to replace
and come in various styles and colors (such as white, or
off-white as shown above) for just a few dollars, and come
in various decorative styles (as shown below)

There are basically four screws that need to be undone, and in this case, there are switches that are an off-white (more yellow-ish) color that will match the new plate, so I don't have to switch out the entire switch beneath, although if you do, be sure to turn off the power before re-wiring the new switch in place (if you don't feel comfortable doing this, definitely call an electrician) and then add your new switch plate cover. Remember, when replacing outlet covers, the outlets show through the outlet covers so choose to match the old outlet, or, be sure to pick up outlet replacements as well.

Decorative light switch plate cover replacement (for just
a few dollars) is like art on the walls for a home or rental

If replacing switches in dining rooms or areas with fans, etc. --this would also be the time to add a dimmer switch, or a new type of switch--there are all sorts of varieties and types out there, so do your homework and do check on the type of wiring you have. If you are in an older style home, you may not have updated wiring and would need an expert's advice anyway before attempting to modify any wiring in the home (even light switches) as it can be very dangerous (not to mention you can end up giving yourself a little shock). The extent of my modifications are with re-wiring lamps, but not with outlets--that's when I call an electrician, or one of my brothers :)