Bronze switchplates are a simple and economical way to make a house look classier. They immediately improve the look of a room over one that only sports drab plastic switch covers. The following are some ideas and things to keep in mind concerning decorating with switch covers.

Different Designs

There are many different designs available with switchplates. Just as with any other decorative item, designers and retailers have explored many different patterns and approaches to these items. They may be simple, smooth and flat or sport extremely elaborate high relief sculptural work.

A good approach when shopping for bronze switchplates is to get a sense of the decorative themes in a house and of the kinds of designs the consumer is interested in through magazines or friends’ and family members’ homes to find designs along these general lines. There are online companies that offer these items and have full lines of switch covers.

Switch Types

There are two prominent types of switches that are commonly used in residences: toggle switches and rocker switches. The most common is the toggle switch, which is the basic kind with the protruding toggle that one flicks on and off. The rocker switch is larger, flatter, and more easily manipulated with an open hand.

These two types of switches use different sorts of plates, so when purchasing this item the consumer needs to know the exact number of both toggle and rocker switches for which they require cover plates.

Compatible Plates

Other wall outlets besides switches need covers as well of course. If a home owner is going for design consistency he or she might thus consider matching the bronze switch covers with covers for other jacks and outlets such as phone jacks, cable entry points, electrical outlets, data jacks, and so forth. Bronze covers are available for these items as well.

Cost

Bronze covers may cost slightly more than plastic plates and are worth the expense for the added value they bring to a home. The homeowner should budget the costs of this decorative item as with any others in their overall interior design plan. If cost becomes an issue the consumer may want to think in terms of using the switchplates in one or a few prominent rooms such as the living room or the bedroom.

Although a bronze switchplate is not the first thing that a consumer may have in mind when considering home decoration, it can have a large impact on the looks of a room for relatively low cost. They are therefore a good design option to keep in mind. This one minor upgrade may have more of an effect on the appearance of a room or a whole house than the consumer expects.