When you decide to undertake a remodeling project, there are many improvements that immediately come to mind. For example, you may be motivated by a change in color scheme, with fresh wall and trim paint to create a new aesthetic. Or, you may simply want to replace your flooring and add a few strategic pieces of furniture to your décor. Some remodeling projects are even more ambitious as rooms are reshaped and repurposed altogether.
Regardless of the scope of your project, there is one facet of interior design that sometimes gets overlooked but can shape your new design scheme significantly. When planning a remodeling project, don’t forget to give some thought to the wall switch plates you want to use to complete your look. Wall plate covers may seem like an afterthought, but they provide an excellent tool for tying your décor together or shaping the tone of your new room. But how do you choose the right switch plate covers for your project? Read on to learn a few tips that can help you in your wall plate decision making on upcoming projects.
Match Your Gangs
While the word “gangs” usually has a negative connotation in the English language, when it comes to electrical work, the word “gang” means something far more benign. A gang in the electrical context is a loose measurement that refers to the number of horizontal side-by-side elements that are present in an electrical switch or outlet box.
For example, a switch box that has a single switch is a single-gang box, while a switch box that has three switches next to one another is a triple-gang. It’s important to know this when selecting wall plates because the number of gangs will correlate to the horizontal width of the plate cover you need. It’s important to match up the number of gangs in your switchbox to the proper width plate.
Figure Your Configurations
Once you know what gang width you need, you can further determine what type of cover you need by defining your switch configurations and matching them with a wallplate cover. Switch configuration refers to the type of switches that are in your switch box or outlet box. There are many different configurations that you may be using in a standard remodeling project.
The most common type of switch has traditionally been the single toggle switch, though toggle switches may be paired in banks of 2, 3, or 4. A variation on the toggle switch that is being used in many modern projects is the rocker, which is a larger switch that requires a switch plate with a larger opening. You may also be using a dimmer switch, and even within that category there can be toggle-slide dimmers, wheel dimmers, or slide dimmers that all require specific wallplate configurations.
When it comes to outlets, you’re likely to need a standard duplex cover which features openings for two standard outlets. However, there are covers that can accommodate GFCI outlets or other data or cable connections. Finally, there are even wallplates that can cover switch and outlet combinations. Therefore, simply decide how you’ll set up your boxes in the room your remodeling and pick a cover than best matches your layout.
Style Matters
Finally, once you’ve made the functional decisions, you can move on to the aesthetics of your wallplates. Wallplates come in an astounding variety of materials, colors, styles, and textures. There’s a style to match almost any type of décor and meet any need. There are covers available in nickel, steel, copper, brass, bronze, chrome, ceramic, stone, wood, and composite. Many feature beautiful, unique finishes and interesting textures that can add an extra touch of class to your freshly recreated interior.
Screwless covers can be found that are sleek and modern, while others are deliberately oversized to maximize their visual impact. Regardless of what look you’re trying to create, there is undoubtedly a wallplate that can meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
If you’re planning a remodeling project, make sure not to forget to update and upgrade your wallplates in the process. Wallplates can improve both form and function in any room in your home, so it’s important to select wisely to properly accent any new design. To learn more about choosing the right wallplates for your project, contact Wallplate Warehouse at (888) 643-3744.
