| The earliest switchplates were wooden, huge, | | | | a switchplate color that is similar to your wall color, and |
| protruding, clumsy, and plain ugly. On them sat big, fat, | | | | for the latter option, choose a color that contrasts with |
| black switches. And don't even get me started on | | | | your wall color. |
| what the wiring did to the aesthetics of the room. But | | | | If neither of these options is for you, spend some |
| switchplates (as well as switches and wiring) have | | | | thinking about how you want your switchplate to |
| evolved over the years, to the extent that they can | | | | compliment the theme of your room, and choose |
| actually look elegant. They are now available in a | | | | accordingly. For a little girl's bedroom, for instance, you |
| variety of different designs, shapes, and sizes. | | | | may consider a switchplate that combines baby pink |
| What are switchplates? For the uninitiated, | | | | and white - the classic baby girl colors. |
| switchplates are the plates that cover light switches | | | | Cleaning: Some of us hesitate to clean switchplates, |
| and outlets; their basic function is to hide and protect | | | | since we perceive them to be fragile. However, in |
| the wires around outlets and switches. | | | | order to get the best visual impact, and to keep them |
| Customizing: So, who would consider the humble | | | | looking new in the long run, it is important that we clean |
| switchplate worthy of customizing? If you haven't tried | | | | these switchplates regularly. |
| it, you are missing an opportunity of having a brighter | | | | Shock Value: If you are concerned about getting |
| and more creative room. | | | | shocked (which is hardly likely), switch off the mains |
| Thematic Customization: Can switchplates be | | | | before you start with your switchboard-cleaning |
| customized according to the theme of your room? | | | | project. Next, use of a mild dish detergent and water |
| You bet! Firstly, there are a number of base materials | | | | along with a soft cloth to gently clean the switchplates. |
| to choose from - plastic and brass, among others. | | | | Using decorative switchplates is a smart and easy |
| Secondly, there is a huge range of colors and shades | | | | way to brighten up your room and add character to it. |
| to choose from. Sizes? Yes, you can choose from a | | | | Remember to look around before you purchase your |
| number of sizes. | | | | set! |
| What effect do you want? Now, you may want the | | | | Alison Blakely recommends that you visit to learn |
| switchplate to blend in with the room, or you may want | | | | about switchplates. |
| it to create a dramatic impact. For the former, choose | | | | |