Can You Paint Plug Sockets & Light Switches?
Trailing your fingers along the wall, you flick the switch, and the room is instantly bathed in light. Light switches and sockets are a small but essential part of your home, and can make a beautiful addition to your décor. However, if yours appear outdated or out of place, you might wonder: can you paint plug sockets and switches to give them a fresh new look?
While painting might seem like a quick fix, it can lead to uneven finishes and safety risks. Discover how to swap out your old switches and sockets to refresh your space without compromise at Dowsing & Reynolds.
Can you paint light switches and sockets?
If you’ve recently redecorated or repainted your home, your standard white switches and sockets might suddenly stick out like a sore thumb – especially if there are no white tones in your interior design scheme. It can be tempting to paint these outdated fittings to blend in, but painting your switches and sockets is not recommended.
There are several reasons why it’s best to avoid painting your switches and sockets:
- Uneven finishes: Standard white switches and sockets have glossy surfaces that are not designed to be painted, so you’ll find that any paint you apply ends up beading and separating on the surface. This will result in a patchy, uneven finish that will likely make the fittings look worse than they did before you painted them. Any paint that does take may flake or chip at the slightest touch.
- Damage to the fittings: Paint can easily seep between the plate and the switch, which could seize the switch and make it unusable. You also run the risk of sealing the socket to the wall, which could make it difficult to remove in the future.
- Safety risks: Painting electrical outlets while they’re still fitted to the wall is very dangerous. Wet paint can seep into the plug socket holes or through the switch into the wiring behind, causing electrical faults or even electrical shock.
However, if you’re looking to upgrade your outdated switches and sockets so they seamlessly blend with your décor, there are other solutions that are much safer and will look more appealing.
Image courtesy of @lisaweaverhome
Alternatives to painting your sockets and switches
Instead of painting your plug sockets and light switches, consider replacing them with decorative ones that complement your interior design scheme.
This is relatively easy to do and will probably be less time-consuming than painting your existing switches and sockets. But the biggest benefit is that you’ll have beautiful sockets and switches that elevate the visual appeal of your space and match beautifully with the rest of your décor for a premium finish.
Consider your switches and sockets like jewellery on an outfit and make a feature of them. With so many beautiful finishes available now, it’s easier than ever to dress your room in your unique style.
Ally Dowsing-Reynolds, Co-Founder and Interiors Expert
Sleek black switches and sockets make a beautiful addition to modern interiors, enhancing the contemporary feel of the space. For vintage-inspired interiors, you might opt for antique brass switches and sockets, the perfect finishing touch to tie your space together.
While it might seem like a small detail, switching out your old switches and sockets for decorative alternatives that complement your interior design scheme can have a huge impact on the overall appeal of your space. It’s a simple yet effective way to create a cohesive look and make your home feel more high-end and luxurious.
Tips for choosing the right finish for your switches and sockets
When choosing switches and sockets, there are a few things you should take into consideration to ensure you find the perfect fit for your home:
1. Consider your colour scheme
Always choose switches and sockets that complement your interior design scheme, taking colour into account especially. Whether you want your outlets to match the rest of your décor for a seamless look or contrast with your colour palette to make a stylish statement, choosing the right colour or finish will be the perfect finishing touch to tie your interiors together.
Gold switches and sockets complement warm colour palettes beautifully, helping to bring out the warmth and create a cosy atmosphere. If you want to go bold with your switches and sockets, colourful switches and sockets are the way to go, making a gorgeous addition to vibrant interiors.
2. Match with your existing fittings and fixtures
If you’re already using a particular metallic finish in your space, choose switches and sockets in the same finish for a cohesive, high-end look. Blending too many metals can make a space look disjointed and unorganised, so it’s best to find one finish that complements your décor and stick to it throughout.
In your kitchen, for example, you might already have gold cupboard handles fitted. Gold switches and sockets will match these details beautifully and create a gorgeous, unified look.
3. Think about practicality
While the look and feel of your switches and sockets should be your main consideration, you should also think about what styles of outlets will be the most practical addition to your home.
Brushed or matte finishes, for example, hide fingerprints and smudges better than polished finishes, which means it might be best to opt for matte switches and sockets in busy areas of your home like the kitchen or living room. Polished finishes will require much more cleaning to keep them looking their best, so only choose these finishes if you’re prepared to keep up with the maintenance requirements.
Show us your stylish switches and sockets
We’d love to see how you’ve used decorative light switches and sockets to enhance your interiors. Tag us on Instagram @dowsingandreynolds – we can’t wait to see what you’ve come up with!
Featured image courtesy of @laupelfort
