Types of Light Switches & Plug Sockets: Find the Right Style for Your Home
Realising that even the smallest details can have a big impact on the ambience of your home, you pick up your phone and start browsing different types of light switches and plug sockets. Your current switches and sockets serve their purpose, but you’ve noticed that their uninspired design sticks out like a sore thumb in your otherwise carefully curated interiors.
Exploring your options, you quickly discover there’s more to choosing light switches and plug sockets than you first thought. The right switch or socket can add decorative flair to a room, blending beautifully with your existing décor, and there is a vast range of different types available to suit the various design schemes around your home.
Discover the different types of light switches and plug sockets and find the ideal style for every room.
What are the different types of light switches?
When decorating your home, it’s important to consider your light switch choices carefully. After all, light switches feature in every room and are often located in prominent positions to make sure they’re easy to access.
‘Light switches are an often overlooked detail, but choosing a beautiful metallic or colourful finish can massively elevate your interiors – like adding a piece of statement jewellery to an outfit’, says Ally Dowsing-Reynolds, lighting expert and co-founder of Dowsing & Reynolds.
However, there are many different light switch types to choose from, with some options being more suitable for certain spaces than others.
Rocker switches
Rocker switches are the most commonly used type of light switches in contemporary homes. They have a wide, flat design which makes them easy to use, even for small children or people with limited mobility. The sleek design of these switches also makes them a practical choice and prevents them from snagging on clothing or objects.
The rocker switch gets its name from the simple rocking motion it makes up and down or side to side to control light operation – pressing the top of the switch turns the light on while pressing the bottom turns it off.
Rocker switches are a suitable option for any room in your home. If you have multiple light fixtures in one room, you may want to choose a double, triple, or even quadruple rocker switch to ensure all of your lights can be operated from the same place.
Toggle switches
Toggle switches have a simple lever that can be flipped up or down to operate the lights in your home.
Although they serve the same function as rocker switches, some people prefer toggle switches because of their unique aesthetic appeal. ‘Toggle switches are ideal for period properties where you want to retain some authentic heritage charm’, says Ally.
Toggle switches can be used in any room, but they may be a less practical option than rocker switches if you have children or people with limited mobility in your home.
Ultimately, whether you choose rocker switches or toggle switches comes down to aesthetic preference. Some people are drawn to the sleek design of rocker switches, while others enjoy the visually intriguing design of toggle switches.
Dimmer switches
Dimmer switches allow you to adjust the brightness level of the lights in your home. The most common style is the rotary dimmer switch, which features a simple knob that is rotated to increase or decrease the brightness. The light can be turned off completely simply by pressing the knob.
If you have a smart home system, you can effortlessly set the perfect mood without even getting up from your seat with sleek smart dimmer switches. Use these to schedule your lights to automatically adjust depending on the time of day.
Dimmer switches are an excellent choice for any room where you want to control the intensity of your lighting. Many people choose to feature dimmer switches as part of their bedroom and living room lighting schemes, as this allows them to turn the brightness down when relaxing in the evenings and turn it up when extra light is required for carrying out day-to-day tasks.
‘Dimmer switches are essential for any layered lighting scheme’, says Ally. ‘Adjusting the brightness of your lights to create the perfect ambience at any time of day or night enables you to tailor your home to your mood.’
Pull light switches
Pull light switches are incredibly easy to operate, requiring a simple pull of the cord to turn the light on or off. Although typically associated with more old-fashioned interiors, there are now many modern and sophisticated versions of the pull light switch available, all designed to add decorative flair to your space.
Pull switches are much easier to retrofit than other types of light switches, primarily because the wiring can be fed through the cavity above your ceiling, rather than requiring your walls to be dug into.
These switches are suitable for use in any room in your home, especially if you’re looking to create a space that’s a little more retro or unique.
(Please note that Dowsing & Reynolds pull light switches are not approved for use in bathrooms.)
Combination switches
Combination switches combine multiple types of switches into one, enabling you to operate different types of lighting in the same room with ease. It’s common for these switches to feature a combination of both toggle switches and dimmer switches, with the number of each depending on what kind of and how many lights you have in the room.
‘Combination switches are a must-have for open-plan living spaces where you want to control multiple lights from one place’, says Ally. ‘Having both dimmers and standard switches on one plate can be a revolutionary addition to your home.’
Combination switches are a practical solution for any room that has a combination of dimmable and non-dimmable lighting fixtures. In an open-plan living space, you may want to have your kitchen pendant lights on a regular toggle switch and your living area wall lights on a dimmer switch, making a combination switch the best choice.
What are the different types of plug sockets?
Your light switches aren’t the only detail worth considering when refreshing your home. New plug sockets can make a huge difference to the look and feel of your space, and there is a huge variety of practical and stylish types to choose from.
Double sockets
Double sockets are the most common type of plug socket in the UK, featuring two sockets that can be switched on or off individually using the central switches. They’re suitable for any area of your home where you need to plug in multiple devices or appliances at once, such as above the counters in your kitchen or behind the TV in your living room.
Single sockets
Single sockets are almost identical to double sockets, but feature just one plug socket rather than two. An essential detail, single sockets are perfect for smaller spaces or areas where you don’t plan on plugging in more than one device or appliance at once.
USBC sockets
USBC sockets typically feature two regular plug sockets, but also have USBC ports for you to easily charge USBC devices. USBC ports are much smaller than standard sockets, so these sockets are great if you have multiple devices that need to be plugged in at once, but don’t want to have to install multiple double sockets.
Schuko sockets
Schuko sockets are the most common type of sockets used in Europe, featuring two round pins rather than the three rectangular ones found on standard UK sockets. These sockets are suitable for European homes where schuko sockets are the standard.
Shaver sockets
Shaver sockets offer a safe and convenient way to charge electric shavers and toothbrushes in the bathroom. These sockets differ from standard sockets in that they feature a built-in isolation transformer to reduce the risk of electric shock, which is a crucial safety feature for wet areas.
Choosing the perfect colour for your light switches and plug sockets
At Dowsing & Reynolds, we believe in combining functionality and style. No one wants ugly switches and sockets that stick out like a sore thumb – that’s why ours are available in a variety of beautiful, sleek finishes that blend seamlessly with any interior design style.
- Black switches and sockets: Sleek and sophisticated, black switches and sockets are perfect for a contemporary look, complementing a wide range of interiors.
- Bronze switches and sockets: Beautifully complementing wooden beams and warm, earthy tones, bronze switches and sockets have a raw, slightly dated look that makes them perfect for vintage- or industrial-style interiors.
- Copper switches and sockets: Our tarnished copper switches and sockets are perfectly imperfect, each featuring a unique pattern that adds charm and style to any room.
- Gold switches and sockets: Elegant and luxurious, gold switches and sockets are perfect for adding a high-end feel to your interiors.
- Silver switches and sockets: Modern and stylish, our silver switches and sockets make a beautiful addition to contemporary homes. Choose matte silver for a subtle look, or chrome to add some shimmer.
- White switches and sockets: Like your average switches and sockets, but better. Our white switches and sockets are made from high-quality materials for a high-end finish that complements any space.
Show us your stylish light switch and plug socket choices
We’d love to see which light switches and plug sockets you’ve picked out to complement your home décor. Tag us on Instagram @dowsingandreynolds – we can’t wait to see how you’ve styled our pieces!
