Wall Plates Basics
Wall plates are a simple and effective way to transform the look of any room. They’re a functional, easy-to-install and inexpensive way to add a decorative touch to light switches and outlets.
Wall Plate Types
In thinking about changing wall plates, it’s important to know exactly what type of switch you have so you can select the correct cover. The most common are the toggle light switch to operate room lights and the duplex receptacle, where you plug in lamps, small appliances and other household devices. The enlarged opening on rocker plates can accommodate rocker and dimmer switches, as well as universal serial bus outlets (USB outlets) and ground fault circuit interrupter outlets (GFCI outlets). In many newer homes, you might need coaxial plates or a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) plate that’ll fit cable TV, satellite wiring and audio-video connections. Ethernet wall plates will protect your home network connections. If you have empty outlet boxes, blank wall plates will hide any loose wiring with a protective cover.
Wall Plate Configurations
Wall plates come in many different configurations to fit outlet and switch requirements. Wall plate covers are arranged in what are called gangs, or the parallel components. For example, a plate
that’s
designed for a toggle light switch is a single gang or 1-gang plate. Be aware that the number of gangs and the number of openings can differ. The gangs can be alike, or they can vary, as in a toggle switch and a duplex outlet, known as a combo plate. This is also referred to as a 2-gang plate, even though it has three openings. Most residential plates are either 1-, 2-, 3- or 4-gang plate layouts. Some commercial applications may require a plate with as many as eight gangs for lights in a warehouse or auditorium.
When thinking about changing a room’s switch plate covers and wall plates, be sure to count all the outlets in the room, including those that may be hidden behind furniture or draperies. You can also sketch out the different gang styles needed.
Wall Plate Sizes
Plate sizing is an important consideration not just for function but for aesthetics as well. Single-gang plates come in three basic sizes:
- Standard: 4.5 inches high by 2.75 inches wide
- Midsize: 4.88 inches high by 3.13 inches wide
- Jumbo: 5.25 inches high by 3.5 inches wide
Plates should completely cover the electrical box to hide all wires and connectors. Using a larger-sized plate can help hide drywall cuts, painting errors and oversized openings often found in tile and backsplashes in kitchens. For an added feature to keep little fingers safe, consider screwless wall plates. This style has an inner plate that attaches to the electrical box then a smooth outer plate that snaps into place, hiding the screws.
Oversized plates can also add dimension to a large room with high ceilings or an outlet on a bare wall.
Wall Plate Materials
Wall plates are available in a variety of materials to accent your room. The most common plate material is plastic (also called polycarbonate), a sturdy and inexpensive nylon that can withstand years of use without cracking. Some thermoplastic plates are flexible to accommodate textured or uneven walls. Natural wood plates can add rustic charm and warmth to a room, and ceramic plates work well with tile walls. Other materials include metal, ceramic, stone, wood and glass.
Wall Plate Colors and Finishes
Wall plates are available in an expanding palette of colors. Along with the standard white, black and almond shades, you can find colors like cherry red and turquoise. Metal plates come in bronze, chrome, nickel and pewter finishes. You can also get paintable wall plates and clear plates that hold a swatch of wallpaper for a uniform look.
Specialty Wall Plates
Specialty wall plates can add a creative touch to a room. For instance, decorative light switch covers in your favorite team’s colors or stamped metal plates for color and texture are simple upgrades that have a big impact.