No matter the house, plugs, sockets and switches are bound to be in every room. Flipped on, dimmed and pulled at, these design details are put to use each day but they’re something we tend to stop seeing after a while and far too many houses are still filled with the bog standard white plastic option. But, given their ubiquity – why not zhuzh up your plug sockets and switches?

A considered light switch or plug socket is a great way to add another level of detail and consideration to a space. While there are endless ways to prettify them, we’ve chosen the best from the House & Garden archive (and given you a round-up of our favourite shoppable pieces that are sure to light up the room).

White porcelain

For some, white switches may be standard (or have come with the flat). To elevate your white switches, swap out the plastic for porcelain. Pretty, smooth and subtle, porcelain switches are an elegant choice, as shown in Alix Reynis‘ house in Paris (above), where an early 20th-century style white ceramic light switch, of her own design, coordinates with with light fittings, which Alix also designed. Keeping a running thread between your lights and light switches adds an elegant touch. Most importantly though, the added detail of porcelain switches and the way they feel when you touch them elevate them far above the everyday.

Katy Paty Porcelain Wall Light Switch with White Slim Button

Katy Paty Porcelain Wall Socket White UK

Toggle Light Switch Porcelain

Metallics

Warm metallics add texture to humdrum plugs and sockets. In Eva Chen’s comfortable country house, a gold switch panel and socket flank the mirror. The gold coverings match the room’s other hardware, threading details together and creating a cohesive design. They are elegant and work well in both period and modern properties, depending on whether you go for a matte or shiny finish. One thing worth noting is that fingerprints are very detectable on gold or bronze switches, so they may need more regular cleaning that a white plastic switch – but they’re worth the effort.

The colour of these works so well against a wide range of paint colours, particularly bold blues, soft pinks and creamy neutrals, where they stand out in all the right ways.

Chrome, nickel or silver finishes add polish to any room in the same way as gold and bronze do, but with cool undertones that work in modern houses or rooms with dark colours. They are just as smart and the only differentiation in choice is what feeling you want to convey in a space, what works best with your paint or wallpaper and simply, which one you prefer.

Florence Toggle Switch

One gang

Georgian Dimmer Switch, lacquered polished brass

Edwardian Dimmer Switch, polished chrome

Single Rocker Switch Satin Stainless Steel by Heal’s + Hamilton

Double Florence Plug Socket, brass

Lucian Double Socket with USB Type A & C with black inserts, bronze

Blend in

The bedroom in this London flat features a discreetly-placed dimmer switch with clear acrylic plating.

Matt Clayton