How to make your outlets and switches look nicer, according to interior designers

After spending some much time curating beautiful room interiors, the last thing you want is for your light switches and power outlets to create an eyesore in your scheme, creating a jarring feature.

Light switches in particular are always visible in a room, and in spaces like the kitchen, outlets are usually right in your line of sight. But why not make a more decorative feature out of them, rather than trying to hide them away?

There are plenty of ways to make your switches and outlets look nicer and more intentional. We've asked interior designers for their favorite ways to elevate these usually ugly features that we simply couldn't be without.

How to make your power outlets and switches look nicer

Whether you want your switches and outlets to blend into your walls or want to make them an unexpected feature in a room, these tips and tricks will give you plenty of ideas to consider.

1. Rotate the receptacle boxes

Power outlets are inevitably going to be visible, especially in a kitchen above the countertops. But a simple swap in how you orient them can make all the difference to the overall finish.

'One of the simplest things I do is to have the electrician turn the receptacle (outlet) boxes horizontally at the rough-in stage. This can make any receptacle look more elevated and luxurious – even the inexpensive plastic ones,' says interior designer Bethany Adams.

'A horizontal outlet above a horizontal baseboard is much less obtrusive (bonus points if you have it actually cut into the baseboard), and it is an absolute MUST to have horizontal outlets above a countertop on a kitchen backsplash, especially when installing subway tile.'

2. Match the finish to your hardware

Another way to make your switches and power outlets look nicer is to really consider them during the design process. If you're choosing to introduce a particular metallic finish in the room, make sure the outlets you introduce are in the same finish.

'Small details make a big difference, and power outlets and switches are no exception. When these elements harmonize with your scheme, the room feels more polished and intentional. We love matching finishes to other accents in the room,' says Jo Plant, head of design at Pooky.

'It's like accessorizing an outfit, the right touches can elevate the whole look. Plus, choosing stylish sockets and switches shows that every inch of your space has been considered, which adds to the room's charm and character.'

3. Choose a decorative design

Sometimes, turning mundane features into decorative elements is the best way to elevate the things that can often be an eyesore. And your switches and outlets are the perfect place to deploy this method.

Instead of installing the usual white or metal plates, opt for colorful, decorative designs instead. There are beautiful designs on offer from the likes of Anthropologie, which add a playful element to your room designs.

From outlet covers in vibrant colors to designs with fun-shaped profiles, these pieces will create a talking point of your outlets and switches, rather than something you try to turn a blind eye to.

4. Create a seamless blend between your outlets and the wall

If you'd rather your power outlets switches disappear into the rest of your design, consider methods that disguise them, rather than giving them a more elevated look.

'I love having my outlets blend seamlessly with the wall rather than stand out. Instead of decorative outlet covers, I prefer using snap-on covers since they hide the screws and create a cleaner look,' says Drew Michael Scott, of Lone Fox.

'I paint all the covers to match the walls, using Zinsser spray primer beforehand to ensure the paint adheres well and resists scratching over time. I feel like it just makes everything feel more polished and cohesive,' he adds.

5. Hide the hardware

Sometimes, the smallest details can throw off a room's design. And when it comes to making your outlets and switches look nicer, the exposed hardware might just be your biggest problem.

'The key to getting the cleanest, most elevated-looking light switch and electrical outlet covers in your home is to hide all hardware. When screw heads are visible it draws attention to the fact that these are cover plates and functional, as opposed to decorative,' says Florida-based interior designer Galey Alix.

'There are relatively inexpensive cover plates you can get at most hardware stores or online that have two plates and hide the hardware. The first plate you attach to the wall with the hardware, then the second plate snaps into place over the first plate, allowing your cover plate to have no sign of hardware.'

This option is simple but super effective in giving your switches and outlets a more considered look. 'It might seem like a small change but it's the first thing I change out on all my home renovations as it immediately elevates every room,' adds Galey.

Whether you paint your outlets and switches the same color as the walls or replace the plates with more decorative designs, these boring features have never looked so good.