Most light switch plates are the same: plain, white, rectangular pieces of plastic around the switch, with absolutely no style or creativity to speak of. But that doesn’t have to be the case. There are many fun ways that you can decorate a light switch plate cover to make it more interesting and add your own personality to it. Keep reading to get a few ideas!
Book Spines
If you’re a book lover with some old, tattered books, this is a great way to preserve those book spines and add some literary flair to your space. Carefully cut the spines with an Exacto knife. The number of book spines you need to cover the switch plate will depend on the size of the plate and the thickness of the books. Be sure to cut an opening for the switch. Adhere the spines to the light switch plate with hot glue, and screw it back on.
Please note that this works best with a screwless wall plate, which has the screws hidden behind the plate. This means you don’t have to cut holes for the screws.
Maps
For those with a wanderer’s soul, a map can be an easy way to spruce up a boring light switch—and to use those old maps that you just don’t need anymore, thanks to your smartphone. You can cut out pieces of a map at random or choose specific parts of the map that have meaning to you, such as places you’ve traveled or hope to travel to someday.
Cut it to be slightly larger than the switch plate and make angled cuts inwards to allow for folding the excess around to the back of the plate. Make small X-shaped cuts where the screws belong, then adhere the map to the switch with a thin layer of ModgePodge or wallpaper glue. Allow drying before screwing back onto the wall.
Vinyl Cutouts
If you have a vinyl cutter, there’s truly no limit to what you can do with your light switches. You can create virtually any design to put on your switch plate or even to put on the wall around your switch plate. Create a silhouette of your favorite fairytale character sitting on the corner of the light switch. Add inspirational words or creative phrases to the wall plate. Use whatever colors you wish, and decorate (and redecorate!) to your heart’s content.
If you’re tired of drab, dull light switch plates, consider redecorating them yourself. Or, just look for plates that are a bit more interesting than that boring white plastic you currently have.