When it comes time to take on a redecoration project in your home, make sure you don't over look the little details. Many people get into a project, repaint, and even change the furniture, but still think something isn't quite right in the end. Often it really is a little thing that is the problem - a switch plate.

A switch plate is a piece of plastic, wood or metal that surrounds your light switch. They are a cover for the hole in the wall where the light switch and the wiring come together. While new homes come with very generic looking white of beige switch plates, so they will conform to whatever design style you have in mind, once you own the home, there is no need to stick with the a boring switch plate when you can add one with more personality.

The first thing you have to decide when picking a switch plate for your home is what effect you want it to have. Do you want a switch plate that will blend in with everything else and look like it's part of the wall, or do you want a switch plate that has some personality, and has a life of it's own? While either of these answers are right, keep in mind, if you have a switch plate that stands out it makes it easier for others to find the light switch when they walk into, or are leaving, a room.

Next you have to decide what material it should be made of. Switch plate materials run the gamut. Part of this decision will be made on how you want them to look, durability, and the future possibilities of the switch plate.

Plastic Switch Plate – When it comes to being economical, the plastic switch plate is the way to go. These are the most common kinds of switch plates on the market and can be a plain color, such as white or beige, or can be completely decorated in a design to go with your décor. One thing to keep in mind with a plastic switch plate is it can be easily changed into something else down the road. Plastic can be painted, or even decoupage to take on a new look when you change the look of a room. The downside of plastic is that it is not the hardiest of materials, and with a lot of use, these plates will break.

Wood Switch Plate – No matter the wood you are using in your home, you can find a switch plate to match. Wood switch plates have a number of benefits including being able to be painted, carved or having other decorative touches added to them to make them look more unique. They are also more durable than plastic.

Porcelain Switch Plate – A porcelain switch plate will always add a little shine to the wall you are putting it on. While porcelain is traditionally thought to be white in color, it can be pigmented and painted to a number of shades. The downside of porcelain is that it can break if the plates are dropped or used roughly.

Metal Switch Plate – When it comes to metal, a switch plate can come in a number of metal styles and shapes. From brass, copper or silver in traditional or antique finish to chrome and other metals, you can find a switch plate to go with whatever room style you have created.