Designer Switches Can Dress Up Your Home

If you have done any home renovations, chances are you put a lot of time and effort into selecting the big-ticket items like paint colour, furniture, flooring, countertops, and lighting fixtures. But what about the little things, like light switches and outlets? These can be “dressed up” to make your redecorating project a success down to the very last detail.

Time to Make a Switch

Modern light switches have come a long way in both form and function from the plain on/off toggle switches of yesteryear. The Leviton Institute recommends that when replacing old switches in your home, you consider the latest options like contemporary rocker switches with a sophisticated look, and dimmers and occupancy sensors that can help reduce energy costs. Nowadays these switches, outlets and dimmers are available in finishes like walnut, oak, and black and white marble to complement today’s popular wood and natural stone flooring and countertops.

These designer-styled devices with natural-looking finishes can be purchased along with matching screwless wallplates for the perfect finishing touch. Up to 4 devices (in any combination) can be “ganged” together in a single 4-gang wallplate. These contemporary-finish, designer style switches feature clean lines, an easy-to-use ergonomic design, and a price that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Some models even come with a handy glowing LED locator light to help you find them in a darkened room or hallway.

Taking a Dim View

Want to create atmosphere at the touch of a switch? Consider installing a touch dimmer that lets you dim and brighten lights in your bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, dining room or elsewhere.

You simply tap the rocker switch to turn the lights on to the last preset level or off, or tap and hold the rocker to cycle through the range of brightness levels. Dimming the lights does more than just create mood; it also saves you money by using less electricity. An LED display alongside the rocker indicates the selected lighting level

Everyone Needs an Outlet

And by the way, don’t forget to replace your old outlets while you’re redecorating. Not only do new models feature the same attractive high-end styling and faux finishes as modern switches and dimmers, but specialized outlets known as GFCIs (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) are ideal for locations like your kitchen or bath – or any room in the house where there’s a water source present. These devices protect against serious shock or electrocution by quickly shutting off power to the outlet after detecting a current leak in the circuit.

Small but Mighty

Remember, when redecorating your house, don’t forget the importance of coordinating your décor with the new generation of sleek, contemporary-styled light switches, outlets and dimmers. They can provide the perfect finishing touch and add value to your home.

Courtesy of Homeservice Club