An illuminating guide to switches and sockets

My wife and I chose the colours to repaint our home without drama but a disagreement has arisen over the covers for wall switches and sockets. I would prefer the same colour as the walls, to make them as inconspicuous as possible. My wife wants something that stands out. Please could you offer some advice?

Recently I wrote about how good fixtures and fittings can make a real difference to a property. Let’s continue on that theme this week, leaving to one side the big ideas — paint colours and wallpapers and furniture — and consider the small things.

There are items in a house that, though little, should receive proper attention — and not just at the end of a decoration project. While they may leave some readers cold, for me, light switches and electrical sockets fall into this category.

I prefer elegant brass or characterful ceramic light switches and — to get technical — more often than not I like a dolly switch (a short, pivoted lever terminating in a rounded knob) rather than a spring-loaded rocker.

Established in 1987, London-based Forbes & Lomax says it has “always approached the electrical accessory market from an aesthetic point of view”. When the company was founded, the elegant glass, nickel and brass switches of the 1930s were no longer available. While I am not an enormous fan of switches with transparent backplates, which the company is known for, I like its smart unlacquered brass and nickel ranges. An unlacquered finish will only grow in character over time.

A new discovery for me is JUNG. Founded by Albrecht Jung in 1912, the German company develops aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly devices for the home and has partnered with big names in design. Its classic LS 990 light switch comes in a variety of colours from a palette developed by Le Corbusier — one set was released in 1931, and another punchier colour range in 1959.

I can’t say that when I started researching this column I had foreseen feeling so strongly about a light switch, but I really am in love with the LS 990 and its combination of softly rounded lines and brilliantly bold hues. This is not the switch for every room or every house, but in the right context — a kitchen, say, with 1960s-style cabinets and a linoleum floor — it would be marvellous.

Turning to electrical sockets, I like the idea of painting them to match the wall colour, but I suggest powder coating for a smoother and more durable finish. It is possible to buy powder-coated sockets as well as having them painted bespoke. TLC Electrical Supplies sells British-made epoxy-coated steel versions in a good selection of colours, including an appealing apple green.

A classic brass socket is never a bad thing. I suggest investigating Corston Architectural Detail, a Wiltshire-based company that makes, among many other things, beautiful brass sockets with black and white inserts, and light switches to match.

I am also a fan of Roo, designer Katy Paty’s range of porcelain switches and sockets. These have a pleasingly old-fashioned and chunky look, and the range includes a variety of options including rotary and toggle switches, electrical and television sockets. Plus, as with the JUNG switches, many delicious colours are available. I have my eye on Nitor Lutea — a proper sunflower yellow.

Now, I love the idea of a colourful switch, but I’m also majorly into Bakelite. Online retailer Switch sells a charming toggle version. It is possible to source genuine vintage versions, too. Check websites such as Art Deco Emporium, which claims that “no light switch made today has the aesthetics and feel of a real Bakelite switch that has been professionally and carefully restored”.

A really good one-stop shop for functional homeware, hardware and lighting in the UK is Dyke & Dean. It sells a range of switches manufactured near Barcelona by a family-run company that has been making switches, sockets and hardware since 1955. I like its rounded black and white ceramic switches very much.

I have to conclude by saying that plain white sockets do not particularly offend me (we have them in our rented cottage), and certainly much less than white plastic light switches do. However, it is easy to do a lot better. Go for colour, or invest in good materials. After all, the tactile parts of the home we interact with on a daily basis should be a pleasure to use.

If you have a question for Luke about design and stylish living, email him at [email protected]. Follow him on Instagram @lukeedwardhall

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