Remodelista

Switch plates proliferate in our homes and daily lives, and yet we tend to ignore them. How many lovely rooms are marred by grubby ivory plastic switch plates? Here are ten simple, high-quality, timeless options for all your switch plates needs. Overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of plates in your home? Upgrade one room at a time. Note: While we show single toggle models, all of these are available in dozens of configurations for outlets, dimmers, and so on.

Below: Single Toggle Switch Plate Basics in high-quality hot-forged brass, $15 each available in 14 finishes at Rejuvenation Hardware. Shown, clockwise from top L, in black enamel, brushed nickel, white enamel, and brushed brass.

Below: Great for stainless kitchens or to add a clean modern stainless look in any room, the 210-Series Switch Plate in brushed stainless; $21.60 at Kitchen Source.

Below L: Looking for a beautifully clean white switch plate that isn't plastic or porcelain? Consider a Corian Glacier White Plate for $16.90 at Decorative Hardware Store. We also love the Corian switch plates in Pewter (below middle) and Anthracite (below R), also $16.90 (available in many other colors) at Decorative Hardware Store.

Below: Aluminum Switch Plate Cover; $9.50 at Restoration Hardware.

Below: For a metallic basic, Baldwin's Classic Square Bevel Design Solid Brass Switch Plate  is available in sevral finishes, including polished brass, satin nickel, and polished chrome; $22 at ATG Stores.

Below L: We like the clean lines of the Bella Plain Gloss Ceramic Switch Plate; $16.50 for single toggle, shown in black (six additional colors available) at Switch Hits. Below R: We also like the more detailed Bella Frame Gloss Ceramic Switch Plate; $16.50 for single toggle at Switch Hits.

Below L: For a slightly more rustic look, without getting kitsch, consider the Single Toggle Cambridge Distressed Antique Bronze Switch Plate; $16.50 at Decorative Hardware Store. Below R: The oil-rubbed Antique Bronze Switchplate; $26.90 from Crown City Hardware.

Below L: The opulent Polished Silver Plated Brass Switch Plate could be a singular statement in a powder room or living room; prices start at $74.50 at Switch Hits. Below R: Another high-end option is Nanz's No. 9810 switch plate; available in a variety of finishes (visit Nanz for pricing).

Below: The traditionalist can "cloak modern electrical updates in a classic style" with the Single Push-Button Switch Plate, which has been in production since well before 1900. $15 at Rejuvenation Hardware.

Below: In a rustic log cabin or a simple Scandinavian-style cabin, we can imagine these unfinished Wood Switch Plates, available in 40 different woods (below, from L to R: poplar, quarter-sawn white oak, and teak); most at $14.95 from Arnev.

Below: Our budget pick is a $2 Painted Steel Plate instead of the $1.50 plastic plates that (dis)grace so many homes. Available in several colors at Decorative Hardware Store.