After doing a major home renovation, you may start to notice things that you never did before. Wall plates often blend in with the overall design, and all it takes is a sudden new color of wall paint or new curtains to make them stand out. Over time, these electrical outlet and switch covers experience wear and tear, such as fading and cracks, that require them to be replaced. As you get ready to switch out the old ones, you can use these three tips to make sure this finishing touch on your home makeover goes perfectly:

Take a Room-by-Room Count

The first thing you will need to do is identify where all of the outlets and switches are in your home. Ideally, all of the ones in each room should match, and making sure you have an accurate count helps you to avoid hunting down a matching one later on. Make sure to check in areas where you might not notice an outlet, such as behind the furniture or in odd spots like the garage.

Know the Different Types

With your room-by-room checklist in hand, you will be ready to start identifying how many of each type of plate you need. There are many different types of switch plates, but starting with the most common ones can help you begin to narrow down your search. Toggle light plates are one of the most common ones you will need to replace, and these come in styles that have one or more switches. You may also need rocker plates, duplex outlet covers, and combination plates that cover both switches and outlets. When in doubt, make a side-by-side comparison of the old plate and the new one.

Consider the Effects of Different Styles

Once you find the right types of outlet covers, you will also want to explore the different styles that can help you achieve the look that you want. Many people prefer to choose a neutral shade for their covers, and this is a great option if you tend to change paint colors or update your home decor on a frequent basis. Alternatively, you could go bold and choose covers that stand out from the wall. This option works great in places where you want to help people find the switches, such as in a senior family member's suite or a kid's room. Finally, consider the material that the wall plate is made from. Wood can give your home a natural, cozy cabin look while metal or plastic tends to work with a more modern decorating scheme.

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