Should wall plates match the walls?

There's no official rule saying wall plates have to match the wall color. However, opting for the same color (or a similar hue) as the paint or trim will help it blend into the background. Some of the best electrical outlet covers come in a range of finishes to match common wall paint colors, including white, ivory, almond, and gray.

Do I need to turn off power to replace an outlet cover?

"Power is not required to be shut off, though safety is always paramount," says electrician Brian J of SpeedyShark. If this is your first time installing an outlet cover, and you're worried about an electrical hazard, it won't hurt to shut off your power before getting started.

Can I change outlet covers myself?

According to J, outlet covers can generally be switched out on your own. Most can be installed with nothing more than a screwdriver, and others can be snapped into place in seconds. If you're not up for the task, you can always hire a handyperson or an electrician.

Can a broken outlet cover cause a fire?

A cracked or otherwise broken outlet cover could be a fire hazard or present a risk of electrical shock . Why? It exposes you (and your home) to loose terminals and slots, which is particularly concerning if anything is plugged into the outlet. A broken outlet (or cover) generally should not be used and should be replaced as soon as possible. When in doubt, contact an electrician.

The 11 Best Outlet Covers of 2023

Every outlet needs a cover, and while wall plates are relatively basic products, they can vary in terms of style and features. You can find options to add color or a finishing touch to your decor—as well as added safety features—and luckily, most covers you can install yourself. "An outlet cover, specifically, does not require a professional electrician to change," electrician Brian J of SpeedyShark tells The Spruce.

We researched safe, easy-to-install, durable designs for every room in the home.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Leviton Midway Duplex Wall Plate at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Safety:

Mommy's Helper Safe-Plate Safety Cover at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Child-Proof:

Jool Baby Outlet Cover Box at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Screwless:

Enerlites Screwless Decorator Wall Plates at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Lighted:

SnapPower GuideLight 2 Wall Plate at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Metal:

Amerelle Metallic Steel Wall Plate at Wayfair

Jump to Review

Best Wooden:

Amerelle Contemporary Wood Wall Plate at Home Depot

Jump to Review

Best Decorative:

Hampton Bay Ascher Steel Wall Plate at Home Depot

Jump to Review

Best Rounded:

Hampton Bay Declan Steel Wall Plate at Home Depot

Jump to Review

Best with USB Port:

ELEGRP USB Charger Wall Outlet at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look for
FAQ
Why Trust The Spruce

1-Gang Midway Duplex Outlet Nylon Wall Plate

Amazon

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What We Like

Unbreakable thermoplastic
Several colors available
Easy to install
Easy to clean surface

What We Don't Like

Visible screws

Our number-one pick for outlet covers is the Leviton Midway Duplex Wall Plate. Boasting an unbreakable design and a smooth, easy-to-clean surface, it's made of ultra-durable and impact-resistant thermoplastic that'll hold up to frequent use for years to come.

This product is sold individually or in packs of 10. You can choose from several colors to match your walls or trim, including white, ivory, almond, gray, brown, or black. It's also available with one or two gangs.

The Midway Wall Plate is easy to install with a screwdriver and comes with the necessary hardware. While the screws are visible (rather than a snap-on design), they match the color of the plate.

Price at time of publish: $8

_{Dimensions: 5 x 3 inches | Installation: Screw-in | Features: Matching screw | Covers Included: 1–10}

Safe-Plate Electrical Outlet Safety Cover

Amazon

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What We Like

Child-safe design
Helps prevent electrical hazards
Monochrome, minimalist aesthetic

What We Don't Like

Slightly narrow
High price per plate

If you're looking for a design that helps prevent electrical hazards, your best bet is the Mommy's Helper Safe-Plate. Designed to stop children from sticking objects into outlets, this wall plate has safety shutters over each opening that automatically slide into place as soon as you remove a plug.

Available in plain white or almond, the monochrome design has a versatile, minimalist appeal. The price per plate is a bit higher than average, and at 2.5 inches wide, it's on the narrower side, so it might not hide all existing wall imperfections.

Price at time of publish: $5 (1-pack)

_{Dimensions: 5 x 2.5 inches | Installation: Screw-in | Features: Sliding covers | Covers Included: 1–4}

Walmart

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What We Like

Prevents tampering
Heat-resistant
Easy for adults to open

What We Don't Like

Bulky
High price per plate

Another option for child-proofing your home is the Jool Baby Outlet Cover Box. The heat-resistant encasement is designed to prevent tampering (or curious fiddling) from small children or pets while still being easy for adults to open.

These outlet covers are a little pricier than average, though the manufacturer backs them with a generous 10-year warranty. They're pretty bulky, so consider furniture placement and whether this is an issue for your home decor.

Price at time of publish: $14

_{Dimensions: 8 x 7 x 3.5 inches | Installation: Screw-in | Features: Heat-resistant encasement | Covers Included: 2–5}

Screwless Decorator Wall Plates Outlet Covers

Walmart

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What We Like

Easy snap-on installation
Streamlined design
17 colors available

What We Don't Like

Partially visible upper notches

Not a fan of visible screws? This one's for you. Enerlites Screwless Wall Plates snap into place rather than being installed with a screwdriver, creating a more seamless, streamlined appearance.

Though there's no hardware on the front, you might be able to see part of the "hidden" child-safe lock from above. Still, the minimalist design is tough to beat. We also like that these outlet covers come in two sizes and a whopping 17 colors ranging from white to black to nickel.

Price at time of publish: $20

_{Dimensions: 4.5 x 3 inches | Installation: Snap-on | Features: Screw-free plate, child-safe lock | Covers Included: 1–10}

GuideLight 2 Electrical Wall Plate for Outlets

Walmart

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What We Like

Frees up outlets
Energy- and cost-efficient LED
Easy snap-on installation

What We Don't Like

Expensive

Interested in a wall plate-nightlight hybrid? The multifunctional SnapPower GuideLight is the best of both worlds, offering two standard openings while freeing up both outlets by eliminating the need to plug in a nightlight.

The energy-efficient design features a long-lasting, low-wattage LED light. According to the brand, it'll cost you only 10 cents per year on your utility bill. While the price per cover is pretty steep, it might be worth investing in a few for your bathrooms, hallways, and child's bedroom.

Price at time publish: $43

_{Dimensions: 7.5 x 4 inches | Installation: Snap-on | Features: Energy-efficient LED | Covers Included: 2–6}

The 9 Best Night Lights of 2023, Tested by The Spruce

Walmart

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What We Like

Durable stamped steel
Suitable for bathrooms
Several finishes available

What We Don't Like

Visible screw

For a great metal option, we like these metallic wall plates from Amerelle. They're made of ultra-durable stamped steel, which, according to electrician Brian J of SpeedyShark, is generally safe for this type of product. You can choose from several finishes to match your tile or home fixtures, from antique copper to brushed bronze to polished brass.

Suitable for bathrooms and other moisture-prone zones, the finish is resistant to peeling, cracking, and fading. The only potential drawback of this outlet cover is that the screw is visible, but it matches the metallic plate.

Price at time of publish: $13

_{Dimensions: 5 x 3 inches | Installation: Screw-in | Features: Matching screw | Covers Included: 1}

Contemporary 1-Gang Duplex Outlet Wood Wall Plate

Amazon

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What We Like

Genuine oak wood
Natural appeal
Rustic charm

What We Don't Like

Screw doesn't match

For a natural appeal and a hint of rustic charm, you might consider a wooden design. We're big fans of this wall plate from Amerelle, which is made of genuine oak wood and comes in your choice of a light, medium, or dark finish and a chip-resistant coating.

This outlet cover has a visible screw. And unlike some screw-in designs, the hardware doesn't match the plate. Still, this is an all-around lovely piece that's sure to add character to your home.

Price at time of publish: $24

_{Dimensions: 5.5 x 3 inches | Installation: Screw-in | Features: Chip-resistant finish | Covers Included: 1–4}

The Home Depot

View On Home Depot

What We Like

Resembles crown molding
Elegant, high-end appeal
Easy to install

What We Don't Like

Visible screw

Interested in something a little more decorative? Check out the Hampton Bay Ascher Wall Plate. Made of sturdy steel, it's stamped into a design reminiscent of crown molding, which gives it an elegant, high-end appeal.

You can choose from one or two gangs and a white, brushed nickel, or aged bronze finish. This outlet cover is easy to install, and although the screw is visible, it's the same color as the plate.

Price at time of publish: $7

_{Dimensions: 5 x 3 inches | Installation: Screw-in | Features: Matching screws | Covers Included: 1–2}

The 11 Best Doorknobs for Every Type of Home

Amazon

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What We Like

Durable stamped steel
Subtle beveled edge
Easy to install

What We Don't Like

Visible screw

If you're not a fan of harsh lines and sharp corners, consider a rounded design, like the Hampton Bay Declan Wall Plate. It's crafted from strong stamped steel and features a slightly beveled edge for a subtle three-dimensional effect.

This outlet cover comes in white, black, almond, or pewter and two sizes (with one or two gangs). It's easy to install using nothing more than a screwdriver, and although the hardware is visible, it's the same color as the plate.

Price at time of publish: $5

_{Dimensions: 5 x 3 inches | Installation: Screw-in | Features: Matching screw | Covers Included: 1–2}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Home Depot

What We Like

Type A and C ports
Smart chip charging
Tamper-resistant

What We Don't Like

May require professional wiring
High price per plate

To minimize your use of (and need for) outlets, think about getting something with a built-in USB port. This wall plate has not one but two charging ports, including a standard Type A and Type C for iPhones and other Apple products.

It has a smart chip that detects the battery life of each device to optimize charging, while tamper-resistant shutters prevent children from sticking objects into the outlets. The price per cover is pretty high, and it may require professional wiring. However, if you find yourself charging a lot of devices, you may find this worth the price.

Price at time of publish: $99

_{Dimensions: 5.5 x 3 | Installation: Hardwire, screw-in | Features: USB ports, smart chip, tamper-resistant shutters | Covers Included: 1–10}

The 8 Best Extension Cords of 2023

Amazon

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What We Like

Budget-friendly
Covers outlets and imperfections
Easy to install

What We Don't Like

May arrive with missing screws

If you're looking to cover an unused (or broken) outlet or want to prevent tampering, a blank wall plate might be the perfect solution. This one from Leviton is made of impact-resistant thermoplastic and comes in three sizes to cover one-, two-, or three-gang outlets and/or any existing wall imperfections.

The screw-in design makes for easy installation. We did read a few customer reports of missing hardware, but you can use standard screws. Despite this potential downside, the budget-friendly price is hard to beat.

Price at time of publish: $2

_{Dimensions: 5 x 3 inches | Installation: Screw-in | Features: Matching screws | Covers Included: 1}

Final Verdict

Overall, we like the Leviton Midway Duplex Wall Plate. This simple outlet cover is easy to install, durable, versatile, and available in several colors. But if you're interested in a tamper-resistant design with safety shutters, go with the Mommy's Helper Safe-Plate. And if you prefer a screwless outlet cover, the Enerlites Screwless Decorator Wall Plate is your best bet.

Size

Outlet covers can be incredibly sleek and low-profile, like the Leviton Midway Duplex Wall Plate. On the other hand, those with safety enclosures can be relatively bulky, as with the Jool Baby Outlet Cover Box. They also vary slightly in height and width, which may not matter unless you're trying to cover holes or other existing imperfections on your walls.

Number of Gange

You'll want to pay attention to the number of gangs too. Standard outlet covers usually have one gang, meaning two vertically stacked openings. The vertically stacked openings are also called "duplexes." Many wall plates are available with one or two gangs, like the Hampton Bay Ascher Wall Plate, but make sure you know what size and how many of each you need before ordering.

Material

The best wall plates are often made out of durable and water-resistant thermoplastic, as with the Leviton Midway. You'll also find stamped steel and even wooden options, such as the Amerelle Contemporary Wall Plate.

Style

Most outlet covers are pretty similar in design, though there are a few style considerations. Material can affect the appearance, as with the striking Amerelle Metallic Steel Wall Plate, which comes in various metal finishes. Some have rounded corners, like the Hampton Bay Declan, and others feature fancy borders reminiscent of crown molding.

FAQ

Should wall plates match the walls?

There's no official rule saying wall plates have to match the wall color. However, opting for the same color (or a similar hue) as the paint or trim will help it blend into the background. Some of the best electrical outlet covers come in a range of finishes to match common wall paint colors, including white, ivory, almond, and gray.
Do I need to turn off power to replace an outlet cover?

"Power is not required to be shut off, though safety is always paramount," says electrician Brian J of SpeedyShark. If this is your first time installing an outlet cover, and you're worried about an electrical hazard, it won't hurt to shut off your power before getting started.
Can I change outlet covers myself?

According to J, outlet covers can generally be switched out on your own. Most can be installed with nothing more than a screwdriver, and others can be snapped into place in seconds. If you're not up for the task, you can always hire a handyperson or an electrician.
Can a broken outlet cover cause a fire?

A cracked or otherwise broken outlet cover could be a fire hazard or present a risk of electrical shock. Why? It exposes you (and your home) to loose terminals and slots, which is particularly concerning if anything is plugged into the outlet. A broken outlet (or cover) generally should not be used and should be replaced as soon as possible. When in doubt, contact an electrician.

Theresa Holland is a freelance writer and product tester specializing in home improvement. For this article, she interviewed electrician Brian J of SpeedyShark, who provided insight into safety considerations and installation requirements. After considering dozens of options from various brands and retailers, she narrowed the list down to the most functional, user-friendly, versatile outlet covers with standout features. Holland has been covering home decor, organizational solutions, and lifestyle products at The Spruce since 2019.

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