:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-switch-plate-covers-4160843-final-969ed31ac0e74b8d8cc6cb8a9c63fc38.jpg)
The Spruce / Lecia Landis
Switch plate covers go over your light switches to minimize electrical hazards and offer a streamlined, sometimes decorative appeal. "It’s best to choose light-colored switch plates for light-colored walls and dark plates for dark walls," says interior designer Andi Morse of Morse Design. "If you're wallpapering, cover the switch plate with wallpaper, too."
We researched the best wall plates of various sizes, materials, and styles.
Best Overall
Enerlites Toggle Light Switch Wall Plate Cover
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ENERLITESToggleLightSwitchWallPlateCover-619f13515cd64543b7b75075a2efb565.jpg)
Amazon
Simple low profile
Several finishes available
Durable yet flexible
Visible screws
Not for rocker switches
When it comes to switch plate covers, it's hard to go wrong with Enerlites. The brand's Toggle Light Switch Cover is made of exceptionally durable thermoplastic, a flexible yet highly resilient and easy-to-clean material.
It's also heat-resistant to temperatures higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit and won't fade from warmth or direct light. With a low profile and a slightly beveled edge, this wall plate comes in three sizes and several finishes to match your paint or trim color, ranging from white to almond to black.
It's easy to install using nothing more than a screwdriver. And while the hardware is visible, the screw matches the color of the plate. Though this particular model is designed only for toggle switches, Enerlites also makes options for rocker switches.
Price at time of publish: $11
Dimensions: 4.5 x 3 inches, 5 x 3 inches, 5.5 x 3.5 inches | Shape: Rectangular toggle | Material: Thermoplastic
Best Decorative
Franklin Brass Classic Beaded 1-Gang Toggle Light Switch Wall Plate
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/FranklinBrassW35058-SN-CClassicBeadedSingleSwitchWallPlate-9e2427efc4ee429cbbf79cd2276dc3b6.jpg)
Amazon
Durable stamped metal
Looks like crown molding
Lifetime warranty
Visible screws
Interested in something a little more decorative? Check out the Classic Beaded Wall Switch Plate from Franklin Brass. It's made of durable stamped metal and, as the name suggests, features a textured beading pattern around the perimeter, along with a border reminiscent of crown molding.
Plain light switches are definitely more modern-looking, but this one makes a high-end statement. While the screws are visible, they're the same color as the plate, which comes in a few finishes. The price is pretty decent, too, especially considering that it's backed by a lifetime warranty.
Price at time of publish: $7
Dimensions: 5 x 3 inches | Shape: Rectangular toggle | Material: Metal
Best Metal
Rejuvenation Lewis Single Toggle Switchplate
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/LewisSingleToggleSwitchplate-a99e718b830a48799036dcadc9096cb5.jpg)
Rejuvenation
Low profile and clean lines
Several finishes available
High-quality design
High price per plate
Visible screws
According to electrician Brian J of SpeedyShark, metal wall plates are safe as long as they're properly bonded to your home's electrical system. If you're partial to the material, we recommend Rejuvenation's Lewis Switchplate. It's molded out of hot-forged brass and features a low profile with clean lines and beveled edges.
The material is exceptionally durable, long-lasting, and suitable for moisture-prone areas. This striking piece comes in several finishes, including oil-rubbed bronze, polished nickel, and aged brass. The price per plate is undoubtedly steep, but the attractive, high-quality design might be worth the investment.
Price at time of publish: $20
Dimensions: 4.5 x 2.75 inches | Shape: Rectangular toggle | Material: Hot-forged brass
Best Wooden
Wallplates.com Unfinished Baker Wood Cover Plates
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/wallplates.combestswitchplatecovers-f641df0d29354c98994c2d05e0cf5673.jpeg)
Wallplates.com
Solid wood
Heat-safe metal backing
Several configurations
Visible screws
For a more down-to-earth, organic aesthetic, consider a wooden switch plate cover, like this beauty from Wallplates.com. It's made of solid wood and features a heat-safe metal backing. Though the screws are visible on the front, they're a similar color to the medium wood finish.
This wall plate comes in several configurations: In addition to the traditional toggle plate, you can get rocker plates, outlet covers, and outlet-switch combos with up to five gangs (openings). There's even a blank plate if you want to cover a hole or prevent tampering.
Price at time of publish: $4
Dimensions: Varies | Shape: Rectangular toggle or rocker | Material: Wood
Best Stone-Like
Questech QDécor Single Toggle Light Switch Plate
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/questechbestswitchplatecovers-c5391b3c378e419b9eeb44f9fe838b90.jpeg)
Walmart
Four finishes available
Scratch- and stain-resistant
Suitable for wet areas
Visible screws
Stone-like wall plates can blend into your backsplash or tiled walls. This one from Questech is made of composite and comes in four colors to mimic natural stone, including sandstone, travertine, brown limestone, and concrete.
The scratch- and stain-resistant material won't rust or wear down prematurely if it gets wet, so you can install it in bathrooms and other splash-prone spaces. We like that this plate comes in various configurations, including classic toggle switches and rockers with up to three gangs. The only potential downside is that the screws are visible, but they match the plate color.
Price at time of publish: $10
Dimensions: 5 x 3.25 inches | Shape: Rectangular toggle | Material: Composite
Best Rounded
Hampton Bay Declan 1 Gang Toggle Steel Wall Plate
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/hamptonbaybestswitchplatecovers-739d489ce80347d78e1740dbd2ee6b6b.jpg)
The Home Depot
Durable stamped steel
Subtle beveled edge
Easy to install
Visible screws
For a slightly softer look that's not too over the top, think about getting switch plate covers with rounded corners. We're big fans of the Hampton Bay Declan, which is crafted from durable stamped steel and features beveled edges to create a subtle three-dimensional effect.
This light switch cover comes in white, almond, pewter, or black, and five sizes (with up to five gangs). Installation is a breeze—all you need is a screwdriver. And while the screws are visible, they're the same color as the face plate.
Price at time of publish: $4
Dimensions: 5 x 2.8 inches | Shape: Rounded rectangular toggle | Material: Steel
Best Screwless
Enerlites Screwless Toggle Switch Wall Plate
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/enerlitesscrewlessbestswitchplatecovers-36c2313f678346928eb7abc576393f6e.jpg)
Walmart
Easy snap-on installation
Streamlined appearance
Several colors available
High price per plate
Partially visible upper notches
If visible hardware bothers you, this screwless wall plate from Enerlites might be your best bet. Rather than being installed with a screwdriver, it snaps into place in seconds. In addition to being user-friendly, this creates a more seamless, streamlined look.
While there aren't any screws on the face, you might be able to see a part of the notch from above, but depending on where the light switch is located, that might not be an issue. And the minimalist appearance is still hard to beat. What's more, this switch plate cover comes in several colors ranging from white to almond to black.
Price at time of publish: $7
Dimensions: 4.68 x 2.93 inches | Shape: Rectangular toggle | Material: Thermoplastic
Best Lighted
SnapPower SwitchLight LED Night Light Switch Plate
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/snappowerbestswitchplatecovers-f9bd67b4a07649f59ab93135bbc48f8d.jpg)
Energy- and cost-efficient LED
Adjustable brightness
Various configurations
Visible screws
High price per plate
The SnapPower SwitchLight is a two-in-one wall plate that doubles as a light switch cover and nightlight. It boasts a low-wattage, energy-efficient LED that promises to cost you no more than 10 cents per year on your electricity bill.
We also appreciate that you can adjust the brightness or turn it off if you want it to function as a normal light switch. The price per plate is pretty steep. but since you might not need one in every room, it might be worth investing in a few for your bathroom, hallway, or child's bedroom. And while the screws are visible, they're the same color as the plate cover.
Price at time of publish: $23
Dimensions: 5.5 x 3.5 inches | Shape: Rectangular toggle or rocker | Material: Plastic
Best Dimmer Switch
Cloudy Bay In-Wall Dimmer Switch
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/cloudybaybestswitchplatecovers-2c0b166a62b841699b848959714a0e79.jpg)
Walmart
Easy ambiance enhancement
Snap-on design
No visible screws
Calls for professional wiring
Only one color
Adjustable lighting is key to creating the perfect ambiance in your home. One of the easiest ways to elevate your setup is with a dimmer switch. We like the Cloudy Bay In-Wall Dimmer Switch, which features a modern rocker switch and a sliding control dial along the bottom.
The screw-free design easily snaps into place, with no visible hardware for a more seamless look. However, this wall plate may call for professional installation, as it will need to be wired. The only other thing to note is that it only comes in white, but it should still go with most interior design schemes.
Price at time of publish: $24
Dimensions: 4.5 x 3 inches | Shape: Rectangular rocker | Material: Plastic
Our top choice is the Enerlites Toggle Light Switch Wall Plate Cover. Available in several finishes to match your wall paint or trim, it flaunts a simple low profile and an easy-to-install design. If you're interested in a fancier metal wall plate, the Rejuvenation Lewis Single Toggle Switchplate is a solid choice. It looks great and is durable, and it is even suitable for moisture-prone areas.
What to Look for in a Switch Plate Cover
Size
Switch plate covers can be slim and low-profile, like the Enerlites Toggle Light Switch Cover. They can also be a little more three-dimensional with beveled edges, like the Hampton Bay Declan Wall Plate. Designs vary slightly in width and height. The differences are usually minor, but check the exact dimensions if you're trying to conceal a hole or other imperfections on your wall.
Number of Gangs
You'll also want to note the number of gangs before ordering anything. Standard switch plate covers have one gang, which just means there's a hole for one light switch. Some of the best face plates are available with two or more gangs, as with the Unfinished Baker Wood Cover Plates from Wallplates.com.
Material
Switch plate covers can be made of various materials. The most common is plastic (whether standard or extra-durable thermoplastic), though you'll also find natural wooden designs, stone-like composite plates, and metal options, like the Rejuvenation Lewis Single Toggle Switchplate.
Style
Most switch plates have pretty similar designs, but there are a few aesthetic considerations. Beyond material, you'll find various colors and finishes to match or complement your wall paint, trim, or tile. Some feature rounded corners, and others have fancy borders, like the Franklin Brass Classic Beaded Wall Plate.
-
Should switch plates match the walls or trim?
"Switch covers should match the walls, not the trim," says Andi Morse of Morse Design. Selecting the same color (or a similar shade) will help them blend into the background. Many wall plates are available in various finishes to go with the most popular interior paint colors, including white, cream, almond, and gray.
-
Are metal switch plate covers safe?
"Metal switch plate covers are absolutely safe, provided the switch box it's covering—if metal as well—is properly bonded/grounded to the electrical system," electrician Brian J of SpeedyShark tells The Spruce. Some actually consider them safer than plastic, as the material is unlikely to break off or crack and expose the wiring in your walls.
-
Do you need an electrician to change light switch covers?
"An electrician is not required to change a light switch cover, though electrical work as a whole is always an area where a licensed electrician is preferred," says J. Most wall plates can be easily installed with a screwdriver, but if you're not up for it, don't hesitate to hire an electrician or handyperson.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer and product reviewer specializing in home improvement. For this story, she interviewed electrician Brian J of SpeedyShark, who provided insight into safety and installation considerations, and Andi Morse of Morse Design for decorative tips. After looking at dozens of switch plates from various brands, she narrowed it down to durable, practical, user-friendly designs with notable features. Holland has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019, covering home decor, organizational solutions, and consumer tech.