It’s amazing what a big impact a subtle change can have – here are five reasons why changing your electric sockets and light switches can elevate your interior design to a new level…

We all know about the obvious ingredients of a lovely room: the furniture, the wall colours, the textiles and the lighting. But how do you make an interior truly exceptional? By paying attention to the details! Electric sockets and light switches are practical necessities – but taking them seriously as aesthetic objects can make a quite amazing difference to the overall impact of a room. It’s something we’ve thought about a lot when developing our own ranges of designer light switches and sockets – with the Florence and the new Lucian ranges being the glorious results.

Switching up the switches is a secret weapon in the interior designer’s armoury. Here’s how and why to do it in your home…

Sockets and switches: Choosing a finish

Sure, those bit tacky white plastic boxes are ok for offices and schools and doctor’s waiting rooms, but in our own lovely homes, we can do better, can’t we? Here are some alternative finishes, much beloved here at Pooky…

Brass

Buttery and warm, a touch of brass elevates any room and works with virtually any setting. It’s particularly lovely with rich, bold wall colours, natural materials like timber, and exposed brick or stone.

Two gang Florence toggle switch in brass

Bronze

Darker and moodier, bronze finishes have a sophisticated, slightly aged look. Perfect for period properties or interiors with a vintage, industrial, or rustic feel, bronze switches and sockets can add depth and contrast without overwhelming the design.

Lucian four gang dimmer switch in bronze

Black aluminium

Very sharp, very smart and oozing contemporary chic.

Double Florence plug socket in black

Perspex

The brilliant thing about Perspex switches and sockets is that you can’t see them. Instead, you get an uninterrupted view of your beautiful wallpaper or paint colour, with just a barely-there switch on show.

Lucian Perspex one gang intermediate toggle switch in clear Perspex and aged brass

Paintable

Another brilliant way to make switch plates and sockets disappear is to paint them the same colour as your wall. Or, alternatively, use a completely different colour for a contrasting pop!

reasons to switch up your switches (and sock-it to your sockets!)

Going for beauty in your switches and sockets has some surprising benefits…

1) Introduce subtle colour and contrast

White is the default colour for sockets and switches because it’s neutral. But making a more intentional choice about colour details can really enhance the tone of a room.  For example, a brass switch plate set against a richly painted wall – say, deep blue, forest green, or warm terracotta – creates an understated but nonetheless gorgeous contrast. These tiny pops of material and colour add layers of depth and personality to your interiors.

2) Bring in texture and character

Flat plastic switches do little for a room’s overall feel, but semi-matte cast brass or rich bronze ones give your room an extra dimension of texture. Switches in good materials carry a subtle hint of craftsmanship (especially if they have rounded edges, like Pooky’s), making them feel like an integral part of your home’s design rather than an afterthought.

3) Enjoy timelessness – and eliminate weird anachronisms

The right switches and sockets work beautifully with both period properties and modern interiors.  Whether you want to match the heritage features of a Victorian home or complement a sleek, contemporary space, metal and perspex finishes ensure your fittings never feel out of place. Say goodbye to the jarring, anachronistic juxtaposition of a classic patterned wallpaper and a stark white plastic socket!

4) Add a touch of luxe

Metallic accents in a room are a great way to bring a luxurious look to a room. Upgrade your switches and sockets to brass or bronze and tie them together with other metallic details like handles, light fixtures and picture frame – for that refined, elegant (or slightly decadent) look.

5) Elevate your everyday interactions 

A notable but rarely-noted thing about light switches and sockets is that they’re some of the most-touched items in our homes. A beautiful switch—crafted from high-quality materials with a beautifully smooth finish—adds a quiet sense of joy to the everyday. Pooky’s switches have a mechanism with a lovely ‘click’ – it’s a small but satisfying upgrade that will give you a very tiny little bit of joy every day.

At Pooky we’ve spent ages working on our switches and sockets until we’ve found the ranges that we think work best for any room.

Check out our new Lucian style in brass, bronze and Perspex here, and our much-loved Florence style in brass, bronze and black here.

And see all Pooky’s beautiful designer light switches and plug sockets here.