It's been over a month since I shared an update on the study, and I might have mentioned that it's been needing some paint touch-ups, so although it's been in use, we've been anxiously awaiting everything to be finally "done, done." Well, the good news is that it's being touched up as we speak, and I'm hoping that's the end of this painting journey. The other good news is that we spent 5 minutes swapping out the white plastic switch plate for brass. Talk about an instant upgrade.
Picture Light | Brass Pulls | Dimmer & Switch Plate
While plastic switches are completely practical and functional, I love the added charm of an old-timey brass plate with a toggle switch. I found this source called Buster & Punch which sells the most beautiful metal fixtures for everyday use. And that's where I got this customized beauty, with one toggle switch and one knob–both extremely satisfying to use.
Skill-level-wise, swapping out your electrical outlets and switch plates is beginner-level. We did have an electrician swap ours out, and he said it was no different than swapping out a regular one. It doesn't require much expertise, tools, or time, but you do need some basic electrical understanding.
Eventually, I would like to be able to upgrade all of the switchplates in our house, but I'm taking it one room at a time, simply from the budgeting perspective (this kit cost $217). I also want to make sure we totally love this specific kit enough to put it everywhere, and so far, so good.
On the other end of the budget spectrum, when we designed our kitchen, I selected this budget-friendly pack of 10 outlets and plate covers, which, IMO, are better than the white plastic. They're still plastic, but the brass look is definitely an upgrade from the traditional builder-grade look.
Shop our range nook
Definitely recommend going with something like this if you're needing to stretch your budget but still want to elevate the finishes in your home.
Shop our kitchen
While on the hunt for brass switchplates for the study, I came across so many good options that I thought were worth sharing because where do you even shop for something like this? There are so many good ones at every price point, and I rounded them up for you.
Shop outlets & switches
1. Toggle Metal Wall Plate $6
2. Duplex Wall Plate $7
3. Rocker Metal Wall Plate $7
4. Beaded Double Toggle Switch Plate $10
5. Solid Wood Brass Toggle Switch Plate $13
6. Retro Brass Toggle Dimmer Switch $15
7. Lewis Single Push-Button Switch Plate $16
8. ENERLITES Elite Series Gold Wall Plate $18
9. Lewis Single Duplex Switch Plate $20
10. Wiggle Switch Plate $22-28 (variety of sizes)
11. Retro Brass Toggle Switch Socket $22
12. Old Fashioned Wooden Wall Plate $29
13. Lewis Triple Push-Button Switch Plate $32
14. Brass Light Toggle Switch Plate $55
15. ENERLITES Elite Series Outlet $47 (10-pack)
16. ENERLITES Elite Series Outlet Cover $59 (10-pack)
Other posts related to the study
Revealing The High Gloss, Custom Built-In Cabinetry In The Study
7 dark green paint colors for interiors
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Do you know if there are any GFCI outlets available in brass?? I've been searching but cannot find any.
I literally just looked at one of our switchplates today and thought, this needs to go. Timely post for me! Thanks!
I love Buster & Punch. Not sure if I can stomach the cost but they are gorgeous pieces. Whitney Leigh Morris from The Tiny Canal Cottage uses them, too.
I absolutely adore these switches and have been coveting them for years now. My problem: husband is a totally techy and all of our switches are "smart". It's really incredible. With two words I can change all of my lights to the perfect setting. I hardly ever even touch a light switch. Now I just need someone to make a gorgeous switch like this that is also smart. The dream!
Fingers crossed I can talk my husband into changing outlets and switches as we paint each room in our new house. The existing ones are almond or beige and always look dirty - especially against the pale, almost white paint colors we prefer.
My plan is for white rocker switches to replace the toggles (easier on my elbows when hands are full) and white "decorator" outlets to match the GFCI outlets we installed after the home inspection. Our walls have a heavy, rustic looking knock-down texture and I found stone switchplates from wallplates.com that I like.
Yeah - they are more expensive than simple plastic ones but it's a relatively small cost in the overall scheme of things. And beautiful things that I touch and see every day bring joy to my life.
And of course now I have more options to check out thanks to this post!