Light Switches & Dimmers

Which style for your décor?

Like Henry Ford’s Model T, there was a time when light switches were available only in a single colour—in this case, white. Surprisingly, it wasn’t that long ago, as mass production meant plastic replaced many traditional materials—such as brass and wood.

Now, white plastic isn’t necessarily the wrong choice when it comes to choosing a switch and there are many design options that perfectly suit the neutral tones of a contemporary home. However, what to do if you own a period property? Is it even possible to merge period with contemporary?

The answer lies in another form of plastic—acrylic. Clear acrylic faceplates are transforming the humble light switch by making them an almost invisible. Whether your walls are covered in a patterned wallpaper or you opt for bright colours, acrylic switches mean your look remains seamless. Pair them with a traditional dolly switch in a period home or with a rocker switch to pull off a more contemporary feel.

Dimmers and sensors

Dimmer switches, in a theatrical sense, have been around for more than 120 years. However, residential dimmer switches only came into being in the late 1950s, when it became possible to house them in a standard wallbox fixture. Even now, 60-odd years later, dimmer switches are still at the cutting edge of lighting technology, only today, these switches are just as likely to be controlled via RF and even motion sensors, rather than standard toggles.

In terms of sensors, why not take it one step further and remove the switch plate entirely? Modern PIR sensors are small enough to be seamlessly integrated into any interior design. These sensors utilise infra-red technology to detect human presence and can automatically turn lights on. They have the added benefit of sensing when a room is empty and can switch the lights off again, too.

Outdoor switches

Traditionally, outdoor lighting tended to be controlled by bulky, unattractive switches. Nowadays, outdoor lighting design has come into its own and means we can have all the functionality with greatly improved aesthetics. Team lighting with sunset switches, which incorporate photoelectric sensors to automatically switch lights on when it gets dark, for even greater flexibility. Or, go that one step further and harness the power of solar to take your outdoor lighting off-grid.

Connectivity and accessibility

Technological advances in home automation are transforming the ways in which we live. Downloadable apps allow us to control every aspect of our homes, particularly lighting and even turning on appliances—including when we’re not even in the country. Wi-fi switches, timer switches and even switches with built-in voice recognition technology afford us ultimate flexibility—and accessibility—regardless of where we are and our design choices.

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Modern homeowners tend to favour open-plan living, which depending on the size of the spaces in question can raise some issues around adequate lighting. While ambient downlighting is the obvious solution, more and more people are choosing the intimacy that task lighting provides—think floor and table lamps. If that is you, consider having floor-mounted sockets and switches installed. These can be flush with the floor or as a pop-up option, both of which provide flexibility when it comes to furniture placement as well as containing unsightly power chords.

Another idea that is in keeping with a sleek, uncluttered look, particularly in kitchens and open-plan spaces, is the power drawer. Basically, a kitchen drawer—or a built-in drawer in a study nook—is fitted out with multiple power and USB sockets that mean you can charge your devices without cluttering surfaces.

Don’t forget the light switches when redecorating

Every last detail of a home décor design should be considered when building, renovating or refreshing – and light switches are more than a minor detail. Placed in pride of place, at eye level, besides most entranceways and doorways, light switches are a ubiquitous feature in a home and as such deserve due consideration. To take it a step further, consider matching the light switches to the wall sockets and the door handles to achieve fully integrated design appeal.

How to choose designer light switches

Traditional white light switches do the job and will blend into most environments, but when looking for designer light switches, consider your overall design theme and make sure they complement it – or stand out boldly. Typical finishes include brass, chrome, copper, nickel, and stainless steel. Brass or gold knobs on a black plate will really lift the walls and fit in well in a modern or industrial theme. Jet black knobs with designer dimmer detailing will provide a truly contemporary feel, while a tarnished copper plate with silver switches will cap off a vintage theme perfectly. The options really are endless – and well worth exploring.

Light switches have certainly joined the 21st century, with a wide range of hi-tech options now available – from wifi light switches to timer light switches and sensor light switches, light switches are another area that technology is helping to make home living hassle-free.

Use a dimmer switch to achieve perfect room lighting

In the bedroom, living room or study, the ability to vary the brightness of the room lighting adds significant control over ambience. While bright light is required or desired in some task-oriented situations, when it comes time to relax and unwind, dim lighting can really set the mood. Whether the mechanism is manual – by dial, slide or touchpad - or operated by remote control, achieving the perfect lighting scenario is easy when dimmer switches are installed.  

Additionally, dimmer switches will lengthen the lifespan of electric bulbs and are an unbelievable energy efficient add on, with the ability to conserve up to 98 per cent of electrical energy.