Picking the right colors and designs for your home is a very exciting and creative task. However, it can become very hectic when you are unsure of which appliances or objects need to match in color or design. One problem you may run into is what you should match your outlet covers to. Don't worry; we brought you the answer.
Some experts recommend that you need to match outlet covers to either your wall, trim, or backsplash. But others recommend that you may want to match all four of these things. However, the choice is up to you!
If you still have some questions about incorporating outlet covers into your home decor scheme, don't worry. In this post, we'll discuss the topic in more detail. Just keep reading!
Is It Absolutely Necessary To Match Outlet Covers To Other Items?
While most experts do recommend that you match your outlet covers to your wall, trim, and backsplash (or all three), it is definitely not essential for you to do so.
Deciding whether or not you want the outlet covers to match your wall, trim, or backsplash depends on your preferences.
For example, if you want your home to have a more cohesive, subtle appearance, then it may benefit you to match your outlet covers to your wall or trim. However, if cohesiveness and subtlety aren't high on your list of priorities, then don't worry too much about matching outlets to other items.
If you do value cohesiveness, determine how many things you want to match your outlets to. Do you want to match your outlets to just the wall or the wall, trim, and backsplash? Let's discuss the benefits of matching outlets to each one of these items individually and matching all of them together.
Matching Outlets To The Wall
Painting your outlets and walls the same color is probably the best option for making your home look cohesive. Often, if outlets and walls display two distinctly different colors, they clash, which results in the outlet standing out.
So, it's not absolutely necessary for outlets and walls to be the same color, but it does help if they display similar or complementary colors.
Matching Outlets To Trim
Matching outlets to trim is great for giving the outlet a subtle appearance. This pairing can also make the wall look a bit textured, adding a layer of uniqueness to the home.
Matching Outlets To Backsplash
The backsplash is perhaps the trickiest thing to match with outlets. Outlets can break up the creative, consistent design of a backsplash, which can leave people wondering what to do with them.
Matching the outlets to the primary color in your backsplash is one of the best ways to prevent them from breaking up a beautiful design.
However, if you don't want your outlets to be too similar to your backsplash, you can always pick a color or design that complements the backsplash. Complementary colors can emphasize the beauty of your backsplash.
Matching Outlets To The Wall, Trim, And Backsplash
If you value togetherness, matching outlets to the wall, trim, and backsplash is probably your best bet. This option allows you to capture cohesiveness, subtlety, and consistency all in one.
How Does Location Affect Which Outlet Color You Should Choose?
There are a variety of outlet covers to choose from nowadays. One factor that you should consider when choosing outlet color is location. The best colors for your outlets will vary depending on where your outlets are in the house.
Living Room
For example, when painting living room outlets, you might want to pick a color that matches your decor. Decor is typically the focal point of the living room, so it's extremely beneficial to pick an outlet color that complements it.
Kitchen
When choosing outlet covers for the kitchen, you should be mindful that the covers could get stained. So, it's probably best that you stay away from white outlet covers, as these obviously stain easily.
As mentioned, you could pick an outlet color that matches or complements the backsplash to highlight the kitchen's consistency.
Bedroom
Your entire house should reflect your tastes and interests, but this is especially true for your bedroom. Your bedroom should express the vibe you want, even through details such as outlet covers.
Most people try to capture a peaceful vibe in their bedrooms; soft colors are perfect for this mood. However, if you prefer bolder colors, there are plenty of options out there. You could even try a pattern such as stripes or flowers if you want. It's all about capturing your unique style.
Are Metal Or Plastic Outlet Covers Better?
In general, metal outlet covers are seen as the better option. Metal outlet covers offer several advantages that plastic covers don't.
For one, metal covers are more durable than plastic covers. Plastic outlet covers are well known for cracking when people tighten them. This won't happen with metal outlet covers because they're metal and are therefore stronger.
Additionally, metal outlet covers are also easier to clean than plastic outlet covers. Plastic outlet covers can easily become permanently stained and discolored. When this happens, you are left with no choice but to replace the outlet covers, which costs additional money.
Conversely, when metal outlet covers become dirty, you can easily clean them with a cleaner of your choice and a cloth.
Another benefit of metal outlet covers is that they come in more sizes than plastic outlet covers. This gives people more versatility and more opportunity to find an outlet cover that fits their outlet.
When Should You Replace Outlet Covers?
There are many reasons why you may need to replace outlet covers. One of the main reasons is if your outlet cover is cracked. If your outlet cover is cracked, it can accumulate dust very quickly. You may be wondering why your outlet collecting dust is a big deal.
Well, the dust that settles in the cracks of the outlet can actually spark a fire, which is obviously a significant hazard. So, if you ever spot cracks in any of your outlet covers, change them as soon as you can!
You should also replace your outlet covers if they are too small. Outlet covers that are too small form gaps between the outlet cover and the wall, creating a space for dust to accumulate. So, because dust also accumulates in this scenario, undersized outlet covers are a fire hazard.
Additionally, if you ever notice that your outlets look burned, change the covers immediately. However, since a burned outlet typically indicates that a wire isn't grounded, you may also need to check the wires and rewire the outlets.
It's very important to consistently check the state of your outlets; not noticing cracks, gaps, or a burned appearance can result in life-threatening situations.
In Closing
Some experts say that you should match outlet covers to either your walls, trim, or backsplash, while others state that you should match them to all three.
However, the choice is ultimately based on your preferences, and it's not absolutely necessary to match any of the items together. However, doing so can provide a cohesive look.
Keep in mind that the best colors for outlet covers can vary based on the area of the house the outlets are in. Additionally, always be sure to check your outlet covers for cracks, gaps, or a burned appearance; these things indicate that you need to replace your outlet covers.
Before you go, check out some of our other articles:
How To Wallpaper Around Switches, Outlets, And Other Obstacles