Light switches and door knobs add the finishing touches to rooms

Thursday, 17 November 2011 4:31 PM

If you have spent time and money making over your home, you don't want to overlook something and then feel as though your renovation is still missing the finishing touch. That's why fixtures like door handles and electrical switches are so important.

After all, while they may not be the main focal point of your interiors, they are fittings that are used every day and so are always on display. Should you have made the effort to completely renovate a space within your property, you don't want to fall at the last hurdle by not updating these items as well.

For example, if you have recently kitted out a previously bland living room with personal touches like thick curtains, patterned wallpaper, antique vases and beautifully re-upholstered furniture, you might wish to select light and electrical sockets that match.

You could choose something in an antique brass finish, which is sure to complement your room if you have gone for a period design scheme, such as art deco or art nouveau.

Alternatively, you could opt for the fittings in matt black, which will result in them blending in and being more subtle than the more old fashioned white plastic cases. These have a tendency to get dirty, as well as easily cracking, so something in a sleek black metal could be the ideal replacement.

There are many classic options if you want something simple - including squares with rounded corners - and there are also all manner of switches. Rocker switches are a traditional favourite with larger sizes available, while toggles and dimmers look more cutting edge.

Of course, with dimmer switches, you also have the option of controlling the level of illumination in your rooms more strategically to get the lighting you want.

If you are replacing your light switches, you should also aim to update your plug socket covers and electrical switches as well. You will find fixtures available for phone and internet connections, as well as those with fuse plates or a red light to indicate that the switch is on.

However, sometimes subtlety is the last thing you want, and there are many contemporary light switches to accommodate you, if this is the case.

One of the most striking features is a wave-shaped plate and you can select one of these with either three light switches - such as dimmers, rockers or toggles - or two plug sockets. Indeed, you may wish to buy several different fixtures in the same style to create a seamless finish for the room.

These come in stainless steel so are particularly well placed in the kitchen, if you have opted to have worktops and appliances in this material.

Other options include chrome and nickel, with either a polished or satin finish, while there are also other plate shapes, such as oval or round.

Now that you have made this much effort picking out your light switch and electric socket covers, you may wish to lend the same amount of consideration to choosing the door knobs and handles for your revamped interiors.

Luckily, this decision could be easier as you can simply use the style of switches you have purchased to guide you.

There is door furniture available in everything from antique brass to stainless steel, chrome and nickel - which means you should have few problems in picking something that matches the rest of your smaller fixtures and fittings.

By paying attention to these details, you can be sure that your finished interiors will be just what you hoped they would.