SECRET INGREDIENT
GET SWITCHED ON TO THE POWER OF THE FIXTURE WE ALL TAKE FOR GRANTED – STYLE COUNTS BUT THERE’S SO MUCH MORE TO CONSIDER
FEATURE OONAGH TURNER
Often going unnoticed in the corner of your room, plug sockets are the perfect example of a functional device that deserves a bit of aesthetic love. When it comes to tying a room together, the small details are everything – and swapping that white plastic socket for something classier can really make all the difference to your interiors. We’ve put together a handy guide to getting the design, material and socket placement just right for your home – you’ll be amazed at all there is to know.
Plug sockets can be switched or unswitched. A switched plug turns on and off at the socket, giving you full control, while unswitched are for electrical appliances that are continually in use, such as fridges. Some wall sockets also come with a USB port. This option has become popular over the past few years, reflecting the growing reliance on plug sockets for phone charging. They are easy to fit and the same size as your standard socket. Remember that not every socket will need a USB. It will hardly come in handy on your living room floor, but is the perfect addition to a home office desk.
For homes with a modern interior, a chrome finish is a great material choice for your plug sockets. A screwless face is another minimalist and contemporary look, giving a seamless finish with the absence of any physical screws. ‘Alternatively, for an industrial look, choose matt black – it’s perfect when paired with Crittall features,’ says Mark Holloway, founder of Holloways of Ludlow. If you’re looking to fit a period home, go with brass or bronze for understated elegance.
‘Match your sockets to existing hardware such as light fittings or handles for a uniform look,’ advises Connor Prestwood, interior designer at Dowsing & Reynolds – but bear in mind that some materials, specifically polished chrome, are a nightmare for fingerprints. With the variety of colourways out there, go adventurous with a bold colour contrast against the wall, or help your socket blend in with the paint by picking a perfect colour match.
Plug socket placement varies room by room depending on how you use electricity. ‘Your ideal placement for sockets in a kitchen is above the counters for appliances like to
