SECRET INGREDIENT
THE HUMBLE ACCESSORY HAS AN IMPORTANT PART TO PLAY IN A CONSIDERED SCHEME
FEATURE OONAGH TURNER
Transforming your home into something extraordinary is all in the finer details – and light switches are a prime example. Traditionally seen as purely functional, and often given very little thought, our attitude is changing as we do away with white, plastic switchboards in favour of brass, or swap the classic flick for a dimmer or decorative toggle. ‘Choosing a beautiful switch helps to layer a foundation of styling that will establish your home’s interiors,’ says Brooke Boden from Buster + Punch. To help, our handy hints will shine a light on how to find the perfect switch for you.
Light switches range from classic flick switches to push-buttons and dimmers. Classic flick switches in a dolly toggle style have a satisfying click and vintage feel – find great options at Corston Architectural Detail. Dimmers are popular in cocooning spaces like bedrooms as an easy way to adjust the brightness of a room. ‘They are a must for overhead lights or semiconcealed LED strips and panels,’ says Wolf Luecker, founder of Swtch. Check for compatibility with your light source and think about the room’s function: a living room is a great dimmer destination, but a hallway rarely needs one. Dimmers require a free hand to rotate, while a wide rocker flick switch works if you’ve only got an elbow free. ‘Another consideration is whether you need a two-way switch or intermediate switch,’ says Xander Shreenan, interior designer at Dowsing & Reynolds. ‘A two-way switch is for any normal light fixture, and you would only need an intermediate if three or more switches control the same light.’
Switches should be placed at a height of between 750mm and 1200mm from the finished floor level for accessibility. This isn’t a hard and fast rule: use common sense and prioritise personal preference. ‘Don’t go too high, and while there is a nice ergonomic placing between waist and chest height, there definitely is a rule that you don’t go too low,’ says Brooke. Also think about whether you want yours embedded into the wall or sitting flush, which turns it into a feature of itself.
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