The latest light switches

In the midst of a major refurb - when your head is filled with paint charts, fabrics swatches and furniture styles - light switches might seem like one of the less important design decisions. Yet ask any interior designer or architect, and they will advise that you have every last detail specified before your builders step over your renovation threshhold. Making rushed choices when your tradesmen are onsite can lead to disappointing results, especially if the product you finally set your heart on isn't in stock.Much like the thoughtful details on a suit, it's the finer elements, like light switches (and door handles) that really elevate a home.

Luckily there has been an explosion of covetable new styles - long gone are the days of unattractive white plastic as the only choice - brass, copper and verdigiris are getting a look in, as well as galvanised, polished and brushed chrome.

A flush flat plate in brushed chrome is the smart and safe choice, but the rosta of warm metals and design styles on offer mean you can really tailor the details of your scheme. Love Mid-Century style? Go for one of the vintage models. The classic Bakelite Dolly switch has had a modern revamp and is in the inspiration for new designs, all fully functioning and equipped for current electrical standards, so there's no need to faff around sourcing original switches and getting them reconditioned.

Fans of warm metals will get hot under the collar with the brass and copper styles, in brushed, polished and distressed finishes. Most are available with dimmer options or multiple 1, 2 or 3 gang switch toggles (so that you can switch your lights on or off from more than one place, such as the top and bottom of the stairs or each end of a long hallway - or run lights on different circuits to change the mood).

So take your pick and turn your design scheme up a notch.

 

GALAVANISED SINGLE LIGHT SWITCH, £20, URBAN COTTAGE INDUSTRIES

GALAVANISED SINGLE LIGHT SWITCH, £20, URBAN COTTAGE INDUSTRIES

A single wall switch with a face plate which has been high temperature galvanised for a beautiful and unique finish. Double and triple switches are available too for a coherent look. Made in the UK for exceptional quality and durability.

BLACK CERAMIC JELLY MOULD SWITCH, £41, HOLLOWAYS OF LUDLOW

BLACK CERAMIC JELLY MOULD SWITCH, £41, HOLLOWAYS OF LUDLOW

These authentic light switches really look the part and are indistinguishable from turn of the century originals. Unlike reclaimed examples, however, the insides meet current electrical standards.

HOLDER 2 WAY SINGLE BRUSHED STEEL SWITCH, £8, B&Q

HOLDER 2 WAY SINGLE BRUSHED STEEL SWITCH, £8, B&Q

Fitting flush to the wall, the flat screwed profile of this brushed steel toggle switch toggle switch has a sleek and discreet appearance. It's also available as a 2 gang switch, ideal for controlling the same light from two locations.

VARILIGHT 1 GANG V PRO ROTARY DIMMER, £24, JOHN LEWIS

VARILIGHT 1 GANG V PRO ROTARY DIMMER, £24, JOHN LEWIS

A sleek, brushed brass traditional rotary dimmer switch with a screwless metal face plate. It features a push on/off function and is suitable for mains and low voltage halogen lighting; dimmable CFL; and dimmable LED.

VARILIGHT 1 GANG V PRO ROTARY DIMMER, £24, JOHN LEWIS

VARILIGHT 1 GANG V PRO ROTARY DIMMER, £24, JOHN LEWIS

A sleek, brushed brass traditional rotary dimmer switch with a screwless metal face plate. It features a push on/off function and is suitable for mains and low voltage halogen lighting; dimmable CFL; and dimmable LED.

COPPER SINGLE DIMMER SWITCH, £40, DOWSING REYNOLDS

COPPER SINGLE DIMMER SWITCH, £40, DOWSING REYNOLDS

Say goodbye to boring white light switches, and a great big hello to this copper dimmer light switch. The colours, the finish and the feel are just so gorgeous that it actually makes switching a light on and off a pleasure.

BRASS DOLLY SWITCH MATT BLACK, £38, JIM LAWRENCE

BRASS DOLLY SWITCH MATT BLACK, £38, JIM LAWRENCE

The beautiful brass toggle switch on this matt black bevelled backplate really stands out. It's also available as a two toggle switch for switching lights from either one or two places (e.g. top and bottom of the stairs). Bespoke switch configurations are also available.

VERDIGRIS DOLLY SWITCH, £56, FORBES & LOMAX

VERDIGRIS DOLLY SWITCH, £56, FORBES & LOMAX

Inspired by ancient bronze artefacts, this verdigris switch has a distinctive patina finish. The plates are hand finished giving a variable effect, that makes each plate unique.

Jacky Parker is a London-based freelance journalist and content creator, specialising in interiors, travel and food. From buying guides and real home case studies to shopping and news pages, she produces a wide range of features for national magazines and SEO content for websites

A long-time contributor to Livingetc, as a member of the team, she regularly reports on the latest trends, speaking to experts and discovering the latest tips. Jacky has also written  for other publications such as Homes and Gardens, Ideal Home, Red, Grand Designs, Sunday Times Style and AD, Country Homes and Interiors and ELLE Decoration.