One morning, I woke up with a sudden, burning hatred for my outlet cover plates. For years, I’d lived in my apartment without a second thought about them, until one day, it hit me: they were hideous. They weren’t unusually offensive either, just the same slightly grimy off-white plates you probably have. But once you see them for the uninspired pieces of plastic they are, there’s no going back.
The thing is, you don’t have just one outlet cover plate; you have many — one for each electrical socket. What’s the point of having a super chic table lamp plugged into an ugly outlet plate? Like putting a bumper sticker on a Bentley. But rather than despair, I saw this as a glass-half-full situation: rather than trying to strategically hide electrical sockets, it meant more canvases to decorate, more opportunities to customize and elevate!
Thankfully, the solution to this common predicament is inexpensive and so easy that even I, a tool-challenged individual, can execute it. ‘As a professional interior designer, I often recommend replacing outlet covers as a simple yet impactful way to refresh a space,’ says Jodi Peterman of Elizabeth Erin Designs. ‘Over time, outlet covers can become discolored, cracked, or outdated, accumulating dirt and grime,’ which is not just unsightly but also a safety hazard. By swapping your cover plates for ones that are more stylish, ‘you can instantly enhance the overall appearance of a room, making it look more modern and well-maintained.’
Jodi likens choosing an outlet cover plate to accessorizing an outfit. ‘It's like adding the right jewelry, shoes, and handbag to a simple dress — the details can make all the difference. This subtle elegance demonstrates a commitment to caring for the space.’
And committed to the space (both mine and yours) I am. I searched high and low, flipping through hundreds of results from to find outlet cover plates you can actually be proud of. This might just be my new favorite hobby because I found so many gems! Presenting you now with a bit of instant gratification: the easiest, chicest upgrade you never knew you needed.
Outlet Cover Plates
Price: $4.98
As with anything under $5, some reviews for this Art Nouveau-style stamped metal wall plate are mixed. However, with a solid 4.7/5 star rating from 244 reviews, it’s clear this piece is a gem. One happy reviewer notes, ‘These pieces are very beautiful and high-quality. I can’t believe they are priced the way they are.’ And it shows — if I saw these in someone’s house, I'd assume they were a handmade find from a Paris flea market. Available in other finishes, including aged bronze and antique white, it’s worth a try at this price point.
Price: $17.65
Sometimes you just want something clean and elegant, an accent that you won’t ever tire of. That’s exactly how I feel about this pick from Wayfair. It’s not the most exciting option in the bunch, but it’s beautiful with its tastefully framed edges. I love that it's brushed nickel, rather than shiny chrome, as it won’t reveal scratches as easily (inevitable given the plugging and unplugging of cords). Match it with similarly finished hardware, such as door knobs and handles, for a cohesive look.
Price: $16.99
I never met a black marble anything I didn't like — cake stands, coffee tables, you name it, and this outlet cover plate is no exception. Its marble pattern design is printed on stainless steel, but who would know the difference? It looks incredibly realistic! Imagine this as an accent in a powder room — a luxe touch sure to impress guests. And with a perfect 5/5 star rating on Wayfair, it's a no-brainer.
Price: $39
Was: $48
Every Salo Art Design piece is crafted by passionate Italian artisans, all adhering to ancient techniques. This wall plate, made of britannium and bronze alloy accents, is all about the details. It has a Milano vibe — artsy but metropolitan. I love its two-tone colors, cut-out shapes, and curved design, which you don’t find often in this category. A unique piece for entryways, kitchens, bathrooms, or really, any room in the house!
Price: $28
While some cover plates on this list pair best with other home hardware, this option is a statement piece all on its own. Its playfully scalloped border adds a sense of fun, acting as an art piece. Choose from luxe color options for this fan-favorite piece (4.1 stars from 137 reviews), including kelly green, light sand, and metallic varieties like silver and bronze. The best part? It’s part of a broader collection, so you can deck out every plate in your home with the same scalloped design.
Price: $18.19
If you’re after something more rustic and understated, wood is a fantastic option. Particularly if you have wood floors in a similar finish, it evokes a high-end, woodsy, Ralph Lauren sort of vibe. Pairs best with gold hardware, cream, kelly green, and plaid accents. Or, match one of these plate’s many finish options to your kitchen cabinets — the wood continuity really ties the space together. With a 4.7/5 star rating from 38 reviews, it seems others agree.
Price: $22
Oversized florals dance along this gleaming cast brass cover plate from Anthropologie. I absolutely love its delicately molded border, which adds a luxe, fanciful touch that’s too charming to pass on. Given the florals, I see this pairing best with floral wallpaper for a cohesive look in a bathroom or living room, though it’s beautiful enough to stand alone as a statement piece —what else do you expect from Anthropologie home decor. If you’re after something even more eye-catching, it’s available in bronze, too.
Price: $28
Where do I even begin?! The perfectly polished bronze, the deep grooved ribs, the soft and tasteful curvature of its silhouette. Dare I say, a flawless combination of elements. Instantly, it adds a feeling of richness to even the blandest of rooms. If you’re a renter, this is the sort of thing that makes your space feel like it should cost a few hundred more a month. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the details are everything. If you can’t tell, I'm partial to this one, so don’t be surprised if I buy the whole collection to cover every outlet and switch in my studio.
Price: $14.36
If you’re working with a space with lots of warm tones or want to enhance that look, this hammered bronze cover plate is a fabulous start. From afar, it almost looks like snakeskin with its intricate indents, each casting a slightly unique shadow. As if it couldn't get any better, this affordably priced pick also has a perfect 5/5 rating. One happy customer remarks, ‘I thought the quality was very good for the price,’ adding, ‘Well made, arrived quickly and they fit in well with two other handmade craftsman ones that I had purchased at a much higher price.’
Price: $165
You might be wondering why this plate from Rejuvenation costs more than the others. Trust me, it’s worth it, and let me explain: it’s made of real brass, not just a finish on top of a less expensive metal like zinc, which is common for others on this list. It’s the real deal, and unlacquered, meaning the gorgeous patina you see starting to emerge will only get more beautiful with time. It's the sort of piece you buy for a home you plan to stay in for a while, collecting stories along with you. That’s a long way of saying that if you go for gold (okay, fine, bronze!), you won’t ever have to replace your plates again.
Price: $16.69
These wall plates take cues from vintage milled woodwork, with the updated addition of a fresh, clean white coat. It’s classic and comes in a set of three, making each outlet plate less than $6. It's among this edit’s most cost-effective options. And don’t mistake cost-effective for lesser quality: it’s earned a 4.8/5 star rating from 69 reviews. One reviewer sums it up perfectly: ‘I love these electrical plate covers. Adds a little charm to such a mundane object in the home. I’m currently replacing all of my electrical plates with these lovely beadboard plates.’
Price: $17.99
Rounding off this list is a Victorian-inspired piece just waiting to elevate every spare inch of your home. It’s made of stainless steel for durability but has the added elegance of a delicate gold-etched border. It's the sort of thing that, if your home has a similar vibe, one might expect to be original to the house (okay, well, given that this is an outlet, maybe not totally original!). Still, it has a way of transporting you to a bygone era. Pair it with sconces, chandeliers, and other elevated lighting options. Bonus points if they share similar glittering gold details.
What should I consider when shopping for outlet cover plates?
When deciding which outlet cover to buy, ‘choose a design that complements the overall aesthetic of your space,’ says interior designer Jodi Peterman. ‘Outlet covers come in various styles, from sleek and modern to ornate and traditional,’ so doing so helps narrow your choices down to a more manageable pool of options.
Next, consider materials and finishes. Are you looking for something sleek, shiny, and modern? Rustic? What are the finishes of the other fixtures and hardware in the room? Taking cues from the details already present in your space will guide you to the perfect match.
And finally, the boring but necessary part: ‘Make sure the outlet cover is compatible with your existing outlets,’ explains Jodi. ‘Some covers are designed for specific outlets, such as standard, GFCI, or decorator,’ so read each product description carefully to spare you the hassle of returning your cover later. The last thing you want is the “perfect” cover that doesn’t fit!
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