The first aspect to consider when choosing your switches and sockets is the finish, or colour. The importance of getting this right first time cannot be understated, which is why we offer metal colour sample plates to match your sockets to your choice of wall covering or interior decoration.

When considering colour and finish, do you want your socket to stand out as a design feature or do you want it to blend in?

Are you looking for a modern, sleek look or a traditional feel? Consider the choice of wall covering and paint colour when choosing your switches and sockets, and be mindful of the other hardware accessories in your room, such as door handles and window latches.

Don’t be afraid to view each room on its own, in the same way as you might do for interior design. There are no rules that say you can’t have a different finish or style in your lounge, kitchen, bathroom or bedroom, for example.

Do you prefer the look of a reflective metal finish switch plate or a more subtle matt effect textured finish? Use mirror effect sockets, such as a Polished Chrome or Polished Nickel, where you want to reflect a patterned wallpaper or curtain, or when you’re matching with other aspects of your hardware.

If you are looking to blend your sockets into the latest on-trend colours, we offer some stunning new finishes, such as Anthra Grey or Etrium Bronze, which both work well with a darker colour palette.

Don’t be afraid to also consider the tried and tested white socket, but in a Matt White finish, slim metal plate. This simple upgrade will add a clean and stylish design element to your accessories without complicating your décor. The metal white switch plate looks great in a modern, bright kitchen or breakfast room, for example.

Likewise, the understated Matt Black finish of switches and sockets gives confidence to your décor, with its minimalist dark look. Unlike some more polished ranges, the matt textured finish won’t show fingerprints.

If you are really looking to hide your lighting and power sockets, we also offer the stunning Hamilton Perspex Perception CFX range, which allows you to continue your wallpaper or wall paint colour into the plate itself. Do bear in mind that the extra installation time, however, will add a cost to your project.

From Brass to Bronze, Gloss White to Matt Black, Polished Chrome to Stainless Steel, there really is a socket colour to suit every project.

Finally, on many accessories, you might also see an “insert colour”. These are the little plastic surrounds on the socket entry itself, and sometimes around the light switch also. Inserts are often black or white, but a more common place now is a grey insert colour, which works really well against the Stainless Steel and Grey finish sockets.