Switch plates can be a tremendous style asset in any room - and you can choose from a wide variety of finishes, styles, shapes, and sizes to find exactly what works for you.

Switch Plates for Every Room

Every room in your home that's equipped with a light needs at least one switch plate. Before you choose finishes and styles, though, you'll need to identify the type of switch plate you need. The most common are:

• Single switch. These plates can accommodate only one light switch.

• Double switch. These plates accommodate two toggle light switches.

• Triple switch. Triple switch plates have room for three light switches.

• Single switch and duplex plates. These plates allow for one toggle switch and two electrical outlets.

• Single switch and wall plates. Single switch and wall plates have room for a toggle switch and a GFCI outlet or dimmer switch.

• Single wall. These plates are designed for one GFCI outlet or dimmer switch. Wall plates are also called paddle plates or rocker plates.

• Double wall. Double wall plates can accommodate two GFCI outlets or dimmer switches.

• Triple wall. These plates have room for a combination of three dimmer switches or GFCI outlets.

• Single duplex. Single duplex plates are built for a pair of standard wall outlets.

• Double duplex. Double duplex plates can accommodate four standard wall outlets.

What You Need to Know Before You Shop for Switch Plates

Buying new switch plates can be a little tricky, and you need to understand a little terminology so you can choose the right finishing touches for your space.

GFCI/GFI Defined

Ground fault circuit interrupter devices, commonly called GFI outlets or GFCI outlets, protect you from being zapped when an electrical device you use goes bad. These devices compare the input current on the hot side to the input current on the neutral side - and if there's a difference, the outlet cuts off the power. You need GFCI protection in places where an outlet could be subjected to moisture, such as the kitchen and bathroom, as well as in places like laundry rooms, wet bars, and in the garage or other accessory buildings.

What Are Gangs?

The term gang refers to the width of a switch plate. The number of openings doesn't matter - it's all about these measurements:

• One-gang plates are 2-3/4 inches wide

• Two-gang plates are 4-1/2 inches wide

• Three-gang plates are 6-3/8 inches wide

• Four-gang plates are 8-3/16 inches wide

• Five-gang plates are 10 inches wide

• Six-gang plates are 11-13/16 inches wide

What is a Combination Plate?

A combination switch plate is one that mounts over one or more types of devices, such as toggle switches, duplex outlets, tele-data outlets, and dimmer switches.

What is Projection in Switch Plates?

The term projection refers to how far the cover sticks out from the wall. For example, if you find a switch plate that says it has 0.25-inch projection, it sticks out one quarter of an inch from the wall's flat surface.

Switch Plate Styles and Finishes

You don't have to choose plain switch plates - they're available in contemporary, transitional, traditional, and several other styles. You can also choose the finish that's just right for your space, including gorgeous bronze tones, brass tones, nickel tones, pewters, and chromes. If metals aren't the right choice, pick from specialty colors that match your décor, including black, white, and blue.

Tips for Choosing the Right Switch Plates

Some decorators believe that the switch plates you choose should blend into your walls, but others feel like they're an opportunity to make a design splash. The aesthetics are up to you, but keep these tips in mind while you're choosing switch plates for your space:

• Switch plates that match crown molding create a balanced look.

• When switch plates are mounted on vibrantly patterned or colored tile, choose a neutral color or muted metallic finish.

• Plain white walls often look best with metallic switch plates.

• Don't be afraid to mix plain white switch plates for outlets with colorful or metallic switch plates for light switches.

• Choose switch plates with a glossy finish if you're mounting them against flat paint so they stand out.