Changing out a faceplate is probably one of the easiest and fastest projects you'll ever do. Yet the effect is instant and memorable-a finishing touch that's as easy as using a screwdriver.

Take a look at your home's outlet covers and lightswitch plates. Are they old? Chipping? Dented? Hopelessly dirty? You may not believe it now, but opting to replace them can really tie a room together nicely. Faceplates come in so many different kinds of styles and materials it's almost guaranteed that you will find one that matches the look you are going for. To get some ideas, check out switchhits.com and coolknobsandpulls.com. Both sites have great items to choose from, even novelty switch plates for the wine or baseball lover.

Ahdee, our Jane-in-training, had stainless steel appliances. When we updated her kitchen island, her old switch plate just didn't look right. For a couple of dollars, we replaced it with a stainless steel model, to bring everything together.

Project Steps

 

Remove the screws in the existing switch plate using a manual screwdriver. Avoid the temptation to use your power driver; it's much more likely to scratch the plates or the wall. Make sure your screwdriver is the right size for the screwheads, and work slowly.

 

Carefully remove the switch plate.

 

Clean the area around where the new switch plate will go. If the area looks pretty grimy, you may want to clean it up and even touch up the area with a little paint. Just be sure to wait for the paint to dry fully before installing your new switch plate.

 

Position your new switch plate on the wall. The screw holes should match up with the previous plate's holes. If they don't, mark where the holes should go, and then use the drill to make them.

 

Begin screwing in your new switch plate by alternating the top and bottom screw. Make sure not to tighten the screws too much, otherwise, you could wind up cracking the plate, if it's breakable.

Whether they are stainlesss, nickel, ceramic or gold, new switch plates are a fantastic way to update a room. Even the higher-quality brands can be purchased relatively inexpensively, and take but just a few minutes to install. Take our word for it and try replacing a few of your outlet covers. We think you'll be pleasantly surprised!

See a list of all the materials and tools we used for Ahdee's complete kitchen makeover here