Every house we’ve ever lived in has had almost outlets and switches. Every single one. I keep thinking I might get away from them at some point, but I haven’t managed that seemingly impossible feat. Why, oh why are almond lighting fixtures so prevalent?! Changing the outlet and switch covers is easy and inexpensive, but changing out the actual switches and outlets is another story. We attempted it in our last house and, after we switched out a few, we realized the house had many complicated switches that were two, three, four, and even five-way switches. We probably could’ve figured it out, but once we got into it, we decided to just leave it alone. When we had some professional electrical work done as a part of our ensuite bath renovation, the electrician asked about the almond switch paired with the white switch plate, “Is this a design choice?” I laughed and told him no. It was just the best I could do. He thought he might be missing out on some two-tone electrical fixture trend
So, with this house, we’ve had switches and outlets updated as we’ve had professional electrical work done throughout the house, but we still have a lot of almond outlets. (Most of the switches are white now.) As I was painting the dining room wainscoting, I had a faint recollection of someone telling me that there are now paintable outlet covers that don’t involve rewiring the entire outlet. I decided to look into it further and there they were – paintable outlet covers. They completely cover the outlet to hide the old almond fixtures. Hallelujah! Now, I could have the outlets look fully integrated in the Oval Room Blue-painted wainscoting.
I ordered five of THESE for the dining room and was a little surprised at the high price tag (over $10/each), but I was willing to pay that to hide the almond outlets. It’s a small detail that will make a big difference. Well, I was mistaken, and the price was for a five-pack! I laughed as I opened the box and realized I had ordered 20 outlet covers! A little over $2/each was a much better deal and I’ll need them for the basement and will certainly use them in other rooms.
They take 2-3 coats and look a little ugly after the first coat, but the paint adhered to the plastic well.
Once painted and dried, I installed the outlet covers, keeping the screw a little loose so I could hit it with some paint before tightening it. Now, the outlet disappears into the paint color.
I was a little skeptical that it would allow a plug to make solid contact with the receptacle, but it works perfectly.
I really do believe that it’s the little details that make a room look polished. Freshly-painted ceilings, carefully chosen accessories, colors, and fabrics, thoughtful additions, editing, and, now, outlet covers painted the color of the wall. Finally.
16 Responses
But what about the switches? They still have their little white/almond tongue sticking out 😜
As usual you’ve made a 70s house look refreshed, renewed and fabulous. Well done.
I have dabbed a bit of paint on the switches and it has worked well for me.
Seems like a good project for children to take over, have them paint those outlets to brush up on their skills for art class.
Excellent, love it when you can apply the easy button.
I like how your painted outlets look. They blend beautifully.
I used a white one to cover a beige colored outlet years ago. It looks great and cheaper than changing out the outlet.
Now THAT is a really great find!! I’m noting the info in my book. Thank you, dear Marian! Always a font of good ideas.
Oh my, this post took me back in time several decades to my mom carefully covering the light-switch plate in my bedroom with fabric to match my new bedspread then several years later turning a teenaged me loose with paint to create a new switch design to complement my new teen decor. Thank you for sparking such sweet beautiful memories.
One of the best things I ever did was hire an electrical team to change out all the outlets and cover plates to the nice, clean white Lutron or Leviton outlets. Some now have dimmers but every switch and outlet is new, white and clean looking. Made a huge difference.
Couldn’t you just use sandpaper/steel wool to give the regular covers some tooth? These look VERY nice, but it sounds as if it was a long journey for you
Shhhh….don’t tell anyone. But I lightly paint my almond switches and outlets with white paint. It works just fine. Not perfect, but beats having to change them all out since hubby doesn’t think it matters so not supportive of that bigger change. At least then it is white switches and outlets in white plates.
Do you know if the outlet still has a good electrical connection?
Yes, that’s what I was a little skeptical about, but they still work great.
The brass switches and outlets from Restoration Hardware (some time ago )still make me happy! This is interesting tho, and you have wonderful taste. So looking forward to your completed dining room!
I’ve always just painted over the outlets and switches! I didn’t know that there were special paintable ones.
Could you share the paint color , sheen and brand? I love how it turned out!
Hahaha. I changed all my mismatched outlet covers back to the original vintage almond colored covers I had found at a vintage industrial store.