How to make your outlets and switches look nicer, according to interior designers

After spending some much time curating beautiful room interiors, the last thing you want is for your light switches and power outlets to create an eyesore in your scheme, creating a jarring feature. Light switches in particular are always visible in a room, and in spaces like the kitchen , outlets are usually right in your line of sight. But why not make a more decorative feature out of them, rather than trying to hide them away? There are plenty of ways to make your switches and outlets look nicer and more intentional.

We've asked interior designers for their favorite ways to elevate these usually ugly features that we simply couldn't be without. Whether you want your switches and outlets to blend into your walls or want to make them an unexpected feature in a room, these tips and tricks will give you plenty of ideas to consider. 1.

Rotate the receptacle boxes Power outlets are inevitably going to be visible, especially in a kitchen above the countertops. But a simple swap in how you orient them can make all the difference to the overall finish. 'One of the simplest things I do is to have the electrician turn the receptacle (outlet) boxes horizontally at the rough-in stage.

This can make any receptacle look more elevated and luxurious – even the inexpensive plastic ones,' says interior designer Bethany Adams . 'A horizontal outlet above a horizontal baseboard is much less obtrusive (bonus points if you have it actually cut into the baseboard), and it is an absolute MUST to.