Switch plate covers are one of those minor details that can make a big impact in any space. They are the finishing touch to any room. When done right, they are barely noticeable, yet make a room look polished. When done wrong, they will stick out and be spotted for all the wrong reasons. Their purpose is to conceal any wiring or holes in the wall, as well as to provide a decorative frame for the controls for mechanisms like the lights, phone, cable, data jacks and any electric outlets. Since there are various types of switches, including both rocker and toggle, as well as single or multiple levers, it is important to know exactly what outlets are in each room. Regardless of what the control is for, or the size, they should all match to achieve a cohesive look.

Many people feel that wood switch plates are more versatile than other materials like brushed nickel, porcelain, clear plastic, copper, pewter, iron or bronze. This is because they can be painted to match the wall color and blend into the background, stained to match trim, flooring, furniture or cabinetry in the kitchen, given a protective varnish or lacquer to provide a sheen and protect the substance, or left unfinished for a natural look. Any type of wood can be used including pine, oak, alder, ash, beech, hickory, maple, cedar, poplar, mahogany, birch, douglas fir, teak, walnut, bamboo and cherry. Each type has it's own unique markings, knots and streaks that make it special.

In addition, wood switch covers can also have designs and figures cut, engraved or burned into the surface. A decorative boarder carved around the edges will look elegant. They can also be different shapes like a square, oval or abstract shape, as well as different configurations such as an animal or fruit. In a young child's room, figures like a tiger, zebra, elephant or monkey would be perfect for a jungle-themed room. They can then be painted in bright colors for added dimension. In a rustic log cabin or country style house, nature scenes, like an elk walking next to a pine tree in the woods, a squirrel climbing a tree or a howling wolf, will fit right into the design scheme. Anyone with an eclectic room can use wood switch plates as an accessory and paint them in a unique checkerboard pattern, a floral design or strip the wood and age it to look like it has been around for a long time.