It seems like most every owner of a 40s 50s or 60s home ripped out their stylish, original electric switchplates at some point, and replaced them with innocuous ones. It is great fun to try to find these – and to replace them throughout the house. I think they a terrific touch. AND, see update from reader Lou…
Yowza: Look at this one contributed by reader Lou! I have never seen one like this before.
And, she sends this one – it glows in the dark – and has those special star-shaped screws. Cool!
There are actually quite a few designs – Modern…and colonial…as usual. It’s nice to find enough to have all the plates in one room coordinate — but I am not too obsessed with being all matchy matchy throughout the entire house.
You can find wallplates at estate sales, in the basement on a shelf or near the tool bench. And – they often show up, in original packaging like the ones shown here, at my Re-Store. In either case, you can generally pick them up for 10 cents to a $1 each.
A Retro Renovation re-run, originally published Jan. 29, 2008
Kory Carroll says
Hi Pam, should I send You a seperate E-Mail with the Plate that I put with the Comments, or can You take them from the Message?
Pam Kueber says
Ok, everybody, I see a major need here for us to chronicle and capture every style of switchplate available in the postwar era. The wackier the better. If you have a good one, send me an email pic at: retrorenovation at gmail dot com. I will start loading them into a slide show. Be sure to also tell me where you are located. Many thanks!
Pam Kueber says
Good for you, Catherine, that’s the spirit!
Catherine says
Our 1950 ranch flooded in Hurricane Ike and is now undergoing a retro renovation, so I am THRILLED to find this website. Thanks for all the tips and inspiration. Just today I found an outlet cover like the one on the right in the trash pile with all our drywall! Saved!
MidCent Keith says
I have a switch plate with 6 of the “despard” switches that cadman mentioned above.. there is one of the six switches that I have no idea what it controls – it’s wired, but not sure to what! Someday when I’m not pulled in three different directions, I’ll trace the wiring!
Mary says
Cool stuff, since reading the re-done post, I have hunted through my home and found some that are quite unique–what fune! I have one switchplate that holds two sideways light switches with an electric plug in between, obviously parts of my home still have the original electrical…hmmmmm. Well, it has worked well so far!
Robert says
Hello,
Ok this brings up what is proper and what isn’t. The ones shown are not painted. Paint them or not to paint them? Paint the switch and plug hole area or not to paint that part?
I personally don’t paint outlets.
What do you do?
What are we supposed to do?
Robert.
Pam Kueber says
Hi Robert – I don’t paint any part of the switch or cover plate…
cadman says
Stephan, Jeanne,
I’ve been hoarding all manner of vintage electrical switches/plates/accessories for the last couple years for my new construction and it sounds like you’re talking about the Despard system. Believe it or not, parts can still be found at some of the box stores or True-Value type places (though not as stylish).
Here’s how it works. You can mix and match up to 3 switches, pilot lights and receptacles that snap into a metal frame that comes with the plate. Mount your box horizontal or vertical, your choice, and pick a plate to match your config. Ivory and brown are common. Stainless steel use to be available also.
There were also double plates made for up to 6 devices using a standard 2-gang box and 2 brackets. From an electrician’s standpoint, they’re a lot more difficult to install, stuffing 3 devices worth of wiring in one box. But, just as safe as a “regular” switch.
Cory
James Lehr says
Hi Cory,
Do you have – or have you ever seen – Feathertouch switches? They are swiss-made, from the 50s-70s and have a small rocker (instead of a toggle) that has a red dot on the “on” side. My house has several, and I have been looking for some extra switchplates. Can’t seem to find anything on Ebay or Restore. I do know they were imported by J.H. Theiler of Woodinsville, Mass. Have seen them in lots of midcentury homes and businesses.
Thanks,
James
mike says
I have quite a few of the switches NIB ivory and Brown most are 4way if you need them ! also have some covers if i can find them ! what covers do you need ?
pam kueber says
no buying/selling here on the blog – head to the Forum / ebay / etsy / craigslist, please. thanks!
James Lehr says
Hi Mike,
Would you consider putting them on ebay? I’ll be sure to watch.
Thanks
James
pam kueber says
gosh, i have a couple dozen of these too. need to put them on ebay! Re-Store!
Jeanne says
I’d like to replace a switch plate cover in my foyer, but it’s an unusual configuration and can’t just find one in any store. It’s a double switch, but the switches are horizontal, one on top of the other. So, it looks like an outlet cover, but the holes are smaller. Anyone have any ideas?
Jill says
Oh gee…just last night I saw a collection of 1950’s glitter switch plates on ebay for cheap. I just couldn’t quite go there, but sure hope someone will! They were the BOMB!