Do switches and outlets have to match?

[Bruce Woodruff]

So we have a new place and it has the old style rocker switches. I'm replacing them with Decora style. Question is this: the kitchen cabinets, counter and backsplash almost demand a brown colored outlet/switch and plate. That is how the old owners had it and we agree...but now what about the rest of the house? How do you all do it? Same colors throughout the house? Depends on room color? One color for switches and another for outlets? My mindset in doing high end homes was always same color everywhere for consistency.....

The old owners had it different depending on the room and color, but I'm having trouble wrapping my head around that. So what d'ya think?

And trust me, I know, first world problem........

[Mike Hern]

Quote from @Bruce Woodruff:

So we have a new place and it has the old style rocker switches. I'm replacing them with Decora style. Question is this: the kitchen cabinets, counter and backsplash almost demand a brown colored outlet/switch and plate. That is how the old owners had it and we agree...but now what about the rest of the house? How do you all do it? Same colors throughout the house? Depends on room color? One color for switches and another for outlets? My mindset in doing high end homes was always same color everywhere for consistency.....

The old owners had it different depending on the room and color, but I'm having trouble wrapping my head around that. So what d'ya think?

And trust me, I know, first world problem........

I have the switches and outlets all switched to Decora for a couple of reasons. Switches and outlets wear out inside the device. And the other is that it's an inexpensive and rather easy upgrade for a rental or flip (I can be sure the devices are properly grounded ) while making the place look better.

[Greg Heden]

As a Profesional remodeler, yes they should all be the same color throughout the home unless you have a theme room calling for a different color to conceal or make a statement. As for a kitchen backsplash that has a decorative design, we use under cabinet outlet bars to eliminate them entirely as not to disrupt the design pattern and overall look.

[JD Martin]

I say it depends.

If I'm doing a full home remodel, then yes they're all going to match because all of the walls are going to match since I only use 1 color (Shoji White, for anyone who's curious :D ). 

If I'm just doing a partial or working out a specific room or area, I go with whatever looks the best for what I'm doing. If brown looks the best, then brown is what goes in. FWIW, I prefer almond or ivory on switches and outlets because they tend to go with everything and they're not as stark as bright white. Switches & outlets should match in each room IMO even if they don't match the whole house. 

[David M.]

@Bruce Woodruff

I don't see a reason why they have to match in the entire house.  If it fits that room, go do it.

[Eliott Elias]

This is the question I never knew I needed answered.

[Theresa Harris]

I've never thought about it.  I'd try to keep them all the same, but if you have a backsplash where the darker switches and plates would look better, then use those in that area only.  Anything that isn't on the backsplash should be white.

[Bruce Woodruff]

Quote from @Eliott Elias:

This is the question I never knew I needed answered.

I know, right?

[Jaron Walling]

A sign of good electrical installation; the switch plate cover screws are parallel in the same direction. 

Makes me happy. 

[Bruce Woodruff]

Quote from @Jaron Walling:

A sign of good electrical installation; the switch plate cover screws are parallel in the same direction. 

Makes me happy. 

Yes, that is a must!

[Bruce Woodruff]

Another tip (although I know this is not a Construction Forum). I'm replacing outlets in a kitchen so it must have (2) dedicated 20 Amp circuits right? Well, all of the outlets here are 15 Amp outlets. So even though my brain recalls that is ok, I decided to double check anyway since it's confusing and comes up often.....

So yes, the NEC says it's fine to install 15A outlets on a 20A circuit - including GFCIs - as long as there is more than 1 outlet on the circuit. But you cannot install 20A outlets on a 15A circuit...

Unless of course, you are plugging in an appliance that has a 20A specific plug on it (with the T).

[Scott Mac]

Hi Bruce,

Some people like every room a different color, in such instances it might be wise to use the decora color that works with the room color.

Sherwin Williams and other paints have color codes that match or contrast with the decora colors.

I prefer an all same rooms same color scheme (like new car has matching carpet in the trunk sometimes), in such instances a mono color is probably best.

In each room, I would have the switches and outlets matching color, unless it's an old house with outlets in the baseboard, then I would use  a baseboard matching color.

I think one color all through the house looks best, but that is my personal preference.

I seen a very (very very) old house that was remodeled in Venice Italy where they did not want to disturb the wall plaster due to it's fanciness and put decora switches in the baseboard sideways to kick on and off with your toes (out of code in the USA--hammer handle height).

[Bruce Woodruff]

Right now I'm leaning towards doing the kitchen in brown and everything else in white...I like the starkness. The LeGrand Adorne products are nice too, but waaaay $$$

[Ned J.]

The switch/plate color has to go with the color of the room- so if the entire house is the same color, then the switches should all match if you want that much detail