Wall Plates & Accessories

This collection is all about the covers that finish switches and outlets. It includes screwless Decora-style plates from Leviton, Lutron Claro and ENERLITES, unbreakable polycarbonate plates from ELEGRP, metal plates in antique brass, aged bronze and black from ZILLSEA and OKAWYC, beaded and pearl-edged decorative styles, bamboo-fibre plates, a mirrored acrylic option and paintable covers. SnapPower GuideLight plates with built-in LED night lights are here too, as is a recessed two-gang box with a paintable plate.

Match the plate to the device behind it first. Toggle switches, decorator devices (rocker switches, GFCI and decorator receptacles) and standard duplex receptacles each need a different opening, and multi-gang plates can combine different openings. Then pick a size. Standard, midsize and jumbo plates cover progressively more wall, which helps hide rough drywall cuts or a paint line left by an old plate. Screwless styles clip onto a sub-plate for a clean look. Polycarbonate flexes rather than cracking, while metal plates should be properly grounded through the device mounting screws.

Turn the circuit off at the panel before removing a cover, even for a cosmetic swap, because screwdrivers slip. Night-light plates draw power through prongs that touch the receptacle's side terminals, so they only fit certain receptacle styles; check compatibility first. If you replace the switch or receptacle itself, look for a CSA or cUL mark on the new device, as Canadian electrical codes require certified equipment.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between standard, midsize and jumbo wall plates?

They differ only in outside dimensions. Standard plates are the smallest and most common. Midsize, sometimes called oversized, adds roughly 6 mm or more on each side, and jumbo plates are larger again. The bigger sizes are handy for covering ragged drywall cuts, old paint outlines or boxes set slightly off level.

Are screwless wall plates compatible with any switch or outlet?

They fit decorator-style devices, meaning rocker switches, GFCI receptacles and rectangular decorator outlets. A sub-plate screws onto the device and the cover snaps over it. Older toggle switches and round duplex outlets need their own matching plates, since the openings differ. Check that the sub-plate and cover come from the same brand.

Can I paint a wall plate to match my wall?

Yes. Remove it first, clean it, and use a primer suited to plastic or metal before the topcoat. Paintable polycarbonate plates are designed for this. Never paint plates while installed, because paint can bridge into the receptacle or switch and make the device stiff or unsafe to use.

How do night-light outlet covers work without wiring?

Plates such as the SnapPower GuideLight have thin metal prongs on the back that press against the side terminal screws of the receptacle, drawing a small amount of power for the built-in LEDs. Both outlets remain available for use. They only work with receptacles whose side terminals are exposed, so check the compatibility list.