Replace Outlet & Switch Covers
The easiest upgrade in your entire home. Yellowed, almond, or painted-over covers instantly date a space. Swap them for crisp white or metallic screwless plates.
Quick Summary
15-30 minutes
$15-$50
Easy
Flathead screwdriver
Why This Matters
Outlet and switch covers are one of those background details your eye registers without you consciously noticing. When they're yellowed, cracked, or that 80s/90s almond color, they make even freshly painted rooms feel dated.
The good news: replacing them requires zero skills, takes minutes per cover, and costs just a few dollars each. It's the highest impact-to-effort ratio of any home upgrade.
What You'll Need
Tools
- • Flathead screwdriver (or Phillips for some)
- • Optional: Voltage tester if you're nervous
Materials
- • Outlet covers (count yours first)
- • Switch plates (single, double, or triple)
- • Combo plates if needed
- • 1-2 extras for mistakes
Style Options
Screwless Plates
$3-6 eachBest choice for most homes. Two-piece design hides screws for a clean, modern look. The base plate screws in, then the decorative cover snaps on top.
Brands: Lutron Claro, Leviton Decora
Metallic Finishes
$4-12 eachBrushed nickel, stainless steel, or brass. Coordinates with door hardware and fixtures. Great for kitchens, bathrooms, or modern spaces.
Standard White
$0.50-2 eachBudget-friendly basic option. Visible screws, but still a huge improvement over yellowed or almond plates. Perfect for rental properties or tight budgets.
Step-by-Step
Count and Buy
Walk through every room and count: single outlets, double outlets, single switches, double/triple switches, combo plates (switch + outlet), and GFCI outlets (the ones with test/reset buttons—they need larger plates). Buy 1-2 extras.
Remove Old Cover
Unscrew the single center screw (or two screws on larger plates). Pull the plate straight off. If paint is sealing it to the wall, use a utility knife to score around the edge first.
Install Base Plate (Screwless)
For screwless plates: Line up the base plate with the existing screw holes and tighten screws until snug. Use a level if you want perfection, but the outlet/switch box usually determines alignment.
Snap On Cover
Align the decorative cover over the base and press firmly. It should click into place on all four sides. For standard plates, just screw them in directly.
Pro Tips
- ✓Match your switches too. If you have old almond switches/outlets, consider replacing them with white ones ($2-3 each) so they match the new covers.
- ✓Clean while they're off. Wipe down the outlet/switch and surrounding wall area. Dust and grime accumulate around plates.
- ✓Bulk buy from one brand. Different brands have slightly different shades of "white." Stick to one manufacturer for consistency.
- ✓Don't overtighten. Plastic plates can crack. Snug is enough.
FAQ
Do I need to turn off the power?
No. You're only touching the plastic cover plate, not any wires or electrical components. However, if you see exposed wires, damaged outlets, or feel uncomfortable, turning off the breaker is always a safe choice.
What about painted-over outlets?
Score around the edge with a utility knife before removing to avoid peeling paint off the wall. If the outlet itself is painted, consider replacing the entire outlet (turn off power first) or at minimum scrape paint off the slots.
My outlet box is recessed/sticks out. Help?
If the box is too deep, use spacers or a deeper plate. If it protrudes, you may need to push it back (power off) or use a jumbo-size plate that has more coverage. Most hardware stores stock solutions for both problems.