5 Easy Light Switch and Outlet Hacks That Make Life Easier
March 02, 2023
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Easy updates to your outlets and light switches that make life easier!
If you know how to change out a light switch or outlet, these small updates will be easy for you. And if you don't, they are worth paying someone to install until you get the hang of it.
I encourage you to watch a YouTube video to see how easy it is (or check out
the tutorials I share in this post).
These DIY lighting and outlet hacks are all easy fixes that make life a bit easier, save energy and extend the life of light bulbs!
Did you know you can also
add a dimmer to lamps?
I've shared these cool recessed outlets (and how to install them) as well. They are deeper, inset outlets that give you a few more inches behind furniture and TVs:
These USB outlets are another favorite because they're just so useful. They still have two regular outlets, but also two USB sockets as well:
I hate when lights are left on around the house! Not calling my family out or anything...I'd never do that. ;)
I fell in love with the motion sensor light switch when I used one of these in our old house:
A motion sensor light is GREAT for areas whereour families we tend to leave lights on.
They turn on when you walk in and you can set how quickly you want them to turn off when you leave the room. You can also tap the button to turn them on and off manually.
I think you'll find any of these outlets and switches helpful around the house! Have you used any of these handy gadgets?
You don't need an electrician to add these gadgets in your home! I promise
it's not that hard to change out a switch or outlet. Once you get the hang
of it, each of these will take five minutes to update.
If you are inexperienced, have an electrician or other knowledgeable person install these until you feel comfortable.
These DIY lighting and outlet hacks are all easy fixes that make life a bit easier, save energy and extend the life of light bulbs!
1. Dimmer Switches
I've blabbed on and on about dimmer switches for years for good reason! They are my FAVORITE!
Dimmers allow you to soften the light rooms so they aren't so bright at all
times:
I love them in any room -- we have them in bedrooms, bathrooms (if you get up before the sun they are a must!), the kitchen, dining area and living room.
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I love them in any room -- we have them in bedrooms, bathrooms (if you get up before the sun they are a must!), the kitchen, dining area and living room.
There's nothing better than being able to turn down a bright, harsh light
to a soft glow at night!
I especially enjoy them for a ceiling light over the dining table:
They definitely create a soft and cozy mood!
You can find my simple tutorial for installing a dimmer switch here! (I wrote that post years ago -- be sure to use the instructions on
your dimmer for the most updated tutorial.)
There are a couple things to consider when purchasing dimmer switches. First, make sure your dimmer switch works for LED light bulbs. Most options on the market now work for those and incandescent bulbs, but older versions may make LEDs flicker.
There are a couple things to consider when purchasing dimmer switches. First, make sure your dimmer switch works for LED light bulbs. Most options on the market now work for those and incandescent bulbs, but older versions may make LEDs flicker.
Also, determine if you'll need a single or three way pole dimmer.
If your light operates from one switch it is called single pole, if it works from more than one switch it's called a three way.
Most dimmer switches work for all of these now -- that's why they cost
more than they used to. (Back in the day they were less than $10
each!)
You can find my favorite dimmer switches here!
You can find my favorite dimmer switches here!
I learned this little trick last year and LOVE that I can dim our lamp light
now:
Dimmers not only adjust the light to your liking, but they allow for soft
ambient lighting that is really lovely in the evening or on a stormy
day. 😍
Plus you will save energy and your light bulbs will last
much longer!
2. Recessed outlets
I've shared these cool recessed outlets (and how to install them) as well. They are deeper, inset outlets that give you a few more inches behind furniture and TVs:
I've shared how much I hate
when I can't push furniture
all the way against the wall -- these help tremendously!
Also, if you're having an outlet installed behind a hanging TV, I
recommend these instead of a regular outlet. That way you have plenty of
space for the plug behind the mounted television:
You can find these
handy recessed outlets on Amazon
and in hardware stores.
3. USB outlets
These USB outlets are another favorite because they're just so useful. They still have two regular outlets, but also two USB sockets as well:
You can plug anything in like a normal outlet, but don't need the bulky
chargers to power up your devices. There's plenty of room to have
something plugged into every spot.
We have one in our mud room and it's perfect because we have so many items
that need to be charged -- speakers, watches, phones, etc.
I keep all of the cords in a drawer right there so we can grab them all:
|
| Tour our refreshed laundry/mud room combo here! |
The kitchen island is another perfect spot for one of these!:
I think they'd be great in an office or bedroom (by the nightstand!) as
well.
4. Motion sensor light switches
I hate when lights are left on around the house! Not calling my family out or anything...I'd never do that. ;)
I fell in love with the motion sensor light switch when I used one of these in our old house:
A motion sensor light is GREAT for areas where
They turn on when you walk in and you can set how quickly you want them to turn off when you leave the room. You can also tap the button to turn them on and off manually.
I think they're especially helpful in closets and pantries. I LOVE the one
in my closet (that I
covered in wallpaper scraps!), especially when I'm carrying a laundry basket:
These switches take some getting used to -- you'll still reach for the light
switch for a good week after installing it. :)
Motion sensor switches will definitely save you some money on the electrical
bill if you have light switch offenders in your home.
5. Paintable outlet covers
These inexpensive outlet covers are GREAT and require zero electrical work to install:
You just take off the original outlet cover and install this on top of the
socket. You can make the color whatever you want, so they they become nearly
invisible on the wall.
These covers are also great if you want to update discolored outlets, but
don't want to change them all out.
If you're planning to install any of these handy switches or outlets, you'll
want to pick up
a voltage tester
as well. It's super simple tool that tells you if there's any power going to
what you're working on.
I ALWAYS test (in addition to turning off the breaker) -- even if the light is off, there may be power coming from an another line.
I think you'll find any of these outlets and switches helpful around the house! Have you used any of these handy gadgets?
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You have the best hints! Thank you for sharing. I'm buying some recessed outlets today!
ReplyDeleteI am moving into a small house where in the living room, I have a blue console, an upholstered brown sofa and a white chair. I am unsure as to whether to use a patterned rug on the hardwood floor or a subtle small pattern or none pattern rug and what color to use.
ReplyDeleteDo you have a link for your hallway light and dining room light? Thanks
ReplyDeletePerfect timing for me as I just made a note about updating the dimmer switch in our dining room not more than 5 minutes before I read your article! Also, I tried to find it but couldn’t, have you shared the gold and linen shade light fixture shown in your hallway? It’s beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI JUST bought some paintable covers for my 100 yr old house's outlets. Can't wait to get them in use! :) Camille
ReplyDeleteI love the paintable wall plates. I have 40 yo yellowish wall switches and hate them. I didn’t want to retire all of them and now can use these instead
ReplyDelete