A few basic supplies will dress up even the most battered old outlet covers or switch plates.
Sometimes, it's the littlest things that make the largest impact. Create your own decorative switch or outlet plates to tie together a room easily.
Just a little scrap of fabric or paper can help give a room that extra boost it needs with decorative switch or outlet plates. You can make these plates quickly with few supplies, and they'll make a room look extra special and finished.
Use material that matches or complements your curtains, your throw pillows or even your daughter's color scheme. The fabric doesn't have to match exactly, but should at least have a hint of the color theme in it.
For the den or playroom, a variety of patterns and colors can be fun on different switch or outlet plates. But in the dining room or living room, it might be best to stick to one fabric.
Old switch or outlet plates can be given new life with this technique and save you some money while making your room look priceless. You don't necessarily need to run out and buy new plates for this craft. Just give the old ones a bath and repurpose them. If you're like me, this will solve the dilemma of shopping around for a switch plate that is not sold anymore — just cover the old one with fabric.
I found fabric works well, but decorative paper also can be used for this craft.
For this project, you will need a switch or outlet plate, spray adhesive, a piece of fabric, matching acrylic craft paint and an Exacto knife.
Begin by placing the switch or outlet plate on the back of a piece of the fabric. Use the Exacto knife to cut around the plate about 1/2 inch from the edge. The extra material will be wrapped around the back of the plate.
Apply a thin layer of spray adhesive to the face of the switch or outlet plate and lay it face down on the back of the piece of fabric.
Use the Exacto knife to cut an X in the switch or outlet areas of the plate. This will allow the fabric to be folded in to the back of the plate and create the holes for the switches or outlets.
Lightly spray adhesive on the back of the switch or outlet plate and fold over the excess fabric to the back — this should be on all four sides and in the areas for the switch and the outlets.
Press all of the edges down and allow glue to dry.
Paint the entire back of the switch plate with your matching paint to disguise the raw edges.
