Best Light Switches: Top Buys For Any Interior Scheme

Hunting down the best light switches you can afford really is worth it — it is smaller finishes touches such as switches and sockets that really can make all the difference to your over all interior scheme. 

Get little things like this wrong or plump for obviously cheap fittings and it will really let your home down. Why spend ages planning out your perfect lighting design scheme only to let it all down with substandard switches?

Here, we've pulled together the best light switches around, giving our top buys for a range of house styles and needs, from sleek and contemporary to smart light switches designed to make life a little easier. 

Best Light Switch for Modern Homes

The ideal light switch for anyone looking for something unobtrusive yet a little classier than a plain white plastic light switch.

The BG Nexus NBS Range Brushed Steel Switch is useful in that it is part of a really wide range of gang and circuit types making it easy to find matching items to ensure a streamlined interior scheme — plus the price tag is pretty reasonable too.

On the downside, although the switch is fairly straightforward to fit, the screws supplied are a little on the short side, which could make fitting tricky and may mean investing in some sturdier, longer screws to get the job done quickly. 

Best Smart Light Switch

The idea of smart light switches is to make life a little easier and to tie in with other smart home gadgets — and the Yagusmart Smart Wall Light Switch does just that.

This smart light switch has the advantage of making voice control possible, but it can also be controlled manually or via the mobile app from anywhere — meaning you can control the lights even when you are not at home — a great home security feature.

The switch is compatible with Amazon Alexa, IFTTT and Google Home and also has a timer function.

On the downside, the switch can prove a little more complex to set up than a conventional light switch, although there is plenty of online help available.

Best Traditional Light Switch

The Knightsbridge Square Edge Antique Brass light switch is ideal for anyone looking for a classic-style fitting that is unlikely to date any time soon — although despite its more traditional appearance and toggle switch, the warm brass finish is actually very much on-trend right now. Its stylish good looks belies its reasonable price tag too.

On the downside, it is a little more fiddly to fit than some of the other switches featured. 

Best Slimline Light Switch

The ideal solution for anyone wondering how to fit a standard-sized light switch into a small spot — such as between a doorway and wall or in a tight space. The narrow design of this modern-looking chrome light switch is not only practical, but also looks great and its chunky rocker switch has a reassuringly sturdy feel. 

The switch has been designed as part of a co-ordinating range of fittings, so even where space isn't an issue, matching products are available.

On the downside, it is a little pricier than some other models out there — although it beats some of the cheap-looking plastic versions hands down. 

Best Statement Light Switch

Fancy turning your light switches into a talking point? Look no further than the Rocker Tactile Light Switch from ‎Trendi Switch.

The navy colour looks great with the chrome switches but the switch is also available in a host of other shades, including hot pink and forest green.

Not only will these switches allow you to make a real statement in your home and to colour co-ordinate with other features in a space, but they are also available in a range of configurations.

Of course, on the downside, they are a little pricier than some of the more conventional light switches out there.

Best Decorative Light Pull

Don't settle for a flimsy white plastic light pull in your bathroom — treat yourself to something a little more special in this room when considering bathroom lighting ideas — this is a room that should bring on feelings of relaxation.

These Modern Bathroom Light Pulls from Not On The High Street come in gold, copper and silver — plus their beaten metal design is highly fashionable right now. The pulls themselves are sturdy and chunky and the jute rope can be adjusted to suit your space. 

The only downside is that after some time the jute could get a little damp although providing your bathroom is well-ventilated this shouldn't be an issue. 

Best Kids Bedroom Light Switch

Inject some individuality and fun into your child's bedroom (or any room that takes your fancy for that matter) with this comical dimmer light switch featuring a cute sausage dog.

Unlike some other fittings for children's bedrooms, this is not just a switch cover but an actual light switch.

While it is a pricier option than the other switches here, it really is likely to be a one-off — as opposed to you having to purchase multiple matching items for your entire house.

Do You Need an Electrician to Change a Light Switch?

So, you've found the best light switches for you and now you need to fit them. For most competent DIYers there will be no need to call an electrician to fit or swap a new light switch, although there will always be exceptions.

You need to be aware that you will need an electrician to install a new electrical circuit, as might be the case if you are installing a light in a new location. It is also advisable to call in a professional electrician if you are changing the electrics in 'high-risk' areas, for instance in a bathroom.