There are certain, arguably less glamorous, aspects of home design that tend to get rushed, or not given the concentration they require. Yet, failing to give them the attention they really need can cause all kinds of headaches later down the line.
One of these is electrical sockets – not just in terms of their look, but also when it comes to how many you need, and where they should be placed to optimise the experience of living in your home.
While totting up how many sockets you need might not be as exciting as creating a new kitchen mood board, it must be done – luckily our guide is here to help simplify things.
How do you decide on the right number of sockets for each room?
It can be difficult to know exactly how many sockets are required in each room of your house and people often wonder if there is a minimum, or whether you can have too many.
According to Martin Garbutt, head of technical governance at Ding, it really comes down to good planning. "The ideal number of plug sockets depends on the size of the room and how you use it. As our homes become more reliant on technology, it's worth planning for the appliances and devices you'll use every day, rather than just meeting your immediate needs."
Ricki Wake, owner of Wake Electrical, agrees that when deciding on the number of electrical sockets for a space you need to look at the way you'll use the room now, as well as how your needs might change in the future, particularly if you are designing a lifetime home.
"When I’m designing an installation, I look at the layout of the room, its function and where the furniture will go. Where will the bedside tables go? Is there a desk for working from home? Will there be a TV in the room? It’s far more cost-effective to install a few extra sockets during a build or renovation rather than relying on extension leads or costly remodels later down the line," he says. "My advice is to think about how you will use the space over the next several years. Most homeowners tell me they wish they’d added more sockets, not fewer."
Obviously different rooms of the house have different requirements – for example, a tech-heavy space such as a media room will need more sockets than a children's bedroom. With this in mind, it can be useful to look at the main rooms individually, taking into consideration the appliances you plan on having in each space and how you want to use it.
Always add extra in kitchens
As one of the busiest rooms in any house, it isn't just the range of electrical appliances that needs to be taken into account when it comes to designing a kitchen. Rather than specifying an exact amount of sockets for this room, the experts advise planning this around both the kitchen appliances you want, and the activities you expect to take place here. Many people use this as somewhere to work from home, for the children to do their homework and, lets not forget, as somewhere to charge up phones and other devices.
"The kitchen is usually the most power-hungry room in the house," picks up Martin Garbutt. "This is why it's is normally fed on a separate circuit to the rest of the property, due to the additional load that can be drawn when multiple appliances are in operation."
"Plenty of sockets should be added above kitchen worktops and extra sockets anywhere people are likely to charge their phones or other devices," adds Ricki Wake.
Think about placement in living rooms
Living room design can be a tricky thing to get right – this is a space that often needs to meet multiple requirements, acting as somewhere to relax, entertain and often bring together different generations all at once. What all this means is that it is also usually home to a range of electrical appliances and various plug-in light sources, but also has be capable of providing somewhere for other electrical devices from time to time, such as chargers, games consoles and so on.
"Living rooms often contain multiple electrical devices, so 8 - 10 plug sockets is a good benchmark," advises Martin Garbutt. "Around the TV area, having four sockets (or two double sockets) provides enough connections for a television, games console, broadband router and sound system.
“Additional sockets near sofas and armchairs also make it easier to charge devices or power floor lamps, without relying on extension leads," adds Martin."
Don't under-estimate in bedrooms
Bedrooms often get overlooked when it comes to the provision of electrical sockets but this really is a space that you don't want extension leads trailing all over the place, ruining what should be a relaxing ambience.
"In most cases, I’d recommend your bedroom design should account for a double socket either side of the bed, and then one or two more sockets in other locations," says Ricki Wake.
Martin Garbutt suggests including a little more than this though. "Six to eight plug sockets is generally sufficient for most bedrooms. A double socket on each side of the bed is ideal for bedside lamps and phone chargers, while additional sockets near a dressing table can accommodate hair styling appliances, such as straighteners and hairdryers."
Plan for the future in home offices
You home office design needs to take into account the kind of work that will be undertaken there – if you work from home on a daily basis, your needs are going to be very different from someone who is creating a space simply to carry out some admin from time-to-time.
"A home office will typically need between six and eight sockets," says Martin Garbutt. "A desktop computer, monitor, printer and desk lamp can quickly use four outlets, so it's worth allowing extra capacity for chargers or future equipment, rather than relying on extension leads."
As a general rule, this is the space to incorporate more sockets that you actually think you'll need – it is far easier to incorporate them from the outset than it is to add them later down the line.
Martin has more than 30 years' experience in the gas industry. He worked for the gas regulator, CORGI, before moving into the private sector in 2009 to oversee gas compliance matters on the Government’s flagship energy scheme, Warm Front. He's recognised in the gas industry with an Incorporated Engineer status and he's currently a member of the Gas Utilisation Committee with the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM).
Ricki is director of Wake Electrical. With a background in mechanical and electrical engineering, Ricki brings extensive knowledge and hands-on expertise to every project. He has always been dedicated to premium-quality workmanship, ensuring that every installation, repair, or upgrade meets the highest industry standards.
Where is the best position for electrical sockets?
Almost as important as the number of electrical sockets you install within a room is their positioning. The key to getting this spot on is to have a really clear idea of how you plan on using each space.
"When planning socket locations, think about where you'll naturally use electrical devices," picks up Martin Garbutt. "Corners are useful for lamps, fans and seasonal decorations, while sockets should also be positioned close to desks, seating areas and entertainment units or media walls. It's equally important to avoid placing sockets too close to doorways, where trailing cables could become a trip hazard."
Remember, it isn't just walls that can take electrical sockets – in some cases, it can make sense to fit them within worktops, the kitchen island and even in the floor.
How do you choose the right types of socket for each room?
The two most common types of electrical socket are double or single, but these days there are all kinds of other options available too.
Perhaps the most notable are smart sockets that connect to your WiFi and can be controlled via an app on your smart device, much like smart plugs. These are particularly handy for hard-to-reach areas of the house, such as behind heavy furniture – plus they let you check whether you have left any appliances on, even when you are out.
Another type of socket that really does come in handy these days is the USB socket which, as the name suggests, features outlets for plugging in USB devices such as smartphones and tablets – perfect for home offices and teen bedrooms.
Shop stylish electrical sockets
With a stylish brushed brass finish, as well as providing you with a power outlet, this double socket also has all your charging needs covered, allowing you to charge multiple devices at once without the need for any adaptors.
Easy to install and set up, this smart electrical socket is compatible with all wireless broadband routers. Not only can it eliminate dead spots and expand Wi-Fi coverage, but it is also easy to retrofit.
This 2-gang 13Amp long switched double socket will really make a design statement, with its sleek chrome rocker switches being a notable feature. It comes in a wide range of colours too so you should be able to find one to suit your scheme.
What happens if you need to add sockets at a later date?
Unless you are self building or building an extension, the chances are that you'll need to retrofit some electrical sockets.
Ricki Wake explains what's involved with this job. "Retrofitting can be fairly straightforward, although it does depend on the construction of the house and where the new sockets are located. Stud walls with plasterboard are generally easier to access and less time-consuming than solid/brick or block walls.
"We can often keep disruption to a minimum, but some chasing and making good may be needed," continues Ricki. "I would ask the electrician if they are happy to make good; we do this as standard, and it is really appreciated.
"As a rough guide, adding a standard white plastic socket would usually be around £100–£200 per point, depending on access and how much making good is required," adds Ricki.
And, finally, if you were worried that adding sockets might mean your existing circuits will need upgrading, Ricki has some good news. "The additional load from a few extra sockets generally isn’t an issue, as long as the existing circuits have been designed appropriately. We would check this by testing the circuit before the works commence and advise accordingly."
FAQs
Do you need building regulations for more electrical sockets?
As with so many home alterations and upgrades, the building regulations need to be observed when adding new electrical sockets.
"Electricians in the UK must comply with the BS 7671 (the IET & BSI Wiring Regulations), although there is no set number of sockets based on room size," explains Ricki Wake. "For new-build homes, Approved Document M guidance states sockets must be installed with their centre between 450mm and 1200mm above finished floor level."
"Where sockets are installed above kitchen worktops, they should typically be positioned around 150mm above the surface to help protect them from damage and splashes," adds Martin Garbutt.
Finally, if you are having additional sockets added to a circuit, it is a good idea to ask your electrician to issue you with a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate.
How can you disguise electrical sockets?
If you are stuck with electrical sockets that are doing little for your house design ideas, there are several steps you can take to hide them.
One way is to paint them to match your wall colour. Alternatively, locating them behind furniture or easy-to-move accessories works well.
If you are happy to spend a little money, though, there are now plenty of attractive socket options out there, from slim-profiled designs in a range of brushed metallic finishes, to those that can be colour matched to your walls.
Don't forget to think about the quantity and positioning of electrical sockets in circulation spaces too – your hallway design and landing will definitely benefit. Given the central positions these areas often occupy in a house, they are the perfect place for plugging in appliances such as vacuums, as well as plug-in hallway lighting to brighten dark corners.
