DIY Network

Custom Switch Plates and Outlet Covers Don’t hide your switch plates, B. Original with them! From "B. Original" episode DBOR-402

These switch plates really light up a room.

Switch plates and outlet covers are everywhere in the house, and most people try to hide them as much as possible. But that’s just not Michele Beschen’s way – the B. Original host turns her talent to these humble items with a how-to that will light up any room with creativity.

Scroll down for Michele Beschen’s tips on creating custom switch plates and outlet covers that range from rustic to whimsical to literal "pop" art.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Recycled Lumber Switch Pplate, Outlet Cover

Materials:

switch plates and outlet covers to use as templates
recycled lumber
band saw
rotary tool with a wood-cutting bit
drill

• Michele Beschen used a piece of old split-rail fence for this project. You can use any recycled lumber you like, as long as it’s thoroughly dry and sound.

• Because recycled wood often is uneven, draw a straight line lengthwise down the side of the piece about 1/4" in from the front of the wood. This will be the thickness of the finished piece.

• Use a band saw to cut the wood along the marked line (figure A).

• Mark and cut the outside shape for the switch plate or outlet cover. Remember, the only limits are your imagination and the size of the wood. You can even cut the shape freeform, without drawing it on the wood beforehand.

• Turn the wood slice face down so the smooth, cut side is facing up. This side will face the wall when the piece is installed. Position an existing switch plate or outlet cover on the cut surface and mark the holes for the screws, switch and/or outlets (figure B).
  
  
• Clamp the piece down and carefully use a rotary tool with a wood-cutting blade to cut out the holes for the switch and/or outlets (figure C). Drill the holes for the screws, using a bit that is slightly larger than the diameter of the screws.

• Finish or embellish the piece if desired, then mount it to the wall (figure D). If the new plate is fairly thick, you may need to use longer screws to install it.

	Figure E
	Figure F

Birch Switch Plate, Outlet Cover

switch plates and outlet covers to use as templates
birch plywood, 1/4" thick
band saw
rotary tool with a wood-cutting bit
drill
paint, wood trim, cup hooks, embellishments

• Use a fairly large piece of plywood so you have plenty of material to work with.

• Trace an existing switch plate or outlet cover on the back side of the plywood. Drill the screw holes and cut out the switch and/or outlet holes.

• Use a band saw, hand saw or rotary tool to cut the outside shape of the switch plate or outlet cover (figure E).

• Paint and embellish as desired. Michele Beschen painted and trimmed one of her switch plates to look like a house, then added cup hooks to corral keys (figure F).
  

  Figure G

  Soda Can Switch Plate, Outlet Cover

  Materials:

  soda can
  existing switch plate or outlet cover
  tin snips or heavy-duty shears
  heavy gloves

  Safety Alert: Wear heavy gloves when working with the cut soda can – the cut edges can be very sharp.

  • Use tin snips or heavy-duty shears to remove the top and bottom of the can.

  • Flatten out the can and cut it to the desired shape.

  • Cut the necessary holes and fold the edges under to create some true pop art (figure G).
  
  

  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	Embellished Handles and Pulls
  	Refinished Metal
  	Custom Switch Plates and Outlet Covers
  	Extra-Easy Window Treatments