Opinions on Light switches/sockets.

[chillout]

Im currently buying new light switches etc for an install. What are your views on toggle type switches. Aiming for polished chrome. Does anyone use them in their installs or look too outdated?
My house is a 1930s semi and Id like to reflect this in the fittings a bit. Not sur eif it would look naff or quite cool as it would be different from the norm. Also was considering some switches that you can paint over, they come in primed white. Has anyone fitted or purchased these?
Would wecome your views guys.

 

[ricicle]

Whatever you decide you will need to check for presence of an earth in each of the switch positions if you go for a metallic type switch.
And polished chrome will show up all the fingerprints !

 

[chillout]

Cheers mate, its a rewire job. I considered the fingerprint proble, well no kids so should be ok. Other option is to have the front a satin chrome and the edge a polished.

I have a chrome mobile and yes the prints can be a problem, hhhm decisions.

 

[ricicle]

Brushed chrome ?

 

[OwainDIYer]

For 1930s matt dark brown or black would be authentic in many settings.

 

[chillout]

Yes I did consider that but wouldnt go with my decor I dont think!

 

[johnnykc]

How about flat plate toggles? nice combo of new AND old....

 

[holmslaw]

..

 

[chillout]

Thats an idea, but I have my eyes on some with a single step which have the toggle option or theres another manufacturer where they have a double step, but no toggles. (trying to go for an Art Deco feel). Not sure what would be best.

Im guessing the ones on that site are cheap and cheerful looking at them!

 

[sparkybird]

I've fitted the flat plate ones you can paint over before now and they were a nightmare! They are a grid system and the plate screws were tightened with a hex key. It took several goes to establish if the grid was sitting at exactly the right depth for the front plate to sit properly and the screws were s**te. Budget at least 2 x the normal amount of time for second fix if you have these!

 

[chillout]

I see, I considered the ones you paint over as well, but then stumbled across the art deco ones, which I think tick the box! Can I use a four gang upstairs and a three gang upstairs and control the hall light from the landing ok? Same Q for stair leds can they be controlled by both switches? (3 gang and the 4 gang)

 

[ban-all-sheds]

With the right switches and cabling you can control any or all of the lights in the house from 1, 2, 3, 4 ....... as-many-as-you-like locations.

Just tell your electrician what lights you want to control from where and he'll sort it out for you.

 

[chillout]

Cheers, yep I will, done alot of the work by getting quotes etc. I'll confirm it with him.