Modern design of sockets and switches
Since today devices can play the role of original decor in interiors, manufacturers pay great attention to their design. You can choose a product based on color and material.
Color options
Thanks to the wide range, buyers are faced with the problem of how to choose the color of sockets and switches in the interior. When choosing a shade, designers recommend focusing on the color of the wallpaper and the general style of the room:
- minimalism and hi-tech will be complemented by original frames made of frosted light or dark glass or aluminum in gray, red or turquoise shades. Black switches look beautiful in the interior;
- on walls made of untreated brick in loft rooms, in modern and retro rooms, rosettes made of frosted glass and metal (copper, bronze) would be appropriate;
- for classic interiors, decorative items made from expensive materials are suitable: brass, bronze, silver, gilding;
- for decorating a Provence interior, you can look for pink products;
- Country style will be complemented by objects made of natural wood.
Classic-looking products in neutral white and beige shades will fit into almost all interiors.
Chrome models
Designer metal products of any shape can be considered standards of quality and style. Chrome frames will add sophistication to the interior and fit perfectly into modern design or high-tech style.
Designer sockets and switches with original shapes
Square and rectangular sockets in the interior acquire a stylish look thanks to expensive materials: leather, wood, stone. Decorative devices of round or oval shapes made of colored frosted glass look elegant and bright.
Switches (with rotary switches) made of porcelain and painted ceramics have a vintage look.
Types of sockets
According to the installation method, products are divided into:
- built-in;
- invoices.
Illuminated sockets above the floor
Built-in models merge with the wall, recessed into it. If such a rosette is matched to the color of the walls, it will be practically invisible. Modern designers often use this laconic method of home decoration.
Built-in sockets in the kitchen
Overlay models, as the name suggests, are placed on top of a finished wall, so they stand out against its background and stick out. They can be matched to the color of the walls or, conversely, highlighted with contrasting decor. It looks interesting, for example, when the walls are white and the sockets are black, and vice versa.
White sockets in the bathroom
Based on functionality, products are divided into the following types.
- Moisture-proof. As is clear, these electrical appliances have external protection against the penetration of water and dampness into them.
- Dustproof. In this case, the products do not absorb dust.
- On the control panel. A remote control is a handy thing, especially when there are children in the house. It allows you to turn off the power to sockets or, conversely, turn them on at the touch of a button.
Black socket with electronic panel
Ceiling decorative rosettes are also an excellent option for decorating your home. They perform a purely decorative role and do an excellent job with it. It is impossible not to pay attention to such a ceiling decoration; it becomes a real semantic center of the interior composition. This rosette is essentially stucco, so it will fit organically only into the appropriate interior.
Black plastic sockets under the TV
Ceiling sockets in the interior are suitable for historical styles: Empire, Rococo, Baroque, classical. If the apartment is decorated in a minimalist or high-tech style, this ceiling decoration will look out of place.
Decorative ceiling rosette
How to choose an outlet
Numerous characteristics and installation methods must be taken into account when choosing products for certain premises, for specific equipment.
By voltage
The main parameters by which you need to select a device are the current and voltage of electrical appliances. Previously, almost all products were produced with a current of 6A and a voltage of 220-230V. And if such an outlet was used to connect several devices, then fire and melting of the housing often occurred.
In modern apartments, the number of household appliances has increased significantly, and the technical characteristics of the devices have changed. Therefore, manufacturers began to produce more powerful sockets. It is recommended to install products designed for a current of 10 or 16A.
By number of seats
Sometimes it is advisable to mount a socket block at one point. The number of “seats” can vary from two to four. It is advisable to place such models near work tables, on the wall behind the TV or in the work area in the kitchen.
By mounting method
The choice of installation method for the outlet is determined not only by the style of the interior, but depends primarily on the wiring installation option:
- When installing hidden wiring, an internal (hidden) outlet is installed. In this case, the core of the products is hidden in the wall, and only a special overlay is left on top;
- The overhead model goes well with open-type wiring. To make the product look aesthetically pleasing, manufacturers produce sockets in various beautiful shades with a minimalist design. You need to carefully choose the location so that no one touches the protruding body.
If there is a need to install an outlet near the baseboard or in the floor, then floor installation is used. You can install a retractable device in an apartment or private house. Naturally, the electrical wiring is hidden in the floor. An original idea is to arrange a similar outlet in the kitchen countertop.
By connector
Many countries use sockets with different plugs. About 15 types are known. Naturally, when purchasing equipment today, you must first of all pay attention to the shape of the fork (in addition to the performance characteristics).
Manufacturers have taken into account possible difficulties and therefore there are all kinds of adapters on sale that solve the problem of matching plugs and connectors.
Plan your location
Before choosing the design and shape of the outlets, you need to understand how and where they will be located. Your decision directly depends on this: to focus on these accessories or choose hidden options.
If there are a lot of outlets and you want to make them bright, this can overload the interior. The location of sockets and switches should duplicate your lifestyle and basic household rituals. For example, charging a smartphone, using an electric toothbrush, local lighting for evening reading - for each scenario, you need to provide your own outlet, which will be easily accessible.
If you don’t like a large number of outlets (this issue is especially relevant in the work area and living room), rely on modern multifunctional transforming systems.
For example, the Plug & Light collection from leading supplier of intelligent electrical solutions GIRA consists of many interchangeable modules, making it easily adaptable to multiple tasks at once. To do this, you need to select the appropriate parts and simply connect as needed, without resorting to complex assembly.
Attachments for different types of lighting are attached to a magnet and rotated 360°, allowing you to illuminate any, even the most difficult, corner in the house and create illumination of varying intensity.
Modern models of sockets and switches
The functions of familiar devices have expanded significantly thanks to technology. And already familiar sockets and switches become important elements of the “smart home” system.
USB sockets
Such devices are increasingly in demand, since you don’t need a lot of wires or removable power supplies to connect gadgets - all you need is a USB cable. Important advantages:
- the device is compact, functional and located in a specific location;
- Can be installed in place of a regular outlet. Replacement takes literally half an hour.
Moreover, when charging a tablet or smartphone, the main outlet remains free.
Sockets with timer
Devices equipped with timers of various types are in increasing demand. The time interval for the socket operation is set by an electronic timer (there are buttons and a display) or by a traditional rotary mechanism.
As an option, a timer allows you to program the time to turn on a fan or street lighting, which provides comfort and helps save energy.
Remote control switch
This device allows you to control both single lighting fixtures and entire systems. Thanks to the remote control, it is easy, while in the same room, to simultaneously turn on or off the lights in different rooms. This is especially convenient in large apartments where there is multi-level lighting, or in multi-storey private houses.
Infrared, ultrasonic, radio frequency and other devices are used to control switches. The range ranges from 20 to 500 m.
Switches with built-in motion sensor
Such devices bring comfort to everyday life and ensure rational use of electricity. The principle of operation of the switch is to detect movement at a certain distance from the sensors. Numerous devices can be classified according to the control method, installation features, operating principle, and functionality.
Motion-activated devices must be placed taking into account the area of good visibility. All kinds of obstacles (cornices, curtains, hanging structures) can affect the operation of the devices.
Sockets for different rooms
Since the operating conditions of electrical outlets can vary greatly, manufacturers produce special-purpose products with original designs. They can be selected to suit any interior and purpose of the room.
Sockets in the living room or bedroom
When choosing products, special attention is paid to aesthetics and functionality. It is convenient to install devices with a USB output in the bedroom, allowing you to charge tablets and smartphones.
When choosing products for the hall, special importance is attached to decorating the environment. A fashion trend is the installation of models made of expensive materials. Wooden, stone, metal, black leather products look beautiful.
Sockets for the nursery
A night light is often turned on in a children's room, and a table lamp is always placed in the work corner. And it is impossible to imagine the life of a modern schoolchild without a tablet or laptop.
It is also important to properly ensure the safety of outlets. The special pads that manufacturers used to produce did not always guarantee protection. Nowadays, products are equipped with special curtains that open only with the simultaneous insertion (with force) of two metal contacts.
Sockets for the kitchen
As a rule, most kitchen appliances are hidden in cabinets and are taken out as needed, so very often you have to connect different kitchen devices. Manufacturers offer sockets with a special button built into the body. Just press on it and the plug just pops out.
If the kitchen is equipped with an island, then a retractable device “disguised” in the countertop will be indispensable.
Sockets in the bathroom
Given the high level of humidity in the room, experts recommend selecting products with the required degree of splash protection.
The easiest way to install indoors is a model with a protective cover that covers the entire body. Thanks to this, moisture will definitely not get into sockets that are not in use periodically.
About the main trends
There are also fashion trends in the world of electrical installation products. Of course, if we are talking about products from European manufacturers, offering customers not only reliability and safety, but also design developments.
Main trends for 2022:
- laconic style and simplicity of lines;
- maximum ergonomics and ease of use;
- variability of color palette and textures;
- a combination of naturalistic and industrial styles;
- modularity and versatility.
We are being offered more and more options and freedom: a mix of several frames in one module, playing with textures, lighting, and using additional features. So, for example, sockets are often purchased together with plugs, decorative and protective covers that can be locked with a key.
How to properly arrange sockets in an apartment
Of course, extension cords make using equipment easier. However, the wires get tangled underfoot, spoil the appearance of the apartment, and can be damaged by animals. Ideally, each electrical appliance should be connected separately. You can roughly calculate the required number of points:
- in the corridor 5-6 sockets will be useful for connecting routers, telephones, and intercoms;
- in the living room you will need about 10 (2-3 points near the soft area, for a TV, audio system, 2-3 for floor lamps, an aquarium);
- in the bedroom, two residents will be comfortable using 6-8 points (for connecting gadgets, lamps, electronic alarm clocks);
- in the office they usually connect gadgets, a table lamp, a laptop or system unit, a monitor, speakers, and a printer. In general, 6-7 sockets are installed;
- in the kitchen you will need 9-10 points for small and large household appliances;
- A boiler and a washing machine are usually installed in the bathroom. They use hair dryers and electric shavers. You will need 5-6 points.
In total, 47-50 sockets are installed in a large apartment. This also takes into account equipment that is periodically used throughout the home - a vacuum cleaner, an air humidifier, an ionizer.
When choosing an ergonomic location for installing an outlet in any room, first of all determine the height of the location relative to the floor level and the distance from the door. As a rule, devices are mounted no lower than 30 cm and no closer than 10 cm. In a children's room it is recommended to install them higher than one and a half meters.
Modern electrical fittings are distinguished by a combination of several functions. The operation of various household appliances and gadgets began to be ensured by high-tech devices, which at the same time play an important decorative role in the interior. Sometimes it’s even difficult to decide what to give preference to: sophisticated design or “smart” functions.
Natural wood
Switches and sockets, the design of which uses wooden elements, are another stylish, unusual and environmentally friendly solution. Such models will be appropriate in almost any interior and are unlikely to ever lose their relevance.
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