But first impressions can be deceiving. In fact, as Tom Scott explains in a new video, the U.K. wall plug is a design classic that is substantially safer than any other plug design on Earth. Ally is our resident fashionista. She’s super-cool. A well-known blogger, she has her finger well and truly on the pulse of up and coming trends. Her style is tough and edgy with a definite bias towards grunge… But there’s also a little glam accent thrown in here and there for good measure. She’s all about the unexpected: designer shoes contrasted with high-street denim. She has a nose piercing, but it’s a diamond stud. She has a bob haircut, but wears it casually ‘undone’. Her make-up is perfect, but hardly there. She often wears trainers, but usually with a wedged heel. She’s a fan of designer handbags, especially whenthey have studs. How does she pull it off so effortlessly? As an architect, details like these are super-important, which is why we designed our own,’ says Massimo Minale, an architect who founded Buster & Punch, which makes chunky metal light switches that take their cue from amplifier knobs. Creating the “icing on the cake” finish to your overall design concept is as important as the signature on an artist’s canvas.

Modern Sockets, Modern Plug Sockets | Wandsworth Electrical

Built-In Fuses: During World War II, a copper shortage resulted in the British government putting fuses into every plug, instead of wiring them directly. Although the built-in fuse adds bulk to the U.K. plug design, it’s also safer: In case of an unexpected electrical surge, the fuse simply blows and the electricity shuts off, preventing fires, electrocutions, and other accidents. It also makes U.K. plugs easier to fix. Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox. For the ultimate in contemporary design, try this Belgian company, which produces handmade products in brass, exotic skins and woods – it ships to the UK. Each space is unique and deserves the extra special attention to the finer points – this is where our collections of light switches will stand the test of time. You may be looking for a flush mounted finish, or a vintage look and feel, or a discrete near invisible finish – we have the right accessory and switch for every application. I shall compare Beccy to a white and gold double dimmer switch– a minimalist switch with a sophisticated twist. Beccy is a straight to the point kind of girl… This is why we get on. This sleek white switch is somehow both unassuming and able to make an impact at the same time. It’s ultimately a thoroughly contemporary take on the ubiquitous white plastic light switch. But our wholly redesigned and updated version is altogether more stylish. It has a neat, streamlined look with hidden fittings making it the perfect switch for a minimalist interior.To meet a design vision, your electrical accessories should never be an afterthought. They are points of constant interaction, something used in a room on a daily basis.

Sockets and Switches in Unique, Contemporary Finishes Designer Sockets and Switches in Unique, Contemporary Finishes

Take a look around Tara Slinger’s colourful living room and discover her top tips for adding vibrancy to your homeThe main thing to know about the U.K. wall plug is that while it is bulkier than other designs, every ounce of that additional bulk makes the design safer. This is accomplished in four main ways: If you want to make a statement there are plenty of designs that will do just that,’ adds Mark Holloway, owner of Holloways of Ludlow. ‘Industrial styles and bronze are popular right now, but if you’d rather render the switches virtually invisible, match them to your wall colour or look for transparent plates.’ Where should I place my light switches? Still not sure which style is best for you? We asked the experts for their top tips… Why change your light switches?