Easy updates to your outlets and light switches that make life easier!
If you know how to change out a light switch or outlet, these small updates will
be easy for you. And if you don’t, they are worth paying someone to install
until you get the hang of it.
the tutorials I share in this post).
You don’t need an electrician to add these gadgets in your home! I promise
it’s not that hard to change out a switch or outlet. Once you get the hang
of it, each of these will take five minutes to update.
If you are inexperienced, have an electrician or other knowledgeable
person install these until you feel comfortable.
These DIY lighting and outlet hacks are all easy fixes that
make life a bit easier, save energy and extend the life of light bulbs!
1. Dimmer Switches
I’ve blabbed on and on about dimmer switches for years for good reason! They
are my FAVORITE!
times:
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I love them in any room — we have them in bedrooms, bathrooms (if you get
up before the sun they are a must!), the kitchen, dining area and living
room.
There’s nothing better than being able to turn down a bright, harsh light
to a soft glow at night!
I especially enjoy them for a ceiling light over the dining table:
They definitely create a soft and cozy mood!
your dimmer for the most updated tutorial.)
There are a
couple things to consider when purchasing dimmer switches. First, make
sure your dimmer switch works for LED light bulbs. Most options on the
market now work for those and incandescent bulbs, but older versions may
make LEDs flicker.
Also, determine if you’ll need a single or three way pole dimmer.
If your light operates from one switch it is called
single pole, if it works from more than one switch it’s called
a three way.
more than they used to. (Back in the day they were less than $10
each!)
You can find
my favorite dimmer switches here!
Did you know you can also
add a dimmer to lamps?
I learned this little trick last year and LOVE that I can dim our lamp light
now:
Dimmers not only adjust the light to your liking, but they allow for soft
ambient lighting that is really lovely in the evening or on a stormy
day. 😍
Plus you will save energy and your light bulbs will last
much longer!
2. Recessed outlets
I’ve shared these
cool recessed outlets (and how to install them) as well. They are deeper, inset
outlets that give you a few more inches behind furniture and TVs:
Also, if you’re having an outlet installed behind a hanging TV, I
recommend these instead of a regular outlet. That way you have plenty of
space for the plug behind the mounted television:
3. USB outlets
These
USB outlets are another favorite
because they’re just so useful. They still have two regular outlets,
but also two USB sockets as well:
You can plug anything in like a normal outlet, but don’t need the bulky
chargers to power up your devices. There’s plenty of room to have
something plugged into every spot.
We have one in our mud room and it’s perfect because we have so many items
that need to be charged — speakers, watches, phones, etc.
I keep all of the cords in a drawer right there so we can grab them all:
The kitchen island is another perfect spot for one of these!:
I think they’d be great in an office or bedroom (by the nightstand!) as
well.
4. Motion sensor light switches
I hate when lights are left on around the house! Not calling
my family out or anything…I’d never do that. 😉
I fell in love with
the motion sensor light switch
when I used one of these in our old house:
A motion sensor light is GREAT for areas where
our families we tend to leave lights on.
They turn on when you walk in and you can set how quickly you want them to
turn off when you leave the room. You can also tap the button to turn them
on and off manually.
in my closet (that I
covered in wallpaper scraps!), especially when I’m carrying a laundry basket:
These switches take some getting used to — you’ll still reach for the light
switch for a good week after installing it. 🙂
Motion sensor switches will definitely save you some money on the electrical
bill if you have light switch offenders in your home.
You just take off the original outlet cover and install this on top of the
socket. You can make the color whatever you want, so they they become nearly
invisible on the wall.
These covers are also great if you want to update discolored outlets, but
don’t want to change them all out.
want to pick up
a voltage tester
as well. It’s super simple tool that tells you if there’s any power going to
what you’re working on.
I ALWAYS test (in addition to turning off the breaker) — even if
the light is off, there may be power coming from an another line.
I think you’ll find any of these outlets and switches helpful around the
house! Have you used any of these handy gadgets?
