Dollar Tree Wallpaper Transforms Ordinary Light Switch Plates on a Budget
Plain plastic light switch plates that stand out after a room is finished can be upgraded using budget-friendly materials, according to a report by Hunker. Rather than purchasing expensive replacement plates to match newly painted walls and arranged furniture, homeowners can cover existing fixtures using peel-and-stick wallpaper from Dollar Tree.
The project requires minimal material, making it an affordable way to eliminate wall eyesores. A small piece of wallpaper or leftover scraps from previous projects can transform a standard white rectangle into a decorative accent. Design choices range from floral prints for cottage-style bedrooms to geometric patterns for contemporary spaces and subtle neutrals that blend directly into the wall. Leftover wallpaper from other surfaces helps disguise the switch entirely.
Materials Needed for the Wallpaper Upgrade
Executing the DIY project requires specific household and craft items. Supplies include a plastic switch plate, a roll of peel-and-stick wallpaper, a craft knife, a cutting mat, a screwdriver, a dry cloth, and a pencil for marking measurements. Wallpaper availability at Dollar Tree locations varies, so crafters need to check local inventory before starting.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Switch Plate Makeover
The process begins by turning off the light switch circuit at the electrical breaker for safety. The user then unscrews the cover plate and places the hardware into a plastic bag to prevent loss. A paper towel and isopropyl alcohol clean the plate to ensure the surface is dry and free of oils.
The crafter positions the plate over the wallpaper to select the desired pattern placement before peeling the backing. A piece is cut slightly larger than the plate to allow material to wrap around the edges. Next, a slit is cut in the switch opening. The backing liner is peeled away, and the cover is placed face down on the paper.
Excess wallpaper is pushed through the switch opening and around the sides of the plate, with small relief cuts made at the corners to stop bunching. Using a cutting mat, the crafter trims the switch opening and clears the screw holes with a craft knife to ensure the plate sits flush against the wall without interfering with the electrical box. The cover is then reinstalled, the switch movement is tested, and power is restored at the breaker.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dollar Tree Switch Plate Makeovers
How do you prevent the wallpaper from bunching at the corners?
Making small relief cuts at the corners of the wallpaper before wrapping the edges of the plastic plate prevents the material from bunching up.
Why is it necessary to clean the switch plate with isopropyl alcohol?
Wiping the plastic plate with isopropyl alcohol removes oils and dirt, ensuring the adhesive backing on the peel-and-stick wallpaper bonds securely to the surface.
Do you need to cover every light switch in the room?
Covering just one switch plate can instantly elevate a space and create a noticeable focal point, eliminating the need to upgrade every switch in the room.