15 Types Of Light Switches Found In Every Home

Illuminating your home involves more than just decorative light fixtures and the right level of brightness. You also need user-friendly light switches that are both purposeful and decorative in some cases. Each space has its own distinct necessities when it comes to light switches. Most likely, a simple switch that flips up to turn on the lights will suffice. 

However, what if you want to be able to have the option of dimming? Or perhaps you'd prefer a switch that sort of "blends in" with the rest of the wall without being too conspicuous. Some spaces in your home might need a little extra safety feature, and there are also varieties that switch on the lights when an attached sensor detects movement. With so many choices, we've sorted out the information and bring you a guide to 15 types of light switches along with their traits and pros and cons. 

This type of light switch functions in a similar manner as the toggle switch but has a bit more aesthetic appeal, according to Electronics Hub. In fact, if you're looking for the type of light switch that blends in almost to the point of not being noticeable, the rocker might be your best choice. They're also ideal for kid's rooms because they require very little dexterity to operate, and they won't get caught on long sleeves.

Dimmer light switches allow you to easily adjust the brightness in rooms with a turn of the dial. If you have a hallway that requires some degree of dim lighting at night for more visibility, the dimmer gives you that option. This feature not only gives you the ability to create a certain kind of ambience, but it also saves on electrical power and your light bill. It also helps prolong the life of your bulb. Some varieties of dimmer switches are compatible with LED and CFL bulbs, giving you more energy-saving power, according to Home Depot.

The multi-location dimmer gives you control over the brightness in several areas. They can be used in conjunction with another dimming switch, a smart-home or remote setup, or with a 3-way switch. Additionally, they come equipped with a switch to turn the lights on and off, along with buttons for controlling the brightness. Plus, they work well with LED bulbs, incandescent, fluorescent, multiple-load, and low-voltage bulbs, per 1000 Bulbs. The only catch to using this type of light switch is you have to make sure you follow the instructions closely if you're setting a timer.

The illuminated light switch makes a great alternative to the dimmer switch if you need to be able to see your switch at night but don't necessarily want any extra illumination in the space. Hence, some of the best areas for this type of light switch include restrooms, stairways, hallways, entryways, and basements, according to Leviton. You can find them in a single-pole toggle in choices of three-way or four-way. Although you can utilize CFL bulbs for the illumination on the switch, many come equipped with LEDs.

The pole receptacle combo switch serves well for saving space and maximizing efficiency in rooms where numerous gadgets or appliances might be used, as described in Worst Room. Equipped for duo purposes, this type of light switch is the perfect option where you might have a work light located under a shelf or cabinet where you might need to plug in an appliance, like your can opener. They also work well in bathrooms where you have little wall space but still need both a light switch and an outlet, thus making it a truly convenient choice.

When you envision a sound-activated light switch, you might see the "Clap On Clap Off" commercials from the 80s -– if you're old enough. However, the difference between those models (that are still being sold today and are plugged into outlets) and other varieties is some have the voice activation feature, which is connected to another smart device like Amazon's Alexa or to your smartphone using Siri, as mentioned by Smart Homerig. With this kind of convenience, you can use them in just about every space in your home.

A touch-plate light switch presents a more sophisticated wall-mounted option that's also commonly used in the modern home. While similar to the toggle switches, they don't need an up or down flip. Instead, the activation occurs immediately after the plate is touched, per Home Depot. Since they can be touch-sensitive, these types of light switches can differentiate between a finger touch from other types of touch. As a mere touch is all that is needed, they are not only easy to operate but quiet as well.