If you've ever replaced a light switch or removed an old wall plate, you may have noticed a common problem: the drywall opening around the switch is too large, leaving an unsightly gap around the electrical device. Standard wall plates are designed to cover normal electrical box openings, but when drywall is cut too wide, the plate may not fully cover the hole.
The good news is that fixing this issue is usually very simple. In many cases, the best solution is using an oversized or jumbo wall plate designed specifically to cover larger openings around switches and outlets.
Why Drywall Gaps Around Switches Happen
There are several reasons why you might see a gap around a switch or outlet:
- The drywall opening was cut too large during installation
- An old electrical box was replaced or moved
- Previous repairs or remodeling widened the opening
- The wall plate was removed and revealed an uneven drywall cut
Electricians typically cut drywall just slightly larger than the electrical box. However, during construction or renovations the opening sometimes becomes too large for a standard switch plate to cover.
The Easiest Fix: Use a Jumbo Wall Plate
The quickest and cleanest solution is installing a jumbo or oversized wall plate. These plates are slightly larger than standard wall plates and are designed specifically to hide drywall imperfections.
Jumbo wall plates provide:
- Extra coverage around the device
- A clean finished appearance
- An easy installation that takes only a few minutes
- A professional look without patching or repainting the wall
Simply remove the existing plate and install the larger plate using the same mounting screws.
Special Situation: Two-Gang Opening with One Switch
Sometimes the drywall opening is large because a two-gang electrical box was installed, but only one device is currently being used. In these cases, a standard wall plate will not cover the extra space.
The best solution is a two-gang oversized wall plate with one centered device opening. This type of wall plate is specifically designed for situations where you have a larger opening but only one switch or outlet installed.
These specialized plates allow you to:
- Cover the entire larger opening
- Keep the switch centered for a clean appearance
- Avoid drywall repair or wall patching
You can see examples here:
2 Gang Oversized Wall Plates with 1 Centered Device
Alternative Fixes (Less Convenient)
There are other ways to repair drywall gaps around switches, but they usually require more work.
- Patching the drywall and repainting the wall
- Replacing the electrical box
- Installing drywall repair plates
While these methods work, they often require tools, drywall compound, sanding, and repainting. For most homeowners and electricians, installing a larger wall plate is the fastest and easiest option.
Why Many Electricians Prefer Oversized Wall Plates
Professional electricians often keep jumbo wall plates on hand because they solve drywall issues quickly and cleanly. Instead of spending time repairing the wall, a slightly larger wall plate can hide imperfections while maintaining a professional finish.
Oversized wall plates are especially useful for:
- Remodeling projects
- Older homes with irregular drywall cuts
- Commercial installations
- Quick repair jobs
Final Thoughts
A drywall gap around a switch or outlet can make an otherwise clean installation look unfinished. Fortunately, the fix is usually simple. Installing a jumbo or oversized wall plate can cover the gap instantly and restore a neat, professional appearance.
For larger openings where only one device is installed in a two-gang space, a two-gang oversized wall plate with one centered device is often the perfect solution.
Browse available options here: