Choosing a wall plate (also called a switch plate or outlet cover) seems simple—until you realize how much it affects your home’s durability, cleanliness, and overall finished look. The right material can handle daily wear, resist moisture, clean easily, and look great for years. The wrong one can crack, discolor, rust, or just look “off” against your devices and décor.
This guide breaks down the most popular wall plate materials, where each one shines, and how to pick the best option for every room—so you can shop with confidence and upgrade your walls the smart way.
Quick Take: Which Wall Plate Material Is Best?
- Best overall durability: Stainless steel (and other quality metal plates)
- Best for moisture-prone rooms: Stainless steel, corrosion-resistant metals
- Best for design impact: Decorative metals (brass/bronze finishes, painted metal)
Wall Plate Materials Explained (Pros & Cons)
1) Plastic Wall Plates
Plastic wall plates are the most common option in many homes because they’re inexpensive and widely available. For low-traffic areas, they can do the job—but they’re also the most likely to show wear over time.
- Pros: Affordable, lightweight, easy to find, simple to install
- Cons: Can crack, chip, scuff, or discolor/yellow over time (especially in bright light)
- Best for: Guest rooms, closets, quick replacements, rentals, budget refreshes
We do not recommend plastic wall plates. The main reason being that metal wall plates are now more affordable than ever. The price difference is not that big anymore. And they are available in much more finishes, sizes, configurations and gang sizes than plastic wall plates.
2) Metal Wall Plates (Painted Metal, Powder-Coated, and More)
Metal wall plates are a major step up in durability. If you want a clean, solid feel—and a plate that holds up to daily life—metal is often the most practical upgrade.
- Pros: Strong, long-lasting, impact resistant, premium look and feel
- Cons: Depending on finish, may show fingerprints more than plastic; slightly higher cost than basic plastic
- Best for: High-traffic homes, hallways, kitchens, living areas, offices, commercial spaces
3) Stainless Steel Wall Plates
Stainless steel wall plates are a favorite for both residential and commercial spaces because they’re tough, easy to maintain, and naturally suited to environments where moisture and frequent cleaning are common.
- Pros: Excellent durability, corrosion resistance, ideal for heavy-use areas, easy to wipe clean
- Cons: Higher price than basic options; brushed finishes can show directional scuffs if cleaned aggressively
- Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, garages, workshops, commercial areas, rentals that need “bulletproof” hardware
4) Brass, Bronze & Decorative Metallic Finishes
If your goal is style, decorative wall plates in brass/bronze tones (and other metallic finishes) can add warmth and character. These are often used as a design accent—like jewelry for your walls.
- Pros: Beautiful finish options, classic/modern styles, strong design impact
- Cons: Some finishes may require occasional polishing; certain looks can feel dated if mismatched
- Best for: Entryways, dining rooms, living rooms, feature walls, older homes, design-forward renovations
5) Aluminum Wall Plates
Aluminum wall plates are lightweight and modern-looking, often used where you want a sleek appearance without the heft of heavier metals.
- Pros: Lightweight, clean modern look, corrosion-resistant
- Cons: Can scratch more easily than some stainless options
- Best for: Modern interiors, offices, tech spaces, minimalist design themes
Best Wall Plate Material by Room
Kitchen
Kitchens are high-use and high-cleaning zones. Between cooking oils, splashes, and constant wiping, you’ll want a material that stays looking good even with frequent cleaning.
- Best choice: Stainless steel or durable painted metal
- Why: Tough finish, easy to wipe clean, handles daily wear
Bathroom
Bathrooms add moisture to the mix. That means you should prioritize corrosion resistance and a finish that won’t degrade with humidity.
- Best choice: Stainless steel or moisture-resistant metal finishes
- Why: Better long-term performance in humid environments
Hallways & High-Traffic Areas
Hallways are where wall plates get bumped, scuffed, and cleaned most often—especially near light switches.
- Best choice: Metal wall plates
- Why: More impact resistant than plastic and keeps a cleaner look over time
Kids’ Rooms
In kids’ spaces, wall plates are more likely to take hits from toys, backpacks, and everyday chaos.
- Best choice: Durable metal or higher-quality plastic
- Why: Better resistance to cracking and chipping
Garage, Workshop, Utility Areas
These spaces are rougher on hardware. Dust, bumps, tools, and temperature swings make durability the priority.
- Best choice: Stainless steel or rugged metal plates
- Why: Strong, long-lasting, and easy to clean
Living Room, Dining Room & Feature Walls
Here, the wall plate can be part of your design. This is where finishes like brushed metal, decorative metallic tones, or clean painted metal can elevate the whole wall.
- Best choice: Decorative metal finishes (and stylish painted metal)
- Why: High visual impact with long-term durability
How to Choose the Right Wall Plate Material in 60 Seconds
- Start with the room: moisture (bathroom), grease/cleaning (kitchen), heavy traffic (hallway).
- Decide what matters most: durability, easy cleaning, or style.
- Match your finish: coordinate with nearby hardware (faucets, cabinet pulls, appliances, lighting). Tip: Stainless steel wallplates with stain brushed tones are a perfect match with modern kitchen appliances
- Don’t forget size & coverage: if you’re covering paint marks or imperfect drywall, consider an oversized/jumbo wallplate option.
- Choose quality screws: a premium plate looks best with matching screws and a clean install.
Common Myths About Wall Plate Materials (Debunked)
Myth #1: “Plastic wall plates are always fine.”
Plastic can work, but it’s more likely to crack, scuff, or discolor—especially in high-use areas. If you’re upgrading for longevity, metal is often worth it. Prices for metal wall plates really came down the last few years and are now very affordable.
Myth #2: “Metal wall plates are dangerous because they’re metal.”
Wall plates are covers—your wiring and devices remain properly housed. A correctly installed electrical device and box is designed for safety. If you have concerns, always consult a licensed electrician.
Myth #3: “Decorative wall plates are only about looks.”
Many decorative plates are also very durable. You can upgrade both appearance and longevity at the same time.
When Upgrading to Metal Wall Plates Makes the Biggest Difference
- You’re tired of plastic plates cracking or looking worn
- You’re renovating and want a more premium “finished” look
- You want something that cleans easily in kitchens/bathrooms
- You want better coverage around the device (oversized/jumbo options help)
- You’re upgrading a commercial or high-traffic space
FAQ: Wall Plate Materials
Are metal wall plates better than plastic?
Yes—especially for durability, appearance, and high-traffic use. Plastic is budget-friendly, but metal typically lasts longer and stays looking better over time.
What’s the best wall plate material for kitchens?
Stainless steel and other quality metal wall plates are excellent in kitchens because they handle frequent cleaning, wear, and splashes better than basic plastic.
What’s best for bathrooms (humidity)?
Look for corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel or finishes designed to handle moisture. These are typically better long-term choices for humid spaces.
Do I need an oversized or jumbo wall plate?
If you have paint marks, uneven drywall, a larger box opening, or you’re covering imperfections from a remodel, oversized/jumbo wall plates can provide cleaner coverage and a more professional look. Jumbo wall plates are now also common for standard size electric boxes as a design statement.
Final Thoughts
The “best” wall plate material depends on your room, your style, and how much wear the plate will see. For many homes, a simple upgrade from plastic to metal delivers a big improvement in both durability and appearance. Whether you’re matching a modern kitchen, upgrading a hallway switch, or choosing something tough for a workshop, the right material makes your install look intentional—and it lasts.
Tip: If you’re unsure, start by upgrading the highest-traffic areas first (hallways, kitchen switches, bathrooms). You’ll notice the difference immediately.
Shop by Material
- Stainless steel wall plates: Clean, durable, and built for heavy use
- Painted metal wall plates: Available in White Semi Gloss, Black, Red and other colors. A strong upgrade with a classic look
- Decorative metallic finishes: Style-forward finishes for feature walls
- Oversized/jumbo options: Better coverage for imperfect walls