When people hear the term Princess Style Wall Plate, they often assume it refers to a decorative design. In reality, Princess is not just a style — it is a size.
Princess wall plates are a slightly larger alternative to standard wall plates, designed with gently rounded corners and softly contoured edges. The result is a wall plate that looks elegant, refined, and subtle on the wall.
While they share the same width as a standard wallplate, they are slightly taller, giving them an elegant, elongated profile.
These plates were especially popular in mid-century construction and are still used today when homeowners, designers, or electricians want a cleaner and softer appearance compared to traditional square-corner wall plates.
In this blog post, we will explain what Princess wall plates are, how they differ from standard wall plates, why they have rounded corners, where they are commonly used, and when they may be the right choice for your project.
Princess Wall Plates Are a Size — Not Just a Style
Most people are familiar with standard wall plates, which are the most common covers installed in homes and commercial buildings today. Standard wall plates are typically smaller than princess size and more squared in appearance.
Princess wall plates, however, are slightly larger than standard, but smaller than jumbo and oversized wall plates. They were designed to create a more refined, low-profile look on the wall. Their dimensions help them blend in more naturally instead of standing out as much as a standard plate.
Typical characteristics of Princess wall plates include:
- Slightly taller dimensions than standard wall plates
- Rounded corners instead of sharper square corners
- Softly contoured or beveled edges
- A more elegant and decorative appearance
Because of these distinctive proportions and details, Princess wall plates are often easy to recognize once you know what to look for.
The Signature Feature: Rounded Corners and Contoured Edges
One of the easiest ways to identify a Princess wall plate is by looking at the corners and edges.
Unlike standard wall plates, which often have sharper corners and flatter profiles, Princess wall plates feature:
- Gently rounded corners
- Smooth curved edges
- A slightly sculpted or beveled face
These design details give the plate a softer and more refined appearance. Instead of looking purely functional, Princess wall plates look more intentional and decorative, even in simple spaces.
This look became especially popular in homes built in the mid-20th century, when softer shapes and more graceful details were common in residential design.
Why Princess Wall Plates Became Popular
Princess wall plates became popular for a few simple reasons.
1. A Softer Look on the Wall
The rounded corners reduce the sharp, boxy appearance that standard wall plates sometimes have. This gives the wall plate a more finished and polished look.
2. Elegant but Subtle
Because they are only slightly taller and more contoured (while being the same width), Princess plates often look less bulky than standard wall plates. They can add style to a room without calling too much attention to themselves.
3. Architectural Consistency
Many older homes originally used Princess style wall plates. When renovating or updating these homes, many homeowners prefer to keep the same style so the finished space stays true to its original character.
Where Princess Wall Plates Are Commonly Used
Princess wall plates are often found in:
- Mid-century homes
- Older residential properties
- Decorative interior designs
- Renovation projects restoring original details
That said, they are not limited to older homes. Many people still choose Princess wall plates today simply because they prefer the softer, more elegant look.
They can work beautifully in bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, hallways, and other spaces where small design details matter.
Princess vs. Standard Wall Plates
Understanding the difference between Princess and standard wall plates can help you choose the right one for your project.
Standard Wall Plates
- Standard overall size
- Typically sharper corners
- Straighter, simpler edges
- Most common in modern construction
Princess Wall Plates
- Slightly taller overall size (but same width)
- Rounded corners
- Softly contoured edges
- A more refined and decorative appearance
Neither one is necessarily better. The right choice depends on the look you want, the type of wall plate you are replacing, and the amount of wall coverage you need.
Important: Princess Plates Are Taller
Because Princess wall plates are taller than standard wall plates, they do provide extra coverage on top and the bottom of the electrical box.
If you need to hide major drywall damage, bigger oversized cutouts, or rough openings around a switch or outlet, a jumbo or oversized wall plate is usually the better option.
Princess wall plates are best used when the wall opening is neat and the electrical device is installed properly.
Available Device Types
Just like standard wall plates, Princess wall plates are available in many common configurations, including:
- Toggle switch plates
- Duplex outlet covers
- Rocker switch plates
- Blank wall plates
- Multi-gang combinations
This makes them a practical option for many homes and restoration projects.
Materials Used for Princess Wall Plates
Princess wall plates can be found in a variety of materials, including:
- Painted metal
- Stainless steel
- Brass
- Aluminum
Many homeowners and contractors prefer metal wall plates because they are durable, long-lasting, and less likely to crack than plastic covers.
Painted metal Princess wall plates are especially popular when a clean, simple, and durable finish is desired.
A Small Detail That Makes a Big Difference
Wall plates may seem like a minor detail, but they are one of the most visible electrical finishing touches in any room. Choosing the right size and shape can make a noticeable difference in the overall appearance of a space.
Princess wall plates offer a unique combination of refined proportions, soft rounded edges, and timeless appeal. For homeowners who appreciate subtle but important design details, they are a beautiful alternative to standard wall plates.
Final Thoughts
Princess wall plates are often mistaken for simply being a decorative style, but they are actually a distinct wall plate size with unique visual characteristics.
Their taller dimensions, rounded corners, and beautifully contoured edges give them a softer and more elegant appearance than traditional wall plates.
Whether you are restoring an older home, matching existing hardware, or simply prefer a more refined look, Princess style wall plates remain a timeless choice.
If you want to learn more about wall plate sizes in general, be sure to explore our complete guide to wall plate sizes as well.