Types of Wall Plates: Complete Guide to Styles, Sizes & Materials

Wall plates—also known as switch plates or outlet covers—play an essential role in safety, durability, and home décor. This complete guide explains every major type of wallplate sold on Wallplate.Store, including styles, sizes, materials, gang configurations, and when to use each one. Whether you are a homeowner, electrician, designer, or contractor, this page serves as a comprehensive educational and SEO-optimized resource.

1. Types of Wall Plates

Below are the primary wallplate types used across homes, offices, commercial buildings, and industrial settings. Each category includes a link to browse real products.

Duplex Receptacle Wall Plates

Browse Duplex Outlet Wallplates

These are the classic two-outlet covers used throughout nearly every home in the United States. Designed for standard NEMA 5-15 and 5-20 outlets, duplex wallplates are among the most widely installed electrical covers.

Block / Rocker / Decora®* Wall Plates

Browse Rocker & Decora® Wallplates

Also known as Rocker, GFI, GFCI, Block, or Decora® wallplates, these feature a large rectangular opening. They are used for modern switches, dimmers, smart home devices, occupancy sensors, and GFCI outlets. Their clean design makes them extremely popular for new construction and remodels.

Toggle Switch Wall Plates

Browse Toggle Switch Wallplates

The classic wallplate for traditional toggle switches. Still widely used today, toggle plates remain a simple and reliable option for residential and commercial lighting.

Blank Wall Plate Covers

Browse Blank Wallplates

Blank covers safely close unused electrical boxes, terminate wiring, or hide old openings after renovations. They are also used in commercial spaces to prevent public access to unused junction boxes. Round blank Cover-Up Plates are used for covering old light fixture openings, ceiling fan boxes no more in use or decommissioned wall boxes. Blank Ceiling Cover-Up Plates are often used to temporarily cover electrical boxes that were installed during construction for future use with light fixtures or wall sconces.

Combination Wall Plates

Browse Combination Wallplates

Combination plates include more than one device type in the same plate. Examples include:

Toggle + Duplex
Toggle + Rocker
Blank + Duplex
Rocker + Duplex
Blank + Toggle
Multi-device custom configurations

This category is especially helpful in remodel situations where device styles differ inside the same electrical box.

Single Receptacle Wall Plates

Browse Single Receptacle Wallplates

Single receptacle wall plates are designed for installations where a single, larger outlet or specialty device is used instead of a standard duplex. These plates feature a centered opening sized for heavy-duty receptacles, twist-lock connectors, equipment outlets, and other commercial-grade power devices. They are also used when there is a need for a dedicated power supply for heavy equipment.

Phone, Cable, Coaxial, & Low-Voltage Wall Plates

Browse Low-Voltage Wallplates

These plates organize low-voltage wiring, including coaxial cable, Ethernet, HDMI passthrough, speaker connections, and structured wiring systems.

Electrical Box Covers

Browse Electrical Box Covers

Electrical box covers protect exposed junction boxes and are commonly used in utility rooms, workshops, garages, commercial buildings, and industrial environments.

2. Wall Plate Sizes (Not to Be Confused With Gang Size)

Wallplates come in several physical size categories. Sizes refer to the overall height and width of the plate—not how many devices it holds.

Standard Size

The most common size used in U.S. homes.

Standard 1-Gang Wallplate:
2.75" W × 4.50" H

Princess Size

Princess size is both a size and a style. These plates are:

The same width as standard
Slightly taller than standard
Have gently rounded corners
Feature contoured, curved edges (not sharp bevels)

This elongated and elegant design is popular in kitchens, hallways, and designer interiors.

Jumbo / Oversize Wall Plates

Oversized plates are physically larger and provide extra coverage when:

Drywall cuts are uneven
The electrical box opening is oversized
There is wall damage or cracking
You want a more substantial decorative appearance

Optional Sizes (Industry Common)

Midway / Midi Size (between standard & jumbo)
Unbreakable Nylon (for plastic variants)
Textured or decorative surfaces

3. Gang Sizes (1-Gang to 20-Gang)

Gang size refers to how many devices or switches the plate covers.

Examples:

1-Gang Rocker Plate → One rocker device
3-Gang Toggle Plate → Three toggle switches
4-Gang Combination Plate → Any configuration of four devices

Standard 3-Gang Size:
6.13" W × 4.50" H

Metal wallplates at Wallplate.Store are available in gang sizes up to 10-gang in many finishes, and up to 20-gang in certain lines.

4. Materials & Finishes

Wallplate.Store specializes almost exclusively in high-quality metal wallplates manufactured in the USA. Metal wallplates are preferred because they are:

Stronger and more durable than plastic
Heat-resistant and fire-resistant
Rigid (do not warp)
Fade-resistant and long-lasting
Premium in appearance

White Semi-Gloss Metal

A clean, modern finish ideal for contemporary homes, offices, kitchens, and bedrooms.

Red Semi-Gloss Metal

Typically used for emergency circuits, fire alarm installations, and commercial code compliance.

Stainless Steel (430 & 302)

Industrial-grade, corrosion-resistant plates used in kitchens, warehouses, medical offices, restaurants, and commercial spaces.

Satin Brass

Warm, elegant, and premium. Popular in high-end residential and hospitality applications.

Gunmetal Steel / Pewter

Modern and subtle, perfect for darker décor and contemporary spaces.

Black Matte Metal

A designer-favorite finish used in modern interiors, studios, luxury homes, and contemporary remodels.

5. Made in the USA

Nearly all metal wallplates sold on Wallplate.Store—whether standard, jumbo, princess, combination, or specialty—are proudly manufactured in the USA. Domestic manufacturing ensures:

Consistent, commercial-grade quality
Thicker, more durable metals than imported alternatives
Superior paint finishes and powder-coating
Accurate sizing and perfect device alignment
Faster and more reliable supply chains

We work with U.S. manufacturers who produce wallplates for residential, commercial, electrical, and industrial applications—meeting or exceeding national electrical standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a rocker and a Decora®* wall plate?

They refer to the same style. Rocker, Decora®, GFCI, and Block all describe the rectangular opening used for rocker switches and GFI outlets.

When should I use a jumbo (oversized) wall plate?

Choose a jumbo plate when the wall opening is uneven, damaged, too large, or when you want additional coverage for a cleaner look.

Are metal wallplates better than plastic?

Yes. Metal wallplates are more durable, do not warp or crack, have better heat resistance, and offer a more premium appearance. All metal wallplates from Wallplate.Store are made in the USA.

What is a gang size?

Gang size refers to how many devices the wallplate covers. A 1-gang plate covers one switch or outlet, a 3-gang covers three, and so on.

Do your wallplates fit standard electrical boxes?

Yes. All wallplates sold by Wallplate.Store fit standard U.S. NEMA electrical boxes and device spacing.

What are combination wall plates used for?

Combination plates allow multiple device types—such as a toggle switch beside a duplex outlet—to be installed under one plate.

Shop Wallplates by Category

^*“Decora®” is a registered trademark of Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. This product is not manufactured by, affiliated with, or endorsed by Leviton. Mulberry Metal Products.