Electrical wall plates are the smooth faces that cover switches. They're usually made of ceramic, metal, or plastic. Because of their typically plain façade, they're not exactly a piece that's often looked at or thought of. But there are a few ways to change that. Read on to learn how to turn outlet covers into your creative outlet.

Frame It

If peepholes can be framed, as seen on classic TV shows, then there's no reason you can't do the same to switch plates, right? This will transform that once-boring piece of plastic on your wall into an eye-catching work of art. To create this masterpiece, just follow these steps:

1. Remove the frame's glass panel and backing.

2. Unscrew the plate from the outlet.

3. Place it in the frame and hot glue them together at the back.

4. Once the adhesive has dried, you can screw the cover back onto the outlet. But if you want the item to have a uniform color, you can spray paint it.

5. If the frame is bigger than the plate, you can attach it to the wall with a nail. You can also use vinyl records or CDs instead.

Paint It

This one is probably one of the more familiar DIY options. Paint is great to work with, as it's capable of creating various looks. From clean and polished solid hues to unique and mesmerizing gradient effects, this medium can do it all. Here's what you can do:

1. Remove the cover from the wall.

2. Clean it with soap and water, and let it dry.

3. Sand its surface to remove any scuff marks. If you have a metal plate, there's no need to do this. You'll have to apply primer instead.

4. Paint the plate in a color of your choice; then, leave it to dry.

5. Once dry, brush on a coat of clear acrylic as a protective layer.

6. You can also paint on words, patterns, or shapes for more personalized electrical cover plates.

Tape It

Washi tape is an adhesive that's made from rice paper. It comes in many colors, prints, and sizes and can be used for many purposes. You can add it to your scrapbook, stationery, and other crafts. Switch plates are another item that can be prettified by this material.

1. Unscrew the cover from the wall and clean it with rubbing alcohol. This will make the washi stick better.

2. From one corner or side of the plate, apply one strip of tape after another until the entire surface is covered.

3. Trim off the excess tape, but be careful to leave a small margin that you can tuck into the edge of the cover. This will keep it from peeling off.

4. Use a pen, a pair of scissors, or a craft knife to remove the washi that covers the plate's openings.

5. To make the adhesives last even longer, apply a thin layer of PVC glue.

6. Your electrical covers will lookquirky and uniqueusing this decorative method.

Those are just 3 of the many ways you can beautify plate covers. Get your electricity running and your creative juices flowing by designing electrical wall plates.