Renovating or upgrading electrics in old properties often comes with a familiar challenge: shallow back boxes hidden behind thick plaster, solid masonry or uneven walls. For owners of quirky, characterful homes that have wonky walls, the idea of cutting deeper into original fabric is rarely appealing and in many cases, simply not practical.
Traditionally, shallow back boxes have meant compromise. Homeowners and specifiers are often pushed towards raised plate switches, even when a flatter, more refined aesthetic would suit the space far better. And while digging out the walls to deepen the back boxes is technically possible, it can be disruptive, costly and at odds with the careful restoration of period interiors.
At Bromleighs, we regularly work with historic and character properties and we understand that modern electrical requirements need thoughtful, sympathetic solutions. Recently, we addressed this exact issue by supplying wooden collars, designed specifically to work with our flat plate brass switches and sockets.
The collars allow flat switches to be surface-mounted without altering the existing wall structure. Supplied primed and ready to paint, they can be finished in the same colour as the surrounding wall, allowing them to visually disappear once installed. This makes it possible to enjoy the elegance of a flat plate switch – even when you don’t want to dig out the walls to deepen the back boxes.
For older homes with uneven plaster, lath and plaster walls or slight irregularities, this approach offers a particularly elegant result. The finished installation remains clean and understated, respecting the character of the building while delivering a practical, modern solution.
In period renovations, it’s often the smallest details that make the biggest difference. By avoiding unnecessary disruption and choosing fittings that work with the building rather than against it, homeowners can achieve a finish that feels authentic, considered and timeless – exactly as a period property should.
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