Light switches for queenslander?

Discussion in 'Renovation & Home Improvement' started by Whitecat, 11th Aug, 2016.

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  1. Whitecat

    Whitecat Well-Known Member

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    What sort of light switches would go in a Queenslander that would look classy
    At the moment it has bakelite light switches that kind of 1920/30s style but I actually think that makes the place look dated.and even if they are classic to some degree they are still plastic.

    I would like something with a bit more bling or something with a bit more class and refinement but that still suits a quernslander.
    I may not be able to change to those round ones I would have to check size of wall cutout.
    Thanks
     
    Whitecat, 11th Aug, 2016
    #1
  2. Gockie

    Gockie Life is good ☺️ Premium Member

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    Sounds nice! But I love my pull cord light switches in my 100+ year old home. Such a satisfying feeling that's gained by pulling a cord and causing a light to turn on....
     
    Gockie, 11th Aug, 2016
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  3. Scott No Mates

    Scott No Mates Well-Known Member

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    You can get the same with brass covers from HPM or Clipsal or independent manufacturers.

    Linky
    Linky1
    Linky2
     
    Scott No Mates, 11th Aug, 2016
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  4. bashworth

    bashworth Well-Known Member

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    Schots (Lighting) is a great source of period fittings.
     
    bashworth, 11th Aug, 2016
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  5. WallyB66

    WallyB66 Well-Known Member

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    I usually go with the flush white switches from clipsal etc even for qlders as some people make the association that old fitting = house needs a rewire/ new switchboard etc- silly I know.......
     
    WallyB66, 12th Aug, 2016
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  6. Whitecat

    Whitecat Well-Known Member

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    Interestingly the bakelite switches are quite expensive?
     
    Whitecat, 12th Aug, 2016
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  7. Scott No Mates

    Scott No Mates Well-Known Member

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    Plastic is cheap. When they developed a material which was electrically inert, did not conduct heat, was durable & cheap, manufacturers embraced the new material and went away from the more expensive bakelite.
     
    Scott No Mates, 12th Aug, 2016
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  8. wylie

    wylie Moderator Staff Member

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    The problem with new switches on queenslanders with VJs is that you need the clunky box to back the flat switch, so it ends up being a big, ugly white box. I'd stick with the bakelite or a newer version, but in my opinion, sometimes the shiny new versions don't look right.

    It depends on the level of finish you are going for. I'd always stick with the original bakelite or a replacement.
     
    wylie, 12th Aug, 2016
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  9. Tim86

    Tim86 Well-Known Member

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    I have some of those clipsal ones in the link. They lasted about 6 months before the plastic inside broke. And Im talking 5 different switches all breaking the same way.

    Complete garbage.

    They may look like the old school ones but they are not made like they use to be.
     
    Tim86, 13th Aug, 2016
    #9
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