Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Switched On: Old-Fashioned Light Switches from Germany

A pet peeve around here: thoughtfully-designed houses with mood-killing cheapo light switches. We've long recommended replacing plastic switch covers with inexpensive metal ones. But in the best of all worlds, what we'd really like to live with are these elegant, old-fashioned designs from German reproduction specialists Replicata. 

Replicata Rubrik Garby | Remodelista

Above: A trio of porcelain and wood Garby system designs: the Garby Switch, €39.50 ($44.38), Garby Push Button light switch, €21.20 ($23.82), and Garby Socket, €45.70 ($51.35).

Replicata has a showroom and warehouse in the university town of Freiburg, near the border of Switzerland and France, and is an offshoot of Florian Langenbeck Historische Türen, specialists in antique doors, hardware, and other architectural findings. 

Replicata Light Switches | Remodelista

Above: Dimbler Toggle Switches of nickel-plated brushed brass with porcelain bases are €45.30 ($50.90) each. The design is also available in other finishes and materials.

(Also don't miss The World's Most Beautiful Light Switches By Way of France.)

Replicate porcelain light switch | Remodelista

 

Above: Who knew Bakelite was still in production? The Bakelite Rotary Switch is €42 ($46.98) and also comes in black.

Porcelain and bakelite toggle switch from German company Replicata | Remodelista

Above: The Bakelite Toggle Switch and Cover is available in black and white for €35.50 ($39.71).

We've been coveting classic lighting for years—see our posts on Thomas Hoof (now called THPG)—and are ever hopeful that a stateside company will come up with US-ready versions. A new notable example: Zangra's Belgian Basics, Now Available in the US. 

For an easy, affordable switch plate upgrade, see 10 Easy Pieces: Switch Plate Covers.

Subscribe to the Remodelista daily newsletter

 

More Stories from Remodelista



from Remodelista http://ift.tt/1c57Kuy
via IFTTT

No comments:

Post a Comment