Switches & Sockets

Switches and sockets to suit every room, from designer Trendi Switch ranges to practical pop up sockets, sensors and dimmers. Whether you're upgrading a single room or fitting out an entire property, our collection includes screwless plates, USB sockets, light switches and smart controls in a range of modern finishes. Browse by type below or explore our full range of sensors and pop up sockets for kitchens, offices and workspaces.

Types of Switches and Sockets

This collection covers three main product types, each designed to solve a different problem in your home or workspace.

Designer light switches and plug sockets from Trendi Switch are screwless, glossy-finish plates available in a wide range of colours including white, silver, black, gold, pink, purple, red, and more. The range includes 1 to 6 gang rocker switches, plug sockets with USB ports, dimmer switches, cooker switches, fused spurs, and data sockets. Trendi's dual plate system means you can swap faceplates without rewiring, so changing your colour scheme takes minutes rather than hours.

Pop up plug sockets are retractable power sockets designed to sit flush with your worktop when not in use. Our pop up socket range includes manual and motorised options, each with three UK plug sockets and USB charging ports. The motorised version also features QI wireless charging and an anti-trap safety mechanism. They are ideal for kitchen islands, worktops, and office desks where you need temporary access to power without permanent visible sockets.

Sensors control your lighting automatically based on movement, daylight, or both. They connect to compatible LED fittings and switch them on or off without manual input. Sensors are particularly useful for under cabinet lighting setups in kitchens, hallways, and utility rooms where hands-free operation makes daily use easier.

Choosing the Right Finish for Your Switches and Sockets

The finish of your switches and sockets affects how they sit within your room's design. White and silver plates work well in most modern interiors and are the most versatile option if you are fitting out multiple rooms. Chrome and brushed steel finishes pair well with contemporary kitchens and bathrooms.

For a bolder look, Trendi Switch plates are available in colours you will not find from standard electrical brands. Gold, black, and coloured options can either match your wall colour for a seamless look or contrast against it as a deliberate design feature. The screwless finish on all Trendi plates gives a cleaner appearance than traditional screw-fixed faceplate designs.

If you are working across an entire property, matching all switches, sockets, dimmers, and data plates in the same finish creates a consistent, professional result. The full Trendi range covers every plate type in every colour, so you can achieve a cohesive look throughout.

Pop Up Sockets for Kitchen Worktops and Offices

Kitchen islands and worktops often lack enough sockets for the number of appliances used during food preparation. A pop up plug socket solves this by providing three UK sockets and two USB ports in a single unit that retracts flush with the surface when not needed.

Installation is straightforward. Each unit comes pre-wired with a 1.5 metre cable and a standard UK plug, so there is no hardwiring required. You cut a hole of 102-105mm in your worktop, drop the unit in, and plug it into a spare wall socket. The motorised version requires a 95mm cut-out and opens automatically at the touch of a finger.

Pop up sockets are not limited to kitchens. They work well in home offices, meeting rooms, reception desks, and workshop benches where temporary access to power is needed without trailing extension leads.

Sensors for Hands-Free Lighting Control

Sensors add convenience and efficiency by switching your lights on automatically when you enter a room and off again when the space is unoccupied. This is especially useful in kitchens, hallways, wardrobes, and garages where your hands may be full.

Our sensor range includes PIR (passive infrared) motion sensors and daylight sensors. PIR sensors detect body heat and movement within a set range, while daylight sensors respond to ambient light levels to prevent your lights running during the day. Some models combine both functions.

When pairing a sensor with LED fittings, check the maximum wattage rating of the sensor against the combined wattage of the fittings it will control. Overloading a sensor can reduce its lifespan or cause flickering. If you need to connect more fittings than the sensor supports, a distributor block allows you to expand the circuit safely.

Why Buy Switches and Sockets from Simple Lighting

Simple Lighting has supplied lighting and electrical products to UK homes and businesses since 2009. We carry the full Trendi Switch range alongside pop up sockets and sensors, so you can source everything you need in one order.

We have over 14,000 five-star reviews across Google, Trustpilot, and Reviews.io. Orders over £75 qualify for free UK delivery, and trade customers can apply for a trade account with access to trade pricing. Our UK-based team is available by phone and email during office hours if you need help choosing the right product for your project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main types of switches and sockets available?

The main types include designer switches and sockets with screwless finishes (like the Trendi range), pop-up sockets that retract into worktops, and automatic sensor switches that control lighting based on movement or daylight. Each type serves different purposes, from aesthetic upgrades to space-saving solutions and hands-free operation.

What are the benefits of screwless switches and sockets?

Screwless switches and sockets provide a cleaner, more modern appearance without visible screws interrupting the design. They're easier to clean since there are no screw recesses to collect dirt, and many feature a dual plate system that allows you to change colours without rewiring.

Where are pop-up sockets most commonly used?

Pop-up sockets are ideal for kitchen islands, worktops, and office desks where you need temporary access to power without permanent visible sockets. They sit flush with the surface when not in use, maintaining clean lines whilst providing multiple UK plug sockets and USB charging ports when needed.

Do I need an electrician to install switches and sockets?

Yes, installing new switches and sockets requires qualified electrical work and should be carried out by a certified electrician to ensure safety and compliance with UK building regulations. However, some Trendi switches feature a dual plate system that allows faceplate changes without rewiring.

What finishes work best in different rooms?

White and silver finishes are versatile and work well in most modern interiors across multiple rooms. Chrome and brushed steel complement contemporary kitchens and bathrooms, whilst gold, black, and coloured options can either blend seamlessly with your walls or create deliberate design contrasts.

How do sensor switches work with LED lighting?

Sensor switches connect to compatible LED fittings and automatically control them based on movement detection, daylight levels, or both. They're particularly useful for under-cabinet lighting in kitchens, hallways, and utility rooms where hands-free operation makes daily tasks easier and more convenient.

What's the difference between manual and motorised pop-up sockets?

Manual pop-up sockets require you to press and lift them from the worktop surface, whilst motorised versions automatically rise and lower at the touch of a button. Motorised options often include additional features like QI wireless charging and anti-trap safety mechanisms for added convenience and safety.

Can I mix different switch and socket finishes in one property?

Whilst you can mix finishes, matching all switches, sockets, dimmers, and data plates in the same finish throughout a property creates a more consistent and professional appearance. This approach works particularly well when upgrading an entire home or commercial space.