Vintage-Style Light Switches
Vintage light switches give a room the look of an older house: a slim brass lever, a round knurled knob, a plain metal plate with exposed screws. Ours are vintage-style, made new in solid brass for standard US boxes and modern wiring, so you get the period look without hunting for salvaged parts that may not be safe to reinstall.
Antique and retro light switches, made new
The period look comes from two things: the shape and the finish. For the shape, choose a brass toggle switch for the classic lever of the 1920s to 1950s, or a rotary dimmer switch for the round knob of early rotary light switches, now with smooth dimming for LED. For the finish, pick the brass that suits the house:
| Finish | Look | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Aged Brass | Darkened by hand, then sealed: the antique brass look from day one | Old houses, restorations, warm interiors |
| Unlacquered Brass | Raw brass that patinas where hands touch it | Anyone who wants the patina to come naturally |
| Satin Brass | Brushed and sealed, soft and even | A lighter retro look that stays the same |
For a whole wall in one piece, the 2-gang, 3-gang and 4-gang toggle switches line up levers on one solid plate, and the Build Your Own plate mixes toggles and rotary dimmers.
Vintage light switch FAQ
Are these real antique light switches?
No. They are new switches with a vintage design. The brass plate, lever and knob recall old hardware; the mechanism inside is current and fits standard US boxes.
Can I replace an old push-button or rotary switch with these?
Yes, as long as the box is a standard US box. Old wiring should be checked by a licensed electrician first. Our guide to replacing a light switch covers the steps.
Which finish looks most like antique brass?
Aged Brass. It is darkened by hand to look like brass that has been on the wall for years, then sealed so it stays that way. Unlacquered Brass gets there on its own over time.
Do the vintage-style dimmers work with LED bulbs?
Yes, with dimmable LED from 3W to 100W. The single pole dimmer needs a neutral wire in the box.
Can I see the finishes before I order?
Yes. The finish sample set has all three brass finishes, and our finishes page compares them.