Wall sockets are the power, charging and connectivity points fitted into your walls — and they no longer come in just one form. Alongside the standard power outlet you can choose USB and USB-C charging sockets, TV (coaxial) aerial sockets, Ethernet (RJ45) data sockets and blank cover plates, all in matching designer finishes, so every point on the wall looks considered rather than purely functional.
Key takeaways
- The main socket types are power (single and double), USB & USB-C, TV coaxial, Ethernet (RJ45), and blank cover plates.
- Choose a single (1-gang) socket for tight spots and a double (2-gang) where you need two plugs at once.
- USB-C sockets charge phones, tablets and many laptops faster — and remove the clutter of plug adapters.
- Match the plate finish and material across your switches and sockets for a cohesive room.
- These are designer European-standard (Type E/F) fittings and should be installed by a qualified electrician.
On this page
- What are the main types of wall sockets?
- Single vs double sockets: which do you need?
- Do you need USB or USB-C sockets?
- TV vs Ethernet (RJ45) sockets: what is the difference?
- What is a blank socket cover plate for?
- How to choose a socket finish for your interior
- How many sockets do you need per room?
- Socket standards and installation
What are the main types of wall sockets?
There are five main types of wall socket, and most rooms use a mix of them. Each does one job well, so you can keep power, charging, television and data tidy — and on-brand — across a whole wall.
| Socket type | What it does | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Power socket (single / double) | Mains power for plugs | Every room |
| USB / USB-C socket | Charges devices directly, no adapter | Bedsides, desks, kitchens |
| TV (coaxial) socket | Carries an aerial or TV signal | Living rooms, media walls |
| Ethernet (RJ45) socket | Wired internet connection | Home offices, media walls |
| Blank cover plate | Conceals an unused back-box | Capped or removed outlets |
Single vs double sockets: which do you need?
A single (1-gang) socket gives you one outlet; a double (2-gang) gives you two in the same plate. As a rule, use doubles anywhere you routinely plug in more than one thing — beside a bed, behind a desk, on a kitchen worktop or by a sofa — and singles in tighter or lower-traffic spots such as a hallway or a single appliance point. Doubles reduce the need for extension leads, which keeps the wall cleaner and safer.
Do you need USB or USB-C sockets?
A USB or USB-C wall socket charges your devices straight from the mains, so you free up the standard outlet and lose the bulky plug adapter. USB-C is the faster, more future-proof standard and now charges most phones, tablets and many laptops; USB-A still suits older cables and accessories. The most flexible option is a socket that offers both.
| USB-A | USB-C | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Slower | Faster |
| Connector | One-way rectangle | Reversible, both ways up |
| Best for | Older cables, accessories | Current phones, tablets, laptops |
TV vs Ethernet (RJ45) sockets: what is the difference?
Neither carries mains power — they carry a signal. A TV socket uses a coaxial connection to bring an aerial or cable television feed to the wall, while an Ethernet (RJ45) socket provides a fast, stable wired internet connection that often beats Wi-Fi for streaming, video calls and gaming. On a media wall, a combined TV and RJ45 plate keeps both tidy behind the screen.
| TV (coaxial) | Ethernet (RJ45) | |
|---|---|---|
| Carries | Aerial / TV signal | Wired internet data |
| Use it for | Televisions, aerials | Routers, PCs, smart TVs, consoles |
| Best room | Living room, media wall | Home office, media wall |
What is a blank socket cover plate for?
A blank cover plate has no outlet — it simply conceals an unused or capped-off back-box so the wall reads as clean and finished. Use one where a socket has been removed during a renovation, or to keep a run of plates visually consistent even where no outlet is needed. Choose the same finish as your surrounding switches and sockets for a seamless look.
How to choose a socket finish for your interior
Treat sockets and switches as part of the room's palette, not an afterthought. The quickest way to a considered look is to pick one finish and carry it across every plate on the wall.
| Finish | Pairs well with |
|---|---|
| Matte black | Modern, industrial and dark schemes |
| Brushed gold / brass | Warm, classic and luxe interiors |
| Aged bronze | Heritage, rustic and characterful rooms |
| Matte white | Minimal and Scandinavian spaces |
| Natural wood | Organic, biophilic and soft-modern looks |
How many sockets do you need per room?
It is almost always better to have one too many than one too few. The figures below are a sensible starting point for a comfortable, clutter-free home; a designer or electrician can tailor them to how you actually live.
| Room | Suggested outlets |
|---|---|
| Living room | 6–8 (plus TV & data points) |
| Kitchen | 6–10 above worktops |
| Bedroom | 4–6 (USB sockets at bedsides) |
| Home office | 4–6 (plus an RJ45 data point) |
Socket standards and installation
Our sockets are designer European-standard fittings (Type E / Type F), chosen for their finish and build quality. Plug and socket standards vary by country, so confirm compatibility with your own wiring before you buy, and always have switches and sockets installed by a qualified electrician in line with local regulations. Mains electrical work is not a DIY job.
Frequently asked questions
Are USB wall sockets safe to use?
Yes. A quality USB or USB-C wall socket is built to the same safety standards as a standard outlet and charges devices directly from the mains, removing the need for loose plug adapters. Have it fitted by a qualified electrician.
Can I replace a single socket with a double?
Often, yes — if the existing back-box and wiring allow it. A deeper or wider back-box is sometimes needed, so ask a qualified electrician to confirm before you order.
Do TV and Ethernet sockets carry mains power?
No. A TV (coaxial) socket carries an aerial signal and an Ethernet (RJ45) socket carries internet data only. Both are separate from your power sockets.
Which socket finish suits brass or gold fixtures?
Brushed gold or aged bronze sit beautifully with warm metals; for darker, modern schemes, matte black works best. Keep switches and sockets in the same finish for a cohesive wall.
Do I need an electrician to install a wall socket?
Yes. Mains wiring should always be carried out by a qualified electrician in accordance with local wiring regulations.
Last updated: October 2026 · Written by Artevaris Editorial
Keep reading: Light Switches & Wall Sockets: The Complete Buyer's Guide, USB Wall Sockets Guide, and How to Choose a Switch Plate Finish.
