Extra Outlets & Places to Install Them in Your Home 

Designing or remodeling a home is an exciting opportunity to personalize every detail. Some decisions that seem minor can have a big impact on your daily life. One of those often-overlooked details is the placement of extra outlets. While it might not be top of mind, strategic extra outlet placement can make your home more functional and convenient in ways you didn’t expect.

Think about it—electricity powers everything from work and entertainment to cooking meals and creating the perfect ambiance. By adding outlets in clever, practical locations, you can simplify your routines and make your spaces more efficient. Whether it’s the kitchen, mudroom, hallway, or another area, the right outlet placement can completely change how you use your home.

In this blog, we’ll share creative extra outlet placement ideas and show you how these small adjustments can make a big difference. Plus, we’ll include photos from some of our recent projects to inspire your next renovation!

1. Extra Outlets in the Entryway

Adding extra outlets to your entryway is always a great idea. You never know what you’ll need to plug in and when—whether it’s for vacuuming or using another cleaning device, having outlets nearby saves you from running cords into another room. As technology continues to evolve, charging stations near the door are becoming essential for phones, key fobs, or anything else you want to keep handy so you don’t forget it on your way out. And if you live in a colder climate, an outlet for a boot dryer in the entryway is a practical addition you’ll appreciate during winter months.

For larger entryways, extra outlets provide flexibility in how you arrange furniture and decor. You won’t be limited to placing a console table or lamp in one specific spot due to outlet availability. Instead, you’ll have the freedom to rearrange your space as needed, whether it’s for seasonal decor or a fresh look. Plus, when building a custom home or remodeling, you might change your mind about where that piece of furniture goes, meaning the lamp could move too. Extra outlets ensure your entryway is functional and adaptable to your lifestyle.

For those who love seasonal decorating, strategically placed outlets are perfect for wrapping Christmas lights or powering other festive decor without messy cords running across the space. This simple design choice adds great functionality to your home’s entryway.

2. Extra Outlets by the Mantel

Adding extra outlets by the mantel or even in it, in a custom home is a smart and versatile choice. They make it easy to add lights to seasonal garlands, creating a festive and inviting atmosphere. Moreover, they provide a convenient way to plug in lamps, or even speakers. If you ever decide to mount a TV above the mantel, having outlets already in place will save you time and effort. Thoughtful additions like these ensure your home stays functional and clutter-free for everyday living and special occasions alike.

These outlets also allow you to place a tall lamp near the mantel, perfect for setting up a cozy reading nook. During the holidays, extra outlets come in handy for placing a Christmas tree with lights or other decorations.

3. Outlets on the Outside of the House

Another great area to add extra outlets is on the outside of your custom home. For example, installing outlets under the soffits will make hanging exterior lights hassle-free by eliminating messy extension cords, creating a cleaner and safer setup. Outdoor outlets are also perfect for powering security cameras, ensuring your home’s perimeter is well-equipped for safety.

On porches or patios, outlets are invaluable for running café lights, outdoor speakers, or even a mini fridge to add to your outdoor living experience. They provide convenient power for lawn care tools like mowers and trimmers, as well as appliances for outdoor kitchens and special occasions. Lastly, having outdoor outlets prepares you for future maintenance or home improvement projects, saving time and effort in the long run.

4. On Staircases

Adding extra outlets on the staircase and at the landing is a great idea because it allows you to power devices like vacuums or other small appliances you use to cleaning the stairs, making the task much easier. They’re also perfect for plugging in lighting on the stairs, adding ambiance and improving visibility. If your landing area has space, an additional outlet can even let you set up a console table with a lamp, creating a cozy spot.

5. In the Kitchen Island

Adding extra outlets in your kitchen can make the space much more functional. Install outlets in the backsplash to easily power appliances like blenders, toasters, or coffee makers while keeping cords out of the way. Consider outlets along the working wall for convenience when using multiple gadgets while cooking.

Adding outlets to the side of your kitchen island can transform it into a hub for homework, remote work, or charging devices. As always, check first with your electrician about your local code requirements! When permitted, strategically placed outlets can ensure your kitchen can better meet the needs of both everyday tasks and social gatherings.

6. In the Mudroom

Adding extra outlets in a mudroom is a smart choice for any home. They can be used to create dedicated charging stations for devices like phones, tablets, and smartwatches. Outlets inside drawers or cubbies keep cords hidden and help maintain a clutter-free space. This setup ensures convenient access to power and keeps devices organized while they charge.

Using the mudroom as a central charging hub can encourage device-free family time in the evenings, with all electronics out of sight, allowing everyone to have a quality conversation and unwind.

Extra outlets in your home are a game-changer. They impact safety, improve aesthetics, and make daily tasks more convenient by allowing activities to happen simultaneously. Whether it’s in the kitchen, outside, or any other space, strategically placed outlets save time and effort.

As we have shown, there are numerous advantages to having extra outlets in many areas of your home. In fact, the location of those outlets should be directly tied to your routines and personal preferences.

Lastly, if you’re considering buying a lot or building a custom home in Twin Falls, reach out to Meg & Co.’s design team and we will make sure your house has the ideal number and placement of outlets so you’ll love living there.