Modern illuminated design light switch in black glass optic with 3 brass toggle levers. YORK

Illuminated designer light switch with a brass toggle and black glass-effect front plate, from the YORK collection by ROHDE+ROHDE. Deep black and warm brass create a distinctive combination of materials that works equally well in contemporary architecture and classic, timeless interiors. The solid metal toggle stands out beautifully against the black reverse-painted front, turning the light switch into a considered design feature within the room.

Rather than allowing the switch to disappear visually into the background, this YORK version deliberately emphasises the contrast between the black surface, clear glass effect and warm brass. Its minimalist form keeps the overall appearance balanced and refined. The result is a premium light switch for interiors in which materials, colours and even the smallest architectural details are carefully coordinated.

Black and brass – a distinctive combination

The character of this YORK version comes primarily from the interplay between two very different materials. The deep black front creates a calm, graphic surface, while the warm metallic tone of the brass toggle provides a deliberate and elegant accent.

The effect can vary considerably depending on its surroundings. In lighter interiors, the black front plate itself becomes a striking point of contrast. Against darker walls, it can blend more subtly into the architecture, allowing the brass toggle to become the principal visual feature.

The switch can also be incorporated into a wider material scheme, coordinating beautifully with brass taps, lighting, furniture fittings or other metallic details throughout the interior.

Black reverse painting, applied by hand

To create the distinctive appearance of the YORK front plate, the visible surface is not simply painted black. Instead, the colour is applied by hand to the reverse of the crystal-clear acrylic glass in the ROHDE+ROHDE studio.

The black colour is therefore viewed through the transparent front material. This gives it exceptional depth and brilliance, while creating the characteristic high-quality glass effect of the YORK collection.

This construction also offers another advantage: the actual paint layer remains protected behind the transparent front and is not directly exposed during everyday use.

A subtle point of light within the brass toggle

The solid brass toggle can optionally be illuminated. A discreet point of light within the toggle can serve several purposes: as an orientation light in the dark, an indicator light or simply as a permanently illuminated design feature.

Against the black background, the illumination creates a particularly striking effect. The small point of light stands out clearly, while the brass surface subtly reflects the light around it. As a result, the switch takes on a completely different character after dark.

Illumination is entirely optional. If it is not required, the supplied 230 V LED insert can simply be omitted during installation.

Durable glass effect for everyday use

The transparent surface of the YORK front plate is made from high-quality crystal-clear acrylic glass. The material combines the elegant appearance of glass with considerably greater durability and is eleven times more impact-resistant than conventional glass.

The surface also features effective scratch protection. A UV filter integrated into the material helps protect the black reverse-painted finish against long-term changes caused by exposure to light.

The front plate has therefore been designed not only for its visual impact, but also for long-lasting everyday use as a frequently operated light switch.

YORK is available in more than black

Black is just one of the many design options available within the YORK collection. Front plates can be individually reverse-painted in a wide range of colours.

Options include colours from Farrow Ball, Little Greene and Designers Guild, as well as RAL and NCS shades. This allows switches and sockets to be coordinated with wall colours, kitchens, furniture, fitted joinery and individual architectural colour schemes.

Choosing black does not limit future options either: the visible front plate can later be replaced separately with a version in a different colour.

Key features of YORK Black + Brass

1. Deep black front plate, hand-painted on the reverse
2. Distinctive contrast between the black surface and warm brass
3. Solid metal toggle with a high-quality brass finish
4. Frameless, minimalist design
5. Exceptional colour depth created by reverse painting
6. High-quality crystal-clear acrylic glass with scratch protection
7. Material eleven times more impact-resistant than conventional glass
8. Integrated UV filter to help protect the black finish
9. Brass toggle optionally available with a subtle point of light
10. Illumination can be used as an orientation light, indicator or design accent
11. 5-year guarantee
12. Designed in Germany
13. Tried-and-tested switch technology from AVE in Italy
14. Front plate can be replaced separately if required
15. YORK front plates are also available in a wide range of bespoke colours

Installing YORK light switches

The YORK range is designed for standard wall boxes. When combining several switches or sockets, individual wall boxes can be covered by one continuous front plate.

Arrangements can be either horizontal or vertical. Where multiple wall boxes are used, the standard 71 mm centre-to-centre spacing must be maintained. Wall boxes must be at least 45 mm deep.

The switch mechanisms are screwed directly into the wall boxes to ensure secure installation.

Technical specifications

• Function: on/off switch and two-way switch
• Rated voltage: 250 V
• Switching capacity: 10 AX
• Protection rating: IP20
• Plug-in LED: 230 V, optional

Front plate dimensions

• 1 wall box: 88 × 88 mm
• 2 wall boxes: 88 × 159 mm
• 3 wall boxes: 88 × 230 mm
• 4 wall boxes: 88 × 301 mm

The complete YORK set includes

• YORK front plate, reverse-painted in black
• Switch mechanism with brass toggle in the required quantity
• LED insert for optional illumination in the required quantity
• Socket insert where included in the selected product configuration
• Required mounting materials, excluding wall boxes
• Illustrated installation instructions

Simply change the front plate at a later date

One of the advantages of the YORK system is that the visible front is separate from the installed switch mechanism. If the interior design or colour scheme changes at a later date, there is therefore no need to replace the entire light switch.

The black front plate can simply be removed and replaced with a front plate in a different colour. The switch mechanism and electrical installation remain unchanged in the wall.

No electrician is required when replacing the front plate only.