News

Better Bezels Make All The Difference (27/10/2004)

Contrary to the scenes portrayed on many of the popular home makeover television programmes, successful interior designs require painstaking attention to detail. One wrongly chosen item can easily make the difference between success and failure. And often it's the smallest and simplest product that can cause the most offence. Ironmongery, and more specifically the humble bezel, is one such problem area.

Bezels (fingerplates that surround light switches and room control units for integrated audio systems, to the uninitiated) are at best stylishly unobtrusive, chosen to reflect the overall design scheme. But to achieve this look you have to know where to find a bezel that will not only fit the design scheme, but also the product being installed.

There are many bezel systems available for lighting installations, but the choice becomes frighteningly restricted when designing a room with home cinema and audio functionality. All too often audio room control units (RCUs) are supplied with white plastic bezels as standard. And, because of their unusual dimensions, finding an elegant or funky alternative requires more than a trip to your local DIY superstore. With forethought and planning, however, alternatives are available.

Audio equipment and accessory specialist The Max has developed a range of individually designed bezels to fit the popular Linn range of RCUs. Linn RCUs are commonly specified to provide easy control for home entertainment systems but are supplied as standard with white plastic bezels. Not quite the look required for a state of the art home cinema.

The Max's range of dedicated Linn bezels offers homeowners and designers with a much-needed alternative. Available ex-stock in a traditional, twin UK electrical socket rectangular format, Max RCU bezels can be supplied in a choice of polished or satin brass; polished or brushed chrome; and even a rather unique black chrome. For even greater individuality custom designs or information can be engraved onto the bezel.

Square bezels, typical of those used in the USA, are also available in chrome and brass as standard, with other options manufactured to order.

Fixing couldn't be easier; the bezel is simply screwed to the Max 'Adapta' plate which then fits directly onto the regular Linn back-box. For more intricate installations, a range of custom-designed connection plates and special switch plates can be manufactured to order. The Max also supplies a range of complimentary installation tools including crimpers, cable identifiers and testing and wiring aids.

www.the-max.co.uk