I'd use pushbutton switches

I think this question came up before, and there are very few suppliers for UL approved push button switches. They do look like the originals, but cost a lot more than the $2 switches from HD or Lowes.

My 1940 house did not have push buttons, but in that time frame they used dark colored (brown?) traditional switches and receptacles throughout the house. However, they had white metal receptacle and switch plates. This combination looks "old school" (to most folks), but everything you need is still off-the-shelf from local stores.

Bruce

If your having all the switches/receptacles replaced why not check out what a local electrical supply co. has. Usually their selection range, quality and price are better than big box.

I lived in a house that would not have had electricity and in a lot of areas I used Lutron Satin Colors or Decora for outlets in the closest color I could find to the trim or wall color and used switchplates painted to match the wall or trim. (Lots of my outlets were in the wide baseboard). I wanted them to blend in as much as possible.

In a few high profile areas I used push buttons or push button style dimmers with matte brass plates which was the first electrical the house would have had.

There was a lot of brown or black with matte brass plates in older houses in my area.

Thanks for all the great tips and advice everyone. I really appreciate it.

David