Some custom homes were wired with with the receptacles that were switched. The receptacle was in a circuit with a switch controlling the the voltage to the receptacle. These circuits were mostly installed in living rooms. Table lamps were plugged into them so that when a person comes into the room, one switch would turn all of the table lamps.
It could be that this switch has been replaced and installed up side down. So that when the switch was turned to the up position it was really turning the receptacle circuit off.
http://doityourself.com/electric/h2installswitch.htm
Open up the ceiling box and disconnect the blue wire coming from the light and connect it to the black wire coming from the fan. Be sure and put a wire nut on the wire where the light was connected before you removed it. The wall switch is controlling power to the wire where the fan is connected so when you connect the blue fan wire to that connection you will be sending power to both the fan and light from the wall switch.
The plastic rectangle thingy around a light switch is generally called a "wall plate." As outlets also have wall plates, the phrase "switch plate" is more descriptive, but less commonly used.They do not necessarily have to be plastic.
If the question is, can I wire a switch to an existing light fixture (and I must assume that it's something like a pull-chain light fixture), the answer is yes.If the question is, "how do I wire a switch to an existing light fixture that has no external switch", the answer is, "in series".The attached web site gives simple instructions on how to wire a basic light switch to an existing light.See sources and related links below
Pull cords for bathroom light fittings are a safety feature as they help minimize the risk of electric shock when hands are wet. Additionally, pull cords are easy to reach and operate, making them more convenient for turning the light on and off in a bathroom setting.
Some stylish and convenient wall sconces with switch options available for purchase include the Globe Electric LeClair 1-Light Plug-In or Hardwire Industrial Wall Sconce, the Kichler Tully 1-Light Wall Sconce with Switch, and the Westinghouse Lighting Iron Hill Indoor Wall Fixture.
To switch on the light in the room, locate the light switch on the wall and flip it upwards. This will turn on the light and illuminate the room.
http://doityourself.com/electric/h2installswitch.htm
When you turn off the wall switch, it breaks the circuit that allows electricity to flow to the light bulb, causing the light to go out.
To install a smart light switch in your home, follow these steps: Turn off the power to the light switch at the circuit breaker. Remove the existing light switch from the wall. Connect the wires from the smart light switch to the corresponding wires in the wall. Secure the smart light switch to the wall. Turn the power back on at the circuit breaker. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to set up and connect the smart light switch to your home's Wi-Fi network.
To install a motion sensor light switch for outdoor use, follow these steps: Turn off the power to the existing light switch at the circuit breaker. Remove the existing light switch cover and switch from the wall. Connect the wires from the motion sensor light switch to the existing wires in the wall, following the manufacturer's instructions. Secure the motion sensor light switch to the wall and replace the cover. Turn the power back on at the circuit breaker and test the motion sensor light switch to ensure it is working properly.
To install a horizontal light switch in your home, follow these steps: Turn off the power to the circuit at the breaker box. Remove the existing switch plate and switch from the wall. Connect the wires from the new horizontal light switch to the corresponding wires in the wall using wire nuts. Secure the switch to the wall with screws. Attach the switch plate to cover the switch. Turn the power back on and test the switch to ensure it is working properly.
A lamp holder that turns on from a wall light switch not a switch on the device.
I recommend the Globe Electric LeClair Wall Sconce or the Kira Home Welton Wall Sconce, both of which have an on/off switch and are suitable for a bedroom.
Change the wall outlets
To install a dimmer light switch, first turn off the power to the light switch at the circuit breaker. Remove the existing switch plate and switch from the wall. Connect the dimmer switch wires to the corresponding wires in the wall box, following the manufacturer's instructions. Secure the dimmer switch in place and attach the switch plate. Turn the power back on and test the dimmer switch to ensure it is working properly.
Installing a wall scone with an electric light can be an easy process. First the power must be turned off to prevent electric shock. Then a hole should be cut to fit the fixture and expose the wires. Match up the correct wires to the light then place the sconce in the wall. Secure the sconce with glue or nails and test the light connections.