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Home
Spotlight On
Beautiful Homes
Meet The Team
Behind the Name
Our Showrooms
Visit Jim Lawrence Website
Made By Us
  • Home
  • Spotlight On
  • Beautiful Homes
  • Meet The Team
  • Behind the Name
  • Our Showrooms
  • Visit Jim Lawrence Website
  • Made By Us
Jim Lawrence Blog - Jim Lawrence Blog
Spotlight On

Stylish Switches & Sockets: Luxury In Every Detail [Updated for 2023]

Handcrafted stylish switches and sockets are the perfect finishing touch to any period or contemporary home. Our range of colourways and designs allow you to think creatively so you can highlight your wiring accessories instead of hiding them. When decorating a room it is sometimes easy to miss the little extras that can add the design flare your room was missing. A white plastic switch is a sight I’m sure we are all familiar with. But, switches and sockets don’t have to be boring or unoriginal!

When we’ve got hundreds of hand finished switches and sockets to choose from, it can be hard to pick which combination is right for you. We thought we’d make it a little bit easier by highlighting a few of our favourite designs…


From traditional antiqued metal effects, to bold contemporary paint colours, our products are available in a fantastic variety of hand crafted finishes to perfectly suit your home’s style.

Our hammered edge is where the switch plate is cut with a sloping, or chamfered edge that is hammered to produce a subtle, rustic aged look. Our bevelled edge is where the switch plate is cut with a straight, slightly sloping or chamfered edge for a slimline, contemporary look.

A beautiful, hand forged double plug socket made from solid natural brass and lightly antiqued for a classic, aged look. This Antiqued Brass Bevelled Plug Socket combines a 2 gang, 13 amp switched, slimline design with black inserts and antique brass rocker switches to create a simple sleek look to suit modern and traditional homes.

Though it’s a bathroom essential, a shaver socket might seem like an afterthought when you’re dreaming up your desired bathroom décor. Wall colour and lighting may come first, but our Shaving Sockets are a practical AND pretty solution to make sure every element of your bathroom is up to scratch.


We have found that making a feature out of the quirks of period homes is often the best way to enjoy them. A hinged design that fits into the floor, this 2 Gang Floor Socket is the dreamy modern rustic detail you might not have thought of, but now know you need! A great solution when you don’t want wires stretching around the room or have limited wall space, you can enjoy floor or table lamps in more central spots around the room, or use them for other portable accessories. Our range of colourways and designs allow you to think creatively so you can highlight your wiring accessories instead of hiding them.

Take a look at our 2amp and 5amp round pin sockets for something a little different…

The go-to for vintage-inspired homes: the dolly switch. Shown here in our beautiful Heritage Copper, a dolly switch is perfect for capturing the spirit of your period home whilst taking advantage of modern wiring. Copper lends a subtle blush warmth to any interior, creating a lovely aged look that will darken naturally over time, much like our Antiqued Brass finish. Our dolly switches (also known as toggle switches) refer to the toggle-like button you use to turn the switch on or off. Ours are all 20 amp, 2-way.

The antithesis of the standard white light switch: a slick matt black rocker switch or ‘Modular Grid’ Switch. This is a more modern looking sloped button that ‘rocks’ backward or forwards to turn a switch on or off. All ours are 20 amp, 2-way, 240V. This design adds a modern industrial look, or works wonderfully paired with other black ironmongery and accessories in a contemporary country home.

A dimmer is a button that pushes in and out to turn your lights on or off and rotates to dim the lights. You can choose from beautiful Dolly or Rotary Dimmers. Our dimmers are Varilight V-Pro 250W push On/off trailing edge dimmers. Jim Lawrence dimmers incorporate 120w trailing edge modules that are suitable for good quality dimmable LED bulbs, incandescent bulbs and dimmable CFL bulbs. They are also compatible with good quality dimmable electronic transformers. The minimum load on the dimmer module is 10w. Each dimmer switch is 2 way which means it can be used for switching lights from either one or two places. Higher wattage dimmer modules are available on request. Please call our sales team for more information.

Want to learn more? See our full guide to Dimmer Switches on the Knowledge Base.

This is the plastic connector box that sits behind the metal front plate that connects your switch or socket to the mains wiring in your home.


Blank plates are useful for covering unused back boxes that may remain in your walls as they are not currently required in that location.

A 1 way switch is the most common found in the home and means that only one switch is used to govern one light. All our switches are two way which means they can be used to operate lights from more than one location, such as the operating a stairwell light from the top and the bottom of the stairs or from either end of a room. If you need to operate your lights from a third location, you will need to fit your switches with an intermediate module.

An intermediate switch or module allows you to operate your lights from three locations, so from a landing as well as from the top and bottom of the stairs in the example given above, or from either side of the bed as well as by the door in a bedroom. Intermediate switches are ideal for rooms where there are multiple entrances.

 

These are just a handful of our stylish switches and sockets that we have constructed to make sure the smallest details can still be the most beautiful. All Jim Lawrence products are made using traditional metal working techniques and are hand finished to the very highest standards here at our Suffolk workshop, so every part of your room will exude quality no matter how big or small. In need of advice on how to wire your switches and sockets? Our detailed knowledge base will guide you through all you need to know on installing our lovely switches and sockets. Please read these instructions carefully before you start work.

To view all of our home accessories and lighting visit our website. For even more home interior ideas, keep up to date by following us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Don’t forget to tag us in your home updates– we love seeing our products in their new homes!

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Welcome to the Jim Lawrence Style Journal.

We are a British interiors company creating beautiful lighting, ironwork and home furnishings from our Suffolk workshop.

This is where we share ideas that we love, show sneak peeks behind the scenes of our brand and offer a unique insight into classic design.

jimlawrencemade

Jim Lawrence Lighting & Home
Introducing our new Hundon bathroom light. ⁠ ⁠ Introducing our new Hundon bathroom light. ⁠
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The hand-blown opal glass shade is made by our partners at Suffolk Glass, and rests on an antiqued brass bracket with a curved plate. Designed to enhance the glow and even distribution of light, this art deco look creates a tranquil setting, perfect for achieving an intimate and relaxing ambience in the bathroom. ⁠
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Tap the images via the link in our bio to shop the look.⁠
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Our signature antiqued brass with its rumbled pati Our signature antiqued brass with its rumbled patina is perfect for emphasising the warm glow of candlelight, a crackling fire and the soft pools of light cast by table and floor lamps, adding to a feeling of warmth and sanctuary.⁠
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We love working with this honest natural metal because it is a living finish, elevating any room, complementing building materials and pairing with all colours so that though trends may come and go, the timeless quality of brass endures.⁠
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“Autumn is a time to hunker down and embrace a sense of comfort,” says Sheena Lawrence, Co-Founder and Director at Jim Lawrence. “Creating that cosy, calming atmosphere is all about layering light using a blend of wall lights, lamps, and candlelight to soften the room as the evenings draw in.”⁠
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Tap the ‘Autumn reflections’ button via the link in our bio to shop three new seasonal looks with this sentiment at their heart 🍂⁠
Whether signalling a vacant room to the travel wea Whether signalling a vacant room to the travel weary, used to communicate between ships, or to signal railroad operations, lanterns have always been a symbol of connection: sending a message of comfort in the form of light across the night.⁠
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Perfectly placed in houses that lean into a more period style, this traditional look still triumphs today, like our Bonham lantern in this beautiful character property, a former Grocer's in Lewes, shot by @claire.waddell for @inigo.house. ⁠
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To get the look or explore our full collection of lanterns, tap this image via the link in our bio.
Our signature antiqued brass with its rumbled pati Our signature antiqued brass with its rumbled patina is perfect for emphasising the warm glow of candlelight, a crackling fire and the soft pools of light cast by table and floor lamps, adding to a feeling of warmth and sanctuary.⁠
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We love working with this honest natural metal because it is a living finish, elevating any room, complementing building materials and pairing with all colours so that though trends may come and go, the timeless quality of brass endures.⁠
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"Autumn is a time to hunker down and embrace a sense of comfort,” says Sheena Lawrence, Co-Founder and Director at Jim Lawrence. “Creating that cosy, calming atmosphere is all about layering light using a blend of wall lights, lamps, and candlelight to soften the room as the evenings draw in."⁠
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Tap the ‘Autumn reflections’ button via the link in our bio to shop three new seasonal looks with this sentiment at their heart 🍂⁠
Transform your doorways into a feature you can adm Transform your doorways into a feature you can admire up close with our vast collection of interior and exterior door furniture. Made from solid brass or forged iron, each piece is crafted by expert hands, ensuring that you can feel the quality when they are held in yours.⁠
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Tap the link in our bio to explore all of our door handles and accessories 🚪⁠
Make a wreath with us! Book a spot on our wreath m Make a wreath with us! Book a spot on our wreath making workshop on Thursday 11th December and join us at the Jim Lawrence Walcot Street showroom in Bath.⁠
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Led by florist Jade from Cottontail Flowers, you will design and decorate your own luxurious wreath to take home.⁠
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Places are £85 per person and includes:⁠
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-Delicious refreshments of mince pies and prosecco.⁠
-A curated Jim Lawrence gift bag with thoughtful take-home pieces.⁠
-£10 discount voucher to spend in the showroom on the day.⁠
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Tap the tickets button via the link in our bio to buy your ticket today 🍃
We love plug-in lights because they offer one of t We love plug-in lights because they offer one of the easiest and most effective ways to instantly add layers of light to any room. ⁠
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Whether you're creating a cosy atmosphere for a dinner party in the kitchen or brightening up a study or craft room, plug-ins are a simple, stylish solution. They're especially ideal for spaces without built-in wiring - like lofts, landings, and dim corners - or for renters and students who can’t make permanent changes but still need that extra bit of light.⁠
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Tap this image of our Clay Carrick via the link in our bio to shop plug-ins for every room of the house.
Based in Huon Valley, Tasmania, @eliskasharp is a Based in Huon Valley, Tasmania, @eliskasharp is a creative photographer capturing beautiful places, including the four walls of her own home, 'Glenlossie'. ⁠
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We were delighted to spot some of our favourite pieces styled throughout Eliska’s property, each one captured with her discerning eye and thoughtful composition. Both in our signature antiqued brass, the Hurricane Candle Sconce and the popular Carrick plug-in bring further warmth to these lovely layered spaces.⁠
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Made with English craftsmanship, but perfectly at home in interiors of all kinds around the world, our designs can be adapted for many needs. Please do get in touch with us directly with any enquiries. Discover more at jim-lawrence.co.uk.
Autumn is the season for gathering. With the eveni Autumn is the season for gathering. With the evenings drawing in, it’s a time to savour shared meals over the slow burn of candlelight and to soak up the comfort of good company.

Nowhere in the home captures the spirit of the season more than the dining table, and considered tablescaping and lighting design makes these moments even more memorable. With foraged foliage, gently rustic linens, and the warm patina of antiqued brass, you can infuse the beauty of autumn into the everyday.

Tap the ‘Autumn reflections’ button via the link in our bio to shop three new seasonal looks 🍂
Autumn is the season for gathering. With the eveni Autumn is the season for gathering. With the evenings drawing in, it’s a time to savour shared meals over the slow burn of candlelight and to soak up the comfort of good company.⁠
⁠
Nowhere in the home captures the spirit of the season more than the dining table, and considered tablescaping and lighting design makes these moments even more memorable. With foraged foliage, gently rustic linens, and the warm patina of antiqued brass, you can infuse the beauty of autumn into the everyday.⁠
⁠
Tap the ‘Autumn reflections’ button via the link in our bio to shop three new seasonal looks 🍂⁠
Book a spot on our first wreath making workshop on Book a spot on our first wreath making workshop on Sunday 7th December and join us at the Jim Lawrence Suffolk showroom in Hadleigh. 

Led by florist Amy from The Flower Shop at Kersey Mill, you will design and decorate your own luxurious wreath to take home.

Places are £85 per person for a group of up to 12 people and includes:

-Delicious refreshments of mince pies and prosecco.
-A curated Jim Lawrence gift bag with thoughtful take-home pieces.
-£10 discount voucher to spend in the showroom on the day.

Tap the tickets button via the link in our bio to buy your ticket today 🍃
Our fireside collection is crafted in Suffolk usin Our fireside collection is crafted in Suffolk using traditional ironwork techniques: simple, elegant, and made to last.⁠
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Fire tongs offer a refined way to safely and effortlessly tend your fire, combining modern country style with practical function. The Elmsett & Portland Fire Tongs are crafted from solid steel and finished in durable matt black to match your other Jim Lawrence home accessories.⁠
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Explore our fire place accessories and companion tools by visiting jim-lawrence.co.uk
Whether it’s a favourite armchair or a quiet cor Whether it’s a favourite armchair or a quiet corner of the sofa, having a comfortable nook at home is an autumn–winter essential.⁠
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This season, enjoy the gentle flicker of candlelight as the evenings settle in, curled beneath the comforting weight of a woollen throw.⁠
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No matter how you style your space, a scented candle is the finishing touch that brings it all together. We’ve chosen the Charles Farris Scented Candle in 'Elizabeth' to complete this cosy corner. Its blend of orange blossom, jasmine, bergamot, and mulberries evokes the richness and fruitfulness of the season.⁠
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Shop the full look (and scent) by tapping the Autumn Reflections button in our bio 🍂
As night falls, it's a comfort coming home to an i As night falls, it's a comfort coming home to an inviting glow from the house. With us, you'll find the right outdoor lighting to make that welcome even warmer.⁠
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Handcrafted from antiqued brass with a hand-blown glass shade and industrial-style cage, our bestselling Wall Mounted Ship's Light is inspired by vintage deck lights once found on ocean liners.⁠
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Perfect for porches, gardens, and outbuildings, this timeless design is carefully crafted in our Suffolk workshops. Like all our lights, it's made with an eye for detail and quality that lasts. ⁠
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Explore more outdoor lighting options at jim-lawrence.co.uk.
Create a snug retreat for darker mornings and long Create a snug retreat for darker mornings and longer evenings with rich textures, gentle lighting, and thoughtful details.⁠

We lean to warmer russets within our accessories this season, reaching for Burnt Orange velvet for its depth of colour and richness, and contrasting it with Mole for a soothing soft grey embrace that brings balance.

Paired with the natural softness of wool and relaxed weave of linen, the setting creates a modern rustic look that feels both grounded and inspiring.

From scented beeswax candles, handblown glass vases, and the soothing tones of beeswax and matt black, each piece brings texture and character to the home, inviting you to slow down, settle in, and enjoy the wind-down to winter.

Tap the ‘Autumn reflections’ button via the link in our bio to shop three new seasonal looks 🍂
Our bestselling glass domed shades are now availab Our bestselling glass domed shades are now available with Matt Black fittings. ⁠
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Available in two sizes - the Chalford and Walcot - this ceiling light can be hung in a row above an island, or suspended solitarily as a statement piece. Both are supplied with our Fordham Ceiling Rose and a matching flex, and the Chalford with a discreet chain to support the weight of the larger shade.⁠
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Because we like to help you achieve your perfect look, whilst each design comes with a fixed flex length, these can be easily shortened on installation. Should you require a longer drop, our pendant length guide is available on the relevant product pages, offering clear instructions for customising the length to your needs.⁠
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Visit jim-lawrence.co.uk to shop each look.⁠
For many years now we have teamed up with @lovatmi For many years now we have teamed up with @lovatmill, based in the Scottish Border town of Hawick and known as the Home of Tweed; where the artisan craftsmen follow in the footsteps of generations of Tweed makers to create beautiful contemporary fabrics.⁠
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Taking inspiration from the rich colours of the surrounding countryside, Lovat Mill design and weave wool of the highest quality. Their fabrics incorporate between five and forty individual colours to produce a range of herringbones and checks that will add subtle reflections of the natural world to your home interior.⁠
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Our throws from Lovat Mill are cosy additions to your beds, sofas, and armchairs, bringing true heritage style to your scheme in a choice of beautiful colours. Discover more at jim-lawrence.co.uk
Such is the popularity of our Carrick wall light t Such is the popularity of our Carrick wall light that we have designed a pendant version to suspend alongside them. This striking three-armed ceiling pendant channels a mid-century look that that is simple enough to suit most spaces, with clean structured lines and a sculptural look. ⁠
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Tap this image via the link in our bio to browse every iteration of this bestselling design, from plug-ins, pendants, and pull-cords.⁠
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Kitchens hold the rhythm of daily life, and good l Kitchens hold the rhythm of daily life, and good lighting helps to shape how this space feels morning to night. Glass lighting diffuses light in this essential area, creating a bright and open feel which is ideal for busy, multifunctional spaces. Clear, frosted, or textured glass offers a timeless look that complements both classic and contemporary kitchen design while enhancing natural light.⁠
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If you love the look of the Orla pendant (as chosen here by @baile_na_leice) but want to explore more options, tap these images via the link in our bio to browse our full collection of handblown glass pendant lighting.
Take a quiet moment 🕯️⁠ ⁠ Create a snug r Take a quiet moment 🕯️⁠
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Create a snug retreat for darker mornings and longer evenings with rich textures, gentle lighting, and thoughtful details.⁠
⁠
A well-placed lamp casts a comforting glow, while natural materials bring warmth and added charm. Whether it’s a favourite armchair or a quiet corner of the sofa, having a comfortable nook at home is an autumn–winter essential.⁠
⁠
Tap these images via the link in our bio to explore our full home furnishings collection.
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