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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
At Jim Lawrence, we design and craft almost everyt At Jim Lawrence, we design and craft almost everything you need to make the living room just right. Starting with our range of wall lights, pendants, floor and table lamps, you can go on to browse our extensive collection of fabric shade to finish off the look perfectly.⁠
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By thoughtfully layering ambient, task, and accent lighting, you have a space that can adapt for intimate evenings or larger gatherings.⁠
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Tap this image of our gorgeous Grantham light to shop our edit for the living room.⁠
Perfect for brightening up a seasonal tablescape o Perfect for brightening up a seasonal tablescape or supplementing the glow of the hearth, a hurricane lamp like our Penfold adds further charm to autumnal interiors.⁠
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Tap this image via the link in our bio to find yours in a bronze, matt black, or polished finish.
From rather rustic roots to a refined living space From rather rustic roots to a refined living space, this barn kitchen is the heart of @bijoubarn 's 1800's home renovation. ⁠
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Glass pendants are a timeless choice that complement any space, no matter the size, shape, or colour palette. The Lansdown pendants may be large, but their lightweight look allows the room to breathe, whilst falling in effortlessly with their modern country style. Tap the image via the link in our bio to explore more handblown designs.
Set the tone for relaxed, elegant gatherings with Set the tone for relaxed, elegant gatherings with our collection of linen tablecloths, available in a range of dusky, natural tones that bring understated charm to any dining setting.⁠
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This is our latest addition in waterford green, available as a table runner and set of 2 napkins as well as made to measure curtains and blinds, and a cushion cover should you wish to embrace the full look.⁠
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Crafted from pure linen, this timeless weave is lightweight yet durable, creating a beautiful drape and a natural character that only improves with age.⁠
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Tap the New Arrivals button via the link in our bio to shop.
Just down the road from Jim Lawrence, in the histo Just down the road from Jim Lawrence, in the historic market town of Clare, our artisanal partners at Suffolk Glass are hard at work crafting the beautifully reflective shades that define so many of our lights.

From clear and fluted to opal, ribbed and richly coloured glass, every piece is hand-blown with care, skill and tradition. The workshop has been creating glass for over 50 years, and we were proud to welcome them into the Jim Lawrence family in 2022.

We stopped by to capture a little of the magic behind the scenes ✨ Watch as each shade is brought to life with incredible craftsmanship. To find out more and read our interview with the team, tap this reel via the link in our bio.

To be a glassblower requires both technical know-how and a natural, artistic touch: making expert glassblowers few and far between. We are currently on the lookout for an addition to the team. If this suits you or someone you know, please contact us at recruitment@jim-lawrence.co.uk or call us on 01787 880620 for further details.
Thank you @weareabsoluteuk for sharing this luxury Thank you @weareabsoluteuk for sharing this luxury bathroom space featuring our Putney Flush ceiling light.⁠ The clean lines, natural stone, and warm metallic accents create a perfectly balanced sanctuary, a reminder that even the most functional spaces deserve thoughtful, elevated design.⁠
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Photographed by @johnhersey.studio.⁠
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Tap the link in our bio to explore more designs made specially for a bathroom setting.
Autumn is the time for cooking. Hearty stews, slow Autumn is the time for cooking. Hearty stews, slow-simmered sauces, and all the seasonal dishes that makes these months seem so comforting.⁠
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Keeping the kitchen organised (and beautiful) only enhances this feeling. Available in 0.5m and 1m kits, our utility rails are perfect for keeping pots, pans, and your most-loved utensils within easy reach, while adding a dose of Jim Lawrence charm. Tap this image via the link in our bio to see more.
This stairway has been beautifully executed by @se This stairway has been beautifully executed by @seansymington, showcasing the elegance of our Double Gosford Wall Lights, paired with a pretty @matildagoad shade to gently guide the way.⁠
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We love discussing hallway and stairwell lighting because it's sometimes a challenge to capture the right style for a transitional space. How do you strike a balance between a warm welcome and fond farewell between floors? With a setting like this, you'll want to pause awhile and linger.⁠
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To help you find your perfect lighting match, we've collated our designs most suited for these inbetween pockets of the home. Tap this image via the link in our bio to see more.
Perfect for more compact spaces where a bold silho Perfect for more compact spaces where a bold silhouette is still desired, the Arlington collection offers our original distinctive design, and a range of smaller semi-flush options.⁠
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With their statement central stem and refined simplicity, these pieces remain a year-round bestseller. We love to style them in pairs within living areas, ideally complemented by the matching Arlington wall light.⁠
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The shade featured is Spring Leaf in Indigo, but this fresh, charming fabric brings brightness to the home in any season.⁠
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Tap this image via the link in our bio to explore the full Arlington family.
Exposed timbers and textured brick walls set the s Exposed timbers and textured brick walls set the scene for a cosy retreat in this Surrey Hills cottage, with the silhouette of our bestselling Camberwell floor lamp casting a warm, inviting glow.⁠
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Though we might refer to table and floor lamps as ‘supplemental’, ambient lighting is really essential if you want to add depth, embrace softness, and feel a sense of comfort on darker evenings.⁠
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Thank you @helyer_davies for sharing this image, photographed by @msap_photo.
Tap the 'On The Blog 🏡' button via the link in Tap the 'On The Blog 🏡' button via the link in our bio to explore more of @frampton_court_estate, a magnificent Palladian mansion nestled on the edge of the Cotswolds, surrounded by ornamental gardens and a collection of striking historic buildings.⁠
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A truly exceptional destination for luxury getaways and weddings, we speak with Charlotte Clifford about the rich history and thoughtful restoration of the estate.⁠
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This shot by @paul_whitbread_photo captures our Orla pendant in the Orangery, a uniquely elegant space defined by its octagonal rooms and hexagonal windows.
Now is the perfect time to embrace texture and ric Now is the perfect time to embrace texture and richer tones throughout the home. Switching up your fabric shades is a simple, effective way to add warmth and seasonal character to your lighting.⁠
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Thank you @elevenhillhouse for this beautiful shot of our classic Hanson light, perfectly paired with an empire candle clip shade in Talisker Check Lovat Wool.⁠
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Designed with a neat backplate and adjustable arm, the Hanson is ideal for narrow edges and corners, often used to illuminate shelving and reading spots in living areas. We make this light in several colours to blend or contrast with your home however you see fit.⁠
An ode to early autumn nights 🕯️⁠ ⁠ This An ode to early autumn nights 🕯️⁠
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This season, embrace texture in every corner of your home. Think plush cushions, soft wool throws, warm brass accents, and layers of atmospheric lighting. From the flicker of candlelight to the soft glow of table and floor lamps, a Jim Lawrence addition will make it easy to elevate your space as the nights draw in.⁠
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From left to right, our Hurricane Candle Scone, the Samworth Oil Lamp, the Lambswool Angora Throw in Peacock, and our latest additions to our cushion collection: the Cow Parsley cushion in Hedge Green, and Indigo Blue Killarney Linen.
Nestled on the banks of the River Severn at the ed Nestled on the banks of the River Severn at the edge of the Cotswolds, @frampton_court_estate is a hidden gem of English heritage and elegance. At its heart stands a magnificent Palladian mansion, surrounded by ornamental gardens and a handful of historic buildings, making the estate an exceptional destination for luxury getaways and weddings.⁠
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Guests can choose from exclusive whole-house rentals at Frampton Court, the charming Cyder House, or the beautifully restored Orangery. For weddings, the Grade I listed Wool Barn offers a breathtaking venue which has been lovingly restored and immaculately maintained by owners Rollo and Janie Clifford and their family.⁠
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We were delighted to speak with Charlotte Clifford, who, together with her husband Peter, now oversees the day-to-day running of the estate.⁠
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Tap the On The Blog 🏡 button via the link in our bio to read more. All interior images captured by @paul_whitbread_photo.
Swipe to ward off the chill during cooler months w Swipe to ward off the chill during cooler months with stylish, well-crafted door curtains and poles.⁠
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Our portiere rods are as beloved as our lighting, and for good reason. Slim yet strong, weighty yet seemingly weightless, they embody the balance only achieved through exceptional materials and skilled craftsmanship.⁠
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Tap this image via the link in our bio to find yours.
We’re absolutely in love with our new Pimlico sh We’re absolutely in love with our new Pimlico showroom, and if you’ve already made it to London and stepped through the doors…chances are you might be too💡 

Nestled between Westminster, Belgravia and Chelsea, our new Pimlico showroom sits in the heart of London’s iconic design district, renowned for its interiors, antiques, and craftsmanship.

Pop in to say hello, explore our beautifully crafted lighting and accessories, or pick up our latest brochure to browse at home. If you’re yet to visit, we can’t wait to welcome you.

For opening hours and more details, visit jim-lawrence.co.uk
Whether you order online or visit one of our showr Whether you order online or visit one of our showrooms, we offer complimentary samples of our fabrics for you to take home if you need some more time to decide before you buy.⁠
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With a focus on natural fibres like silk, linen, wool, and pure cotton in a wide range of colours and patterns, there is plenty to choose from. If you'd like to browse our collections in person, find further information on locations and opening times at www.jim-lawrence.co.uk.⁠
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Thank you @charlotte.sje, for capturing this cosy moment - a perfect setting for choosing fabrics and comparing linen textures with beautiful paint swatches.
Our handcrafted shelf brackets are a quiet testame Our handcrafted shelf brackets are a quiet testament to timeless craftsmanship and refined functionality. ⁠
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Visually striking in their simplicity and elegance, the Brookland's come in two sizes and a choice of finishes, bringing varying levels of heritage style to the home.⁠
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The larger sizes were designed and made specially for our new space in London, created in response to a specific brief: to support substantial weight without compromising on looks.⁠
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Tap the images via the link in our bio to shop.
A Jim Lawrence conduit kit offers a clever lightin A Jim Lawrence conduit kit offers a clever lighting solution for indoors and out.⁠
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Transform unsightly wiring into a stylish feature by connecting wall lights, pendants, sockets, and switches when internal wiring isn’t an option.⁠
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Its universal size is designed to work seamlessly with our full range of conduit components and a curated selection of Jim Lawrence lights. Tap these images via the link in our bio to discover all the components you need to create your own kit.
Whether you’re unwinding at home this bank holid Whether you’re unwinding at home this bank holiday or exploring new places over the weekend, it’s the perfect time to discover our latest brochure.⁠
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Packed with inspiring designs and innovative solutions, it’s your go-to guide for elevating any space. Browse the pages online from the comfort of your home, or visit us in person at our Suffolk, Bath, or London showrooms to experience our collections up close.⁠
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Kindly note, we will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday, but look forward to welcoming you again soon.
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