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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
An office space has become an essential part of th An office space has become an essential part of the modern home, but it needn’t be without charm or character. The right lighting brings both function and alters the ambience, so choose a table lamp that adds structure, height, and a gentle glow for making the area more inviting.⁠
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Seasonal blooms or foraged foliage add softness, and a perfect styling opportunity that can adapt to revive the space as needed, creating a beautiful setting to see you through the darker months.⁠
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Tap the ‘Winter retreat' button via the link in our bio to shop three new seasonal looks 🕯️
Capturing the right style for a transitional space Capturing the right style for a transitional space like a home entrance or hallway can be a challenge. Get it right and it will create that important first impression, setting the tone and the look for the rest of your home and ensuring there is a seamless flow from one room to the next.⁠
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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.
Create a calm retreat in your bedroom for the wint Create a calm retreat in your bedroom for the winter months. A dedicated reading nook, carefully curated dresser, and soft lighting scheme is essential for crafting a room you can fully relax in.⁠ ⁠ 

When it comes to bedroom design, lighting plays a more intimate role than anywhere else in the home. It’s not just about illumination, but also atmosphere, mood, and comfort. With down-facing wall lights and soft fabric shades it’s easy to add pockets of laid-back light and set the tone for cosy season. Later, add seasonal touches like knitted blankets, your favourite winter reads, scented candles, and vintage-inspired accessories to truly tie the room together.⁠ 

Tap the ‘Winter retreat’ button via the link in our bio to shop three new seasonal looks 🕯️
These dainty decorations are designed to be loved These dainty decorations are designed to be loved for a long time, so that your whole family can enjoy them for years to come.⁠

Discover three solid brass decorations in our signature antiqued brass finish and bring a touch of unique Jim Lawrence style to your Christmas festivities. Hang them from your tree, weave them into garlands, or use them as personalised table decorations with napkins.⁠ ⁠

Shop now at jim-lawrence.co.uk.
Create a calm retreat in your bedroom for the wint Create a calm retreat in your bedroom for the winter months. A dedicated reading nook, carefully curated dresser, and soft lighting scheme is essential for crafting a room you can fully relax in.⁠
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When it comes to bedroom design, lighting plays a more intimate role than anywhere else in the home. It’s not just about illumination, but also atmosphere, mood, and comfort. With down-facing wall lights and soft fabric shades it’s easy to add pockets of laid-back light and set the tone for cosy season. Later, add seasonal touches like knitted blankets, your favourite winter reads, scented candles, and vintage-inspired accessories to truly tie the room together.⁠
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Tap the ‘Winter retreat' button via the link in our bio to shop three new seasonal looks 🕯️
Bright and glossy, our quality Nickel finish lends Bright and glossy, our quality Nickel finish lends itself perfectly to bathrooms, but also stands out beautifully in other rooms of the house. ⁠
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Created by plating solid brass with highly polished nickel and finishing it with a flash coating of chrome, we make many of our bestselling bathroom lights in this beautiful style.⁠
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Swipe for a closer look of our Fluted Raydon, styled in slide one by @joannequinninteriors. Visit jim-lawrence.co.uk to explore this design and more in an array of unique Jim Lawrence finishes.
Angled floor lamps are designed to cast a warm hal Angled floor lamps are designed to cast a warm halo in inviting nooks, like this gorgeous bedroom corner from @alisoncoldridge.⁠
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Floor Lamps are a must-have for those seeking a solution to darker corners that need a stylish lift in a living space. ⁠
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Charmingly hand forged from solid steel, the Nayland Adjustable Reading Lamp features a curved shade arm and tripod stand that can be adjusted in height making it a good choice as a reading light in a bedroom, study or living room setting like this.⁠ ⁠
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Complement the striking silhouette with a bold shade, and you've created the perfect statement piece. Visit jim-lawrence.co.uk to shop our full collection of floor and table lamps.
Join us on the Jim Lawrence Style Journal with @lo Join us on the Jim Lawrence Style Journal with @louisaeggleston, Creative Director of kitchen designer Humphrey Munson, to chat about the guiding principles behind Humphrey Munson's signature look, as well as her expert advice for anyone embarking on a bespoke kitchen project.⁠
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@humphreymunson design and make beautiful handmade kitchens just a stones throw from us in Felsted, Essex. With a rich heritage of British craftsmanship and design behind them, their work embodies timeless elegance and impeccable attention to detail.⁠
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Tap the 'On the blog button 🏡' in our bio to read more. All photography captured by @paullmcraig.
As the year draws to a close, we’re reminded of As the year draws to a close, we’re reminded of the small moments that make this season so special. A welcoming glow in the hallway, the clink of glasses around the table, and the comfort of a home dressed for winter. From our humble beginnings at a farmhouse kitchen table to our busy workshops today, every Jim Lawrence piece continues to be thoughtfully designed, expertly crafted, and lovingly wrapped by hand.⁠
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Featuring a collection of Christmas items ready to become part of your festive traditions, this edit is a celebration of the things we believe matter most: timeless design, enduring quality, and the joy of giving something meaningful. ⁠
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Browse our easy-to-shop collection for the loved ones in your life. SImply tap this image via the link in our bio for our Christmas gift guide.
@humphreymunson design and make beautiful handmade @humphreymunson design and make beautiful handmade kitchens just a stones throw from us in Felsted, Essex. With a rich heritage of British craftsmanship and design behind them, their work embodies timeless elegance and impeccable attention to detail.⁠
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We caught up with Creative Director @louisaeggleston to talk about her journey into design, the guiding principles behind Humphrey Munson's signature look, and her expert advice for anyone embarking on a bespoke kitchen project.⁠
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Tap the 'On the blog button 🏡' in our bio to read more on the Jim Lawrence Style Journal. All photography captured by @paullmcraig.
With so many of you embracing autumnal styling wit With so many of you embracing autumnal styling with Jim Lawrence, today feels like the perfect moment to celebrate your October creations. Fostering a cosy, calming atmosphere is all about layering. Combining lighting, candles, and foliage softens any space as the evenings draw in, with a sprinkling of seasonal decorations for a final flourish 🍂⁠
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⁠Images left to right courtest of @thecourtyardhayloft, @house_near_the_ford⁠, @heighwaycottage⁠ & @athomeinthecotswolds.
An interior design studio based in East Sussex, @t An interior design studio based in East Sussex, @taraashwelldesigns creates timeless, elegant and thoughtful interiors throughout London and the Southeast of England. ⁠
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This full renovation of a beautiful Victorian house perched on the cliffs of St Margaret’s Bay overlooks the iconic White Cliffs of Dover. Inspired by the surrounding landscape, Tara and her team have chosen a refined palette of materials, including soft tumbled marble floor tiles, a scalloped marble vanity splash-back, and milky zellige shower tiles that create a gentle play on texture and light.⁠
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Warmth and character are introduced through our antiqued brass Raydon wall lights and Govan coat hooks: perfect for creating an inviting feel that further elevates the space.⁠
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Beautiful photographs captured by @joeykendalbrown. Visit jim-lawrence.co.uk to shop the look.
Designed to bring both style and function to areas Designed to bring both style and function to areas that need task lighting, our range of articulated designs are easily adjustable with a simple tweak of their elegant arm, providing focused light right where you need it.⁠
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Our kitchen wall lights come in a range of painted colours, brass, copper tones, and cool metallic finishes to suit every style of home. To explore the full extent of our collection, tap this image of our Articulated Club Wall Light styled by @jessicamjmurray.
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.
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