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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

Lighting & Accessories | Hardware | Soft Furnishings
Whilst we are well known for our extensive lightin Whilst we are well known for our extensive lighting collection, our expert team in Suffolk are also busy crafting a range of inspiring #homeaccessories. With quality manufacturing you can trust, we've made it easy to create a harmonious look and match our finishes throughout the house.⁠
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For bathrooms, the warm brass detailing of our Bletchley range is the perfect choice for an effortless and stylish #bathroom update, finished with a lacquered version of our popular antiqued brass to retain the beautiful lustre.⁠
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Enjoy more home accessories on the Jim Lawrence website, or in person in our Suffolk and Bath showrooms.
Outdoor lighting extends your living space beyond Outdoor lighting extends your living space beyond the walls of your home. With our extensive collection of garden lights, you can begin highlighting architectural features, draw attention to landscaping, and create a warm and inviting atmosphere for yourself and your family. ⁠
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Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a quiet evening on your patio, outdoor lighting will help you make the most of your garden for longer.⁠
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View our full outdoor lighting collection at jim-lawrence.co.uk/outdoor-lights⁠ or tap this image via the link in our bio.
“Down memory lane…” A fascinating feature i “Down memory lane…”

A fascinating feature in the new @bathlifemag about our much beloved Walcot Street, where our Bath showroom resides. The beautiful building we are fortunate to be custodians of has a rich history, nestled alongside a range of other extraordinary premises and businesses we are lucky to be surrounded with.

Step through our doors to discover all manner of lighting and home accessories, each lovingly designed and crafted by us in our Suffolk workshops. We’re open Monday - Saturday 9.30am until 5.30pm, so there’s plenty of opportunity to stop by and chat home styling with our team.
Championing the little details you didn't know you Championing the little details you didn't know you needed.⁠
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We have found that making a feature out of the quirks in our homes is often the best way to enjoy them, no matter how small they might seem. These delicate turned stair rods are a subtle but stylish solution to keeping your carpet in place, ensuring your stairways are safe and your feet stay warm during these cooler months.⁠
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Explore the full extent of our hand crafted home accessories collection at jim-lawrence.co.uk.
Looking for unique ways to light up your bedroom? Looking for unique ways to light up your bedroom? Discover our creative bedside wall lighting for adding a cosy touch to your sleeping space. Bedside wall lighting can add a warm and inviting ambience to your bedroom, while also providing functional lighting.⁠
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We design and make a variety of adjustable options that allow you to direct the light where you need it most, as well as an array of styles, from vintage-inspired downlighters to more contemporary plug-in options like the Carrick, as styled by @hollybushhome.⁠
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Tap this image via the link in our bio to see more bedside lighting options on our Style Journal.
A closer look some of our most recent fabric addit A closer look some of our most recent fabric additions.⁠
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Available now as cut lengths, or choose to create handsome made-to-measure curtains and blinds crafted by our soft furnishings team. Opt for a #romanblind or select any of our #curtain heading types to suit your style.⁠
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Swipe to view the new fabrics in Indigo Cottage Stripe, Spring Leaf in Rich Green, and Woodland in Duck Egg.⁠ Visit our website via the link in our bio to discover all of our beautiful new patterns and colourways.
We've made something for everyone in our latest pl We've made something for everyone in our latest plug-in collection.⁠
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A minimal, modern wall light, the Thorpe is a neat wall fitting that is striking paired with a vintage bulb, or subtle when neatly framed by one of our half shades for a contemporary look. Available in Matt Black or Polished to suit your scheme accordingly.⁠
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If you want to get the Jim Lawrence straight out of the box, tap the link in our bio to shop these new arrivals now 🔌💡⁠
Whatever your taste, ensure a harmonious look thro Whatever your taste, ensure a harmonious look throughout the home by matching your hardware across the house.⁠
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Thank you @kathgrovescurtainsandcushions for taking this beautiful shot of our reeded Antiqued Brass pole. Our most popular finish, this look is created by treating solid brass with antiquing solution, speeding up the natural tarnishing process and resulting in a lovely lived-in look that will deepen naturally over time.⁠
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Tap this image via the link in our bio to browse our curtain poles and their complementary accessories like brackets, rings and finials.
This dream kitchen from @thebuildingofus____ puts This dream kitchen from @thebuildingofus____ puts our Thornton Pendants centre stage. Fluted glass is beautiful above dining and kitchen areas: the delicate lines catching and diffusing the light from all angles.⁠
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If you love the elegant cylindrical look, swipe for some similar designs to suspend in your home: the Lambourne, the Bellingham or the Chamberlain.⁠
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Tap the first image via the link in our bio to view our full offering of versatile lighting for kitchens of all shapes and sizes.
At Jim Lawrence we often go back to our farming ro At Jim Lawrence we often go back to our farming roots to find ideas for our lighting and ironmongery. ⁠
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1) Our Bulkhead Outdoor Light was originally designed with Jim’s family farm in mind as he wanted to create a stylish and practical outdoor light for a converted cow shed.⁠
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2) Similarly, our beautiful brass conduit kits were created to help Jim and Sheena tidy up wiring in their barn.⁠
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3) The cage-like Cowley Pendant was made to show off the beauty of a bare Squirrel Cage Bulb that was wanted for illuminating the sparse brick rooms of an old piggery.⁠
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4) The Salthouse we designed for smaller cottage kitchens, dainty in size but perfect for packing a stylish industrial punch.⁠
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5) The handblown glass of the Westbourne is striking as a pendant or wall light, softy diffusing light for a gentler example of industrial-inspired design.⁠
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To view our full industrial edit, tap this post via the link in our bio.
The new Brooke plug-in makes a great alternative t The new Brooke plug-in makes a great alternative to traditional bedroom lighting, leaving space to de-clutter any surfaces where your bedside essentials reside. Other spaces we love to see the Brooke is flanking a big mirror or illuminating an armchair, adding ambient layers of light wherever you choose.⁠
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Easy to fit without the need to internally wire them up, plug-ins are the sensible choice for quick-fix fittings that have the same high-quality charm as a traditional light.⁠
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Available in up or down orientations, this lovely light is best styled with a 20cm medium French Drum Shade 💡
Stylish storage solutions for the items you need t Stylish storage solutions for the items you need to grab on your way in and out 🥾⁠
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Keep all seasonal clutter at bay with our handfinished brass or steel hooks and handles, perfect companions for your handbags, boots, and other neccessities you need to locate in an instant.⁠
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If you love this clever space-saving solution from @byemmadiaz featuring the Larder pulls and Hemley coat hooks, visit our website to discover the full range.⁠
Our mantra has always been “nothing similar is q Our mantra has always been “nothing similar is quite the same”, and if you’ve had the pleasure of trying out our products, you will know just what we mean by that. 

By conducting each step in the creation of our home accessories under one roof, we can continue to deliver the highest standards straight from our door to yours.

We don’t think any detail should be overlooked, which is why we’ve created a range of finishes and designs, allowing you to think creatively with your lighting and ensure that the even the smallest details make a beautiful impact.

Discover more by tapping the link in our bio to visit our website💡
A minimal, modern wall light, the new Thorpe plug- A minimal, modern wall light, the new Thorpe plug-in is a neat wall fitting that is striking paired with a vintage bulb, or subtle when neatly framed by one of our half shades for a contemporary look. ⁠
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Available in Matt Black or Polished, you can blend the Thorpe into your colour scheme accordingly.⁠
The Scallop Wall Light has become a favourite for The Scallop Wall Light has become a favourite for inviting a relaxed but playful look to bedrooms. Weighty solid brass adds to the sculptural feel of this design, bringing our reknowned detail to homes of all shapes and sizes. Choose from our classic wall light design or a handy plug-in option for bedsides and cosy nooks.⁠
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This mesmerising shot is from @bathstay 💡⁠
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Don't forget, we have a competition running for a chance to win your choice of plug-in design. Tap the link in our bio for details on how to enter.⁠
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From work surfaces to islands and kitchen sinks, w From work surfaces to islands and kitchen sinks, we all have areas in this room that could do with some more targeted lighting. A stylish and functional solution? A Jim Lawrence Wall Light. Our kitchen wall lights come in a range of painted, warm brass and copper tones and cool metallic finishes to suit every style of home.⁠
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The classic Club Wall Lights paired with the delicate dome of the Walcot Pendant is a gorgeous match. Visit the inspiration section on our website to shop more kitchen lights all in one place.⁠
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This beautiful design, build, and install is by @holly_oak_house in the home of @renovating.the.hive, photographed by @joeykendalbrown.
We’ve welcomed a hoard of new followers so far t We’ve welcomed a hoard of new followers so far this year, so it feels right to hop on the bandwagon and share a little more about who we are…

We love to share our story and talk about our amazing team and collection of products, so if you have any questions for us please don’t hesitate to comment here or get in touch by phone or email. 

Discover our full range of British made lighting and homeware via the link in our bio and help us to support #ManufacturingInEngland 💡
We've made something for everyone in our latest pl We've made something for everyone in our latest plug-in collection.⁠
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The Carrick Plug-in Wall Light now comes in both up and down orientations, so you can decide which works best in your space. Try the Carrick bedside, beside a mirror, or placed in the hall to save space where a table and lamp might normally reside.⁠
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If you want to get the Jim Lawrence straight out of the box, tap the link in our bio to shop these new arrivals now 🔌💡⁠
Whilst it's prudent (and joyful!) to look ahead an Whilst it's prudent (and joyful!) to look ahead and plan for Spring, when the sun dips away we are still enveloped by the enduring chill of the winter season. ⁠
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Whether you're combatting this by lighting a fire, candle, or dialling up the cosiness with lamps and cleverly placed wall lights, it's apparent that we find comfort in these sources of light. ⁠
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Dainty choices like the Rowsley are excellent lifters of ambience without taking over the room: the perfect choice for cottage interiors and smaller spaces.⁠
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For more home ideas (when you simply want a browse and don't know what you're after yet), visit the inspiration section on our website to find guidance by style or room.⁠

Gorgeous living space from @figtree.farm 🕯️
Jim Lawrence curtain poles and accessories are des Jim Lawrence curtain poles and accessories are designed to look delicate whilst offering robust support.⁠
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Both functional and ornamental, our hand-finished curtain poles and matching rings, finials and brackets add a touch of class to any room.⁠
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Visit the Knowledge Base on our website for a helpful step by step guide on how to measure your windows ready for your made to measure poles or you can purchase a ready-made pole pack with all the accessories included.⁠
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