Bedsides, hallways, sofas and even kitchen areas are always improved with a table lamp. But how to choose one? The question should really be, how do you want your room to feel? If you crave character, welcoming pockets of light and relaxed ambience then you’re already on the right track.

Layering your lighting with table lamps is essential for adding depth and modifying the energy around you. Bringing in pools of light from different sources like table lamps is the key to a balanced atmosphere whilst giving you the option to dial up the cosiness. With us there’s ample choice and, where shades are involved, an extensive catalogue of fabrics to bring a little texture and colour to your room too.⁠

We’ve picked our 5 bestselling designs to help inspire your next styling opportunity in your bedrooms and living areas.

For the readers

Bedside table lamps generally sit on a fairly small surface, so you want a table lamp that doesn’t take up too much room to leave space for your night time bits and pieces. The Mansfield is our bestselling bedside lamp and favoured for its elegant proportions but dainty size: perfect for propping on a bedside table to illuminate the pages of your favourite book. This is our popular Antiqued Brass version with a Cow Parsley 20cm Medium French Drum Shade in Reversed Soft Grey.

Unobtrusive whilst being simply stylish, perhaps our Hendon with its soft roundel detailing on the column might suit your style. Here we have used our delicate Grey Marl Arbour on a 25cm Square Sloped Shade to create an easy-to-achieve modern country look.

A smaller lamp that is ideal for placing on console tables and smaller side tables, the lovely Small Porter is oft found on side tables next to a plump armchair for practical but pretty task lighting. Also available in a larger table lamp size and a sofa lamp design for a cohesive look throughout the home. Paired here with a 25cm Empire Shade in our delightful Featherdown fabric in Stone, this lamp is an excellent base for showcasing patterned fabrics thanks to its pared back nature.

For the loungers

Living room lamps are often chosen for their visual impact as they make excellent decorative features in a room, as well as adding layers of light.  With its beautifully reflective hand-blown body, the Fluted Harleston is as much an ornament as a functional home accessory. Place in an area where you can appreciate its beauty at every hour whether switched off or on. For a soft but still sumptuous look, we have featured a 30cm Medium French Drum Shade in Dusky Pink Hunstanton Velvet with our warm Antiqued Brass.

The sculptural Amersham is a wonderful option for living areas and bedrooms that requires a statement item without losing any sense of space. The hand blown glass base is elegant but sturdy enough to hold a large shade that will make a striking impact in your decor. We have combined the Amersham with a 40cm Medium French Drum Shade in Laurel Satin for a deep and dusky feel.

Choosing a shade

Before we delve into our guidelines, it’s important to bear in mind there is no such thing as the wrong shade. If you love it – it’s the right one. Experimenting with lamp shades in new fabrics, shapes and colours is great way to instantly update your home’s style.

Table lamps come in all shapes and sizes so it is important to keep the shade proportional to the size and shape of the base . You don’t want your look dwarfed by a huge shade or unbalanced by a small one. A perfectly fitting shade should hide the bulb holder underneath without encroaching on the lamp base itself.

Measurements

Lamp shades are sized by measuring cross the diameter at the bottom of the shade – so if the shade diameter measures 25cm across the bottom, then it is known as a 25cm shade. As a rule, you should be looking for 15-20 cm wide shades for a smaller lamp base, between 20-35 cm for an average lamp base and anything up to about 50 cm for a larger lamp base.

A rough guide to working out the size of shade you require is to measure the height of your table lamp from the bottom of the base to the top of the lamp stem just below the lamp holder. The shade you select should then have a diameter of plus or minus 5cm of this measured height. So, if you have lamp that is 40cm tall, you should choose a shade that is 35 to 45cm wide.

Shape

As a rule of thumb, we say the shape of the shade should reflect the shape of your lamp base. If the base is straight, square or rectangular, a similar shaped shade that mirrors its lines will look better than a round one. If your lamp base is round or tapered, a sloping or straight round shade such as an Empire, French Drum or oval shade will suit it. As always, there is an exception to the rule and in this case, it is column lamps which suit any shape of shade.

Colour

The fun part: which is entirely up to you. For some inspiration, however, we suggest taking a look at our latest fabric collections which now feature spicey linen tones and striking modern country patterns. Gentle greens and vibrant blues are just some of the brand-new hues ready to lift the darker corners of your home.

Made by us

All of our lampshades are handmade here in our Suffolk workshop by our talented soft furnishings team.

By focusing on quality of materials, craftsmanship, outstanding customer service and the well-being of the Jim Lawrence community, our mission is to create stylish, designer quality fixtures and fittings for the home made with natural materials. It is our belief that by selling directly to our customers, we can guarantee that every product we sell meets the exacting quality control standards we have set and for which we are renowned.

We have come a long way since our farm days and you may no longer have to bump down a track to find us. But our ethos remains the same: to provide individually handmade products and the highest possible levels of customer service. Read the whole JL story here.

Styled by you

Do you want to see more? We are very proud of the quality of our workmanship and designs that highlight the skill of our workers and their ability to make products that suit both contemporary and period properties. View all of our table and desk lamp designs here.

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!

Transform your front door into a thing of beauty with our collection of handcrafted front door furniture available in a choice of finishes to ensure you achieve the perfect style to welcome you home. From classic brass handles and vintage black hinges and letter plates, to contemporary nickel door knockers….a complete collection of front door furniture is a must have to ensure a stylish and picture perfect kerb appeal.

For classic styling for your front door fittings, you can’t do better than Matt Black. An historic colour that dates to the earliest days of blacksmithing, black hued ironmongery will give your home a smart and traditional feel that will never age.

Our Matt Black is a clean, uniform paint that looks fantastic in any contemporary or traditional exterior and works well with natural building materials like brick, stone, wood and plaster, so it is an ideal finish for front door furniture. It’s easy to understand the enduring appeal of Matt Black door furniture. This hard wearing, durable finish is the perfect choice for creating a timeless and sophisticated look that leaves a lasting impression. Don’t forget a fresh lick of paint – a dusky green or a bright white really helps to offset the black and make your door stand out.

For beautiful, classic styling for your front door fittings, you can’t do better than Antiqued Brass. An alloy of copper, it has been used since the bronze age to adorn clothing and household items and as it does not corrode, is an ideal metal for outdoor lighting and door furniture.

Our Antiqued Brass front door collection combines the best of old fashioned styling with modern designs and looks fantastic in any contemporary or traditional exterior. It works well with natural building materials like brick, stone, wood and plaster and is available in a wide range of products to choose from.

For a contemporary look for your front door, try our Polished Lacquer range of door furniture. Handcrafted from high quality steel that is polished to a deep gunmetal grey colour, this finish really showcases the stunning patina of the metal which is then sealed with a high gloss lacquer to give it added durability.

Arguably the go-to look in door decor, Polished Brass is a bright, high-shine finish that creates a classic look. More gold in tone than our antiqued equivalent, this is a timeless finish that suits all properties new and old. Kindly note, the brass will darken naturally over time so will need to be buffed regularly with a small amount of brass cleaner to keep it bright and reflective.

For contemporary styling for your front door, you can’t do better than Nickel. It has a bright, silvery quality that looks fantastic on a modern exterior and stands out beautifully against both brick and stone. Our Nickel lustre is created by plating solid brass with highly polished nickel and finishing it with a flash coating of chrome.

All our products are made using traditional metal working techniques that have been passed down through the generations and are finished to the highest standards at our Suffolk workshop. To find out more about our ethos and history, read our story.

We would love to see our products in their new homes. Follow us on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook and be sure to tag us in your home updates.

Gifts aren’t the only way to show you care, but a considered present can warm the heart and remind your special someone that they are your number one.

We’ve curated an edit of Mother’s Day gifts from across our lighting and home accessories collections that are sure to brighten the home all year round.

CANDLELIGHT

A beautifully finished and functional oil lamp, the dainty Samworth is a fond favourite for dressing coffee tables, kitchen islands and bedsides with the delicate combination of hand blown fluted glass and candlelight. A pretty ornament whether lit or not, this little light is refillable so that it may be enjoyed throughout all seasons.

Our Hurricane Candle Sconce brings a touch of the past to the present. Crafted from solid, natural brass and lightly antiqued for a subtle, aged look, the Hurricane is supplied with a hand blown, clear glass shade that will show off the gentle flicker of candlelight to its best effect. The glass shade has been specially made with high sides to prevent the candle from being blown out should it be used outside, where it would bring a magical light to any patio, courtyard or barbecue area.

HANDMADE SOFT FURNISHINGS

If you know your Mum’s favourite colour, choosing a cushion she will love is easy. Adding a decorative cushion or two is a quick and easy way to invigorate a bedroom or living room with colour and texture whilst keeping to a relatively low budget. Small changes can have a larger impact than you may think, helping to freshen up a sofa, bed, armchair or home office with a contrasting fabric or beautiful blend of colour. Choose from our brand new Cow Parsley collection of soft patterned cotton, or the relaxed slub of our linen range in Ochre, Paprika and Sage.

The same goes for picking out a lampshade. Handmade in Suffolk by our talented Soft Furnishings team, there is a wide offering of clip on candle lampshades in a classic candle shade shape, french drum or dainty tapered style. Expertly crafted to add a decorative touch of colour and pattern for livening up darker nooks of the home, these shades are easy to clip on and swap between fittings, allowing for greater personal choice and creativity.

HARDWARE

Smaller gifts don’t have to mean less. Perhaps your family has just moved house or are currently renovating? Handfinished final touches like a striking door knocker, cupboard handles or statement coat hooks will add a hint of Jim Lawrence quality to any home style.

Our hand finished lettering and numbers are ideal for your house names and numbers, but we also love them propped up as initials on mantels or as wall decor in the home to personalise bedrooms.

HAND FINISHED LIGHTING

Something to cherish for years to come, whether a larger statement pendant light, a classic wall light or an accessory to match, the gift of a Jim Lawrence light won’t be forgotten. Our delightful Dairy Pendant is a lovely gift option, combining the best of contemporary design with old fashioned flair to ensure it creates a stunning focal point over a kitchen island, dining table or breakfast bar. Discover our full Pendant Lighting collection for plenty more ceiling lights in glass, brass and a choice of painted finishes.

If it’s a wall light you are after, a Plug-in is a fabulous gift in order to achieve the Jim Lawrence look straight from the box without the need for internal wiring. Easy to style with a variety of shades for a personal touch, our Brooke Plug-in is favoured for making stylish bedsides even more beautiful. If your Mum favours something more traditonal, we have an extensive collection of table lamps which are perfect for creating cosy pockets of light in bedrooms and living areas all year round.

THE GIFT OF CHOICE

If you think your Mum will love Jim Lawrence but may want to choose herself, why not treat her with a gift voucher? Available to buy online, you can choose to receive an e-voucher or have your voucher printed in a beautifully presented envelope and delivered first class to your recipient’s door.

MADE BY US, LOVED BY YOU

Disover more of our favourite Mother’s Day Gifts in our gifts for the home edit on our webiste. We are very proud of the quality of our workmanship and designs that we feel highlight the skill of our workers and their ability to make products that suit both contemporary and period properties. 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, Facebook and Pinterest, Don’t forget to tag us in your home updates– we love seeing our products in their new homes.

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. We’ve highlighted 6 bestselling kitchen wall light designs to showcase the range of interior styles our lighting can accommodate.

If you don’t have space for several types of lighting, we suggest trying our adjustable wall lights for areas that need a bright direct lift. Our Aldgate Wall Light is an industrial inspired design that makes a bold statement in contemporary home after a retro look. It has an adjustable head, so can light as much or as little of the area as needed. Browse through our Spotlights and Wall Lights to find more easy to manoeuvre, adjustable lighting.

We love this styling from @farringtons_design, using our softer Clay finish which blends beautifully with the chalky paint of her kitchen. You can see more of this beautiful property in our interview with designer Sarah here.

Our Antiqued Brass Salthouse Wall Light goes hand in hand with this rich Navy kitchen from @weirdandwebb. A Jim Lawrence take on industrial lighting styles from the 50s and 60s, the Salthouse is a small but statement kitchen wall light perfect for tasking. We recommend pairing this retro inspired light with an oversized bulb for maximum effect.⁠⁠

What the dainty Salthouse lacks in size it makes up for in character. With its simple lines, spun metal shade and tilting head that can move through 90 degrees, this light packs a stylish punch despite its dainty proportions. Choose from Antiqued Brass, Matt Black, Clay and Slate Grey to best complement your interior no matter the wall colour.

The Club: our most sought after Wall Light. A firm favourite of our wide clientele, the Club Wall Light is a staple for many homes no matter the style. The swan neck arm and spun shade blends into a variety of decors, spanning many architectural eras and always popping against any colour scheme.⁠ This fresh but homely kitchen from @the_dormer_window_house is a prime example of how instantly at home the Club lights can be, adding instant warmth and character to tasking areas.
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We’ve created a range of perfect partners for the Club Wall Light, with some daintier alternatives if you adore the look but are short on space. Our highly skilled metal workers have created a whole family of products with timeless quality, all available to be used in your gorgeous interiors. ⁠If you are loyal to the Club family and want to find an addition to your lighting collection, join the club and take a peek at our Pendant version, the Flush Mount Ceiling Light and our brand new Club Plug-in Wall Light.

Traditionally styled and hand crafted, the Curtis combines the practicality of a spotlight with the beauty of our Club Wall Light with which it shares a similar spun shade.⁠ The Curtis is ideally suited as a down lighter for your kitchen, bedroom or living room, particularly charming used to highlight shelving.
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This magnificent kitchen belongs to @vickiejoneshome, who has styled her spotlight as a downlighter for her carefully curated kitchen corner. Its rustic finish and exposed braided cable gives it a retro feel which is perfect for modern country kitchens. Featuring a head that can be angled through 90 degrees and rotated through 350 degrees, this means you can focus your light wherever you need it most.

Proof that brass really does sing against a multitude of colours, and testament to the beauty of handblown glass, this really is the perfect period kitchen for the modern home from @lundandlaw. You too can brighten up your home with one of our eye-catching, hand crafted Putney Wall Lights in our wonderfully reflective glass and metal for a country modern look to kitchen diner. With its elegantly curved swan neck and hand blown glass shade, the transparent quality allows you to enjoy its reflective hues without losing any sense of space. Glass shades are wodnerful for kitchen wall lights as this in an area that can often feel quite busy. Click here for our guide to glass cleaning to make sure they are always looking as good as new.

STYLING ADVICE

Do you need a little more inspiration? Our Kitchen Lighting Guide offers further styling advice for kitchen ceiling lights so you can match up your look and create a cohesive and stylish kitchen design.

Though colour trends may come and go, we are confident you will find a beautiful match for your kitchen in our hand finished metal colourways. Whether Matt Black, Antiqued Brass or a glossy Nickel there is a whole spectrum of beautiful colour out there to offset or blend with our products. Visit our Kitchen Colourways guide to pick the handles and cupboard knobs that best suit your kitchen colour and match with your lighting.

MADE BY US

Before our products arrive at your door, there’s a long process to get through. The journey begins when a product is a mere twinkle in the eye as an idea forms. Once we’ve scribbled down plans and sketched a design the manufacturing process begins. From welding to forging, metal spinning to hand finishing and lampshade making to wiring our lights, we do it all. Even the careful packing of your product into our boxes…when you buy from us, you help keep so many traditional British skills alive.⁠ To find out more about our heritage roots, read the Jim Lawrence story.

For even more kitchen wall light ideas, keep up to date by following us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest, Don’t forget to tag us in your home updates– we love seeing our products in their new homes.

A writer and avid interiors lover, both of Donna’s passions are expressed through her popular Instagram account, @littlestonecottageonthill. Relaxed but brimming with personal detail, Donna’s home serves up laid back luxury with a gentle period twist. The 300 year old cottage is located in an historic Yorkshire village and suitably styled with floor to ceiling modern country charm. We caught up with Donna to find out more about her beautiful home. 

Donna, welcome to the Style Journal! Please tell us more about the history of your Little Stone Cottage On T’hill. 

We bought the cottage in 2012 – it’s over 300 years old, built in locally quarried Yorkshire stone and situated in an historical little rural village.

Your style leans into the contemporary, and though neutral in colour, your rooms always feels playful and inviting. How do you balance this look whilst staying true to the era of the house?

Everyone’s different, but when you live in such an old house, I prefer the bones of it to do the talking rather than overpowering it with patterns and excess colour. It’s all about balance. The neutral tones and soft fabrics we chose respectfully allow the house to shine, from the ancient beams and the uneven walls to the aging stonework… it’s all very beautiful and we feel so honoured to be a part of its history.

Let’s go straight go your bright and beautiful kitchen. Kitchens are functional spaces first and foremost, but so often they come to be the heart of the home. How do you make this practical space as comfortable as the rest the house?

When we moved into the cottage it had the tiniest kitchen and a very narrow dining room, but by knocking down the dividing walls and opening up the whole of the bottom floor we were able to embrace open plan living. We designed the kitchen area to have curved cabinetry for a softer, more relaxed feel. By blending the colours, textures and furnishings to complement each other, and keeping the palette neutral, the whole of the downstairs feels like one big room. We chose crushed velvets and linens to create a natural look that works really well with the rustic modern kitchen, making the most of every corner.

To anyone scrolling through your Instagram it’s clear you have an affinity for lighting. What’s the most important thing you keep in mind when layering light in a room?

I love ambient lighting. It enables you to enhance all those dimly lit areas (particularly in older houses), by adding warmth and depth. Whether it’s the gentle flicker of a candle on a window sill, a table lamp glowing warmly or some magical twinkling lights hung on a beam, there’s always somewhere inviting and cosy to relax.

We were delighted to collaborate with you on your recent bedroom re-style. You opted for the hand blown glass of the Putney Plug-in Wall Lights. What led you to plug-ins over traditional wall lighting?

Because the cottage is so old it’s always a gamble to start cutting out walls for lighting, so when we were introduced to your new Plug-in Wall Lights it was a real game changer. No professional installation needed, just a plug to pop in an existing socket. Genius!

How do you keep your home feeling fresh through the year, do you find yourself influenced by seasonal trends?

I’m not influenced by seasonal trends but I do like to enhance the cottage with seasonal flowers throughout the year. I’m very much a ‘less is more’ person though; one too many blooms or accessories can make the place look very cluttered, so I’m always minimal but thoughtful with any new additions.

We have to admit that we love seeing our customer Christmas interiors unfurl. How do you prepare the home for festive period whilst staying true to a ‘less is more’ approach?

Because the cottage is so small I like to keep Christmas decorations to a minimum. A Christmas tree, a simple mantel garland and a subtle Christmas tablescape is just enough without overpowering everything. I like to trim outside the front door too so the curb appeal isn’t forgotten!

A few quick-fire questions…

What are your top tips for making a house a home?

Layering with cushions, throws and rugs. Lots of mirrors to bounce the natural light around. Candles and subtle lighting. Make sure you make your home about ‘you’ and not what’s trending.

What’s your favourite room to style?

I love styling the whole cottage so I don’t have a favourite room. We’re fairly lucky though as it’s so full of character which makes it feel easy.

Your favourite Jim Lawrence product?

We have Jim Lawrence lights all over the cottage and each one lends itself beautifully to its surroundings, so I’d be hard too hard pushed to choose one…

Finally, what’s the staple homeware piece that every house needs?

A dog!

Follow @littlestonecottageonthill on Instagram to follow Donna’s styling journey and revel in her joyously written captions. To stay up to date with Jim Lawrence, follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. Browse our website to see all of our hand forged and finished lighting and homeware.

GET THE LOOK

Lynfield Pendant in Antiqued Brass, Hunstanton Velvet Cushion Cover in Mole, Single Cottage Wall Light in Matt Black, Putney Plug-in Wall Light in Antiqued Brass.

This time of year is beautiful in many ways, but with darker days, cooler air and the outdoors visually fading into winter, it gives us the perfect excuse to liven up the inside of the home with vibrant colour, texture and pattern. Senior Customer Service Advisor Sharon takes us around our Hadleigh Showroom in Suffolk, highlighting the best fabric colour combinations for creating a cosy home in the cooler months. Sharon’s extensive knowledge is a valuable asset to the team, so we thought it high time to introduce her to you and sprinkle a little of that wisdom into the Style Journal.

Sharon in our Hadleigh Showroom with our new Indigo Cow Parsley Collection

Before we get stuck in to our products, let’s find out a little more about you Sharon. You are a Senior Advisor on our Customer Services team, where you help people to create their dream home in person and over the phone. It’s evident that you have a passion for this, where does this love for interiors come from?

Knowing you can make a big difference and change your whole mood from how your space looks has always fascinated me. I have always loved arts and crafts and grew up with a very talented mother who inspired me to take an interest in anything creative. I went on to complete a degree in interior design, as well as working with brands like Laura Ashley before joining Jim Lawrence.

It’s such a pleasure to help people find their perfect match whether that be a light fitting or homeware accessory, isn’t it? What keeps people coming back to the same brand time and time again?

At Jim Lawrence, we find our customers are looking for high-quality products, timeless designs that are made to last. Also, I know from experience that when purchasing a product, it’s frustrating to try and get hold of someone to ask questions. Here, the team enjoys giving a personalised customer service experience. It’s a pleasure having a cup of coffee with our customers in our showrooms, discussing their exciting projects, looking at pictures of their renovations and chatting all things interiors. Our showrooms have a relaxed atmosphere for customers to take their time and choose their home decor at their leisure, but we’re always here to offer a helping hand when needed. Dogs are welcome too, which is not only convenient for customers but a treat for us!

Let’s talk colour! When it comes to room design, many people have a paint colour in mind before they get started which naturally sets the tone for the whole space. Where should people begin when looking to find a colour that suits their room?

It is good to start off knowing the paint colour you have on your walls and what other fabrics you already have in the room as this will dictate the accessories and window furniture and how bold you can go. I always recommend making a mood board with a few of the colours you already have to see what colours and patterns work well with them. If the room is very much a blank canvas this is a great opportunity to have some fun with colour and create a space that suits your personality.

Pairing Cushions and Lamp Shades in Cow Parsley Cotton and Waterfood Linen in Ochre and Paprika.

We can talk about seasonal trends, but in reality, not everyone has the capability to switch their whole scheme up every few months. How can a room be made to feel like new without a full redesign?

Yes, very much so. This is often a simple and cost-effective solution to give a room a seasonal refresh. You don’t have to do it to every room in your home, but choose one or two where you spend the most time. Choosing light and pastel colours give a summery vibe while switching to richer, deeper tones of ochres and warm browns will cosy up your scheme for the colder months.

In your experience, are some colours more effective than others at livening up the house and making it feel more like home? Would you advise differently, depending on the home itself?

Not every trend will work for every house style/period, but picking a key colour that goes with everything is the place to start. Neutrals suit any style of home and can be complemented with splashes of colour to suit your home’s style. Our Isabelle Linen in Natural can give an instant uplift in mood. Alternatively, pick a colour that makes you smile as you do have to live with it day in day out – so why not!

Have you got any colour combo faux pas that you strictly avoid?

Generally, I avoid any colours that clash and do not mesh well with each other because it is visually jarring. However, often it is just a matter of choosing the right tone. Bright oranges and bright greens don’t look good together but it you change it a burnt orange and dark green then I’m all for it.

Soft Gold Cow Parsley Cotton paired with Waterford Linen in Ochre.

Patterns like chintz florals, gingham check and stripes continue to erupt from the pages of interiors magazines – a place where many of us turn to for inspiration. Do you have any tips for those who want to tentatively approach this bolder style?

Mixing patterns is not for the faint-hearted and can scare most people but done well will really create drama and personality in a room. For those not brave, pick a patterned, a stripe and a plain fabric within the same family of colour. These can then be distributed sensitively around the room perhaps with a patterned wallpaper and plain lampshades, plain curtains and a striped blind with a mix of cushions. Don’t be afraid to mix metal finishes either.

Other than choosing the right tones and texture, what’s a sure way to dial up the cosiness at home as winter draws in?

Keeping the heat in is a must, especially with rising energy costs. Curtains are brilliant at insulating a room from draughts. Make sure they don’t cover your radiators and if they are made of thin fabric or you are considering investing in new ones, it is well worth getting them interlined. Not only does this help keep the warmth in, but it also gives extra body to your curtains helping protect them from fading in the summer months and they are a great noise reducer.

Curtains can also be used to help keep draughty doors at bay. We make portiere rods that are designed to enable curtains to be fitted to the back of the door without getting in the way of the door opening and closing. The curtain can be drawn over the edges of your door and any letter boxes to keep the cold out. Choosing a thick fabric such as a tweed (wool is a great insulator) or velvet will help lock the warmth in.

If we want to fully enjoy the colour in our room, it needs to be properly lit. What’s the best way to maximise your lighting in terms of efficiency and style during the winter?

If you have a dark room, artwork can really lift the space. Illuminating this art with a picture light is a great way to give your lighting scheme a purpose other than lighting up a blank wall. Choose lampshades in linen or cotton for the best lighting as these will allow light to escape through the fabric as well as from the top and bottom. Darker colours or thicker fabrics like tweed and velvet create more focused pools of light that is great for mood lighting.

If you don’t have wall lights, table and floor lamps can bring light to a space for a cosy, ambient feel on a cold evening. Choose light bulbs that dim also helps to create different moods in a room – bringing energy for a family board game but dimmed down for a movie night.

The Brooke Wall Lights in Antiqued Brass paired with our new Indigo Cow Parsley.

Speaking of lighting, are there any particular colours to look for that best complement metal finishes?

I think dusky pinks go beautifully with greys like our Polished finish, while almost anything will go with Matt Black. I particularly like our Isabelle Linen in Black and our new Waterford Linen in Sage with our Matt Black and Beeswax finishes. Likewise, Antiqued Brass is such a versatile finish almost anything goes well with it. I like to contrast the coolness of our Hunstanton velvets in Navy or Teal with the warmth of brass. My all time favourite fabric is Isabelle Linen in Natural as it goes with everything and looks great when the lights are on or off.

A selection of French Drum Candle Shades with a Natura Isabelle Linen Cushion.

Finally, a few quickfire questions…

What’s your favourite Jim Lawrence fabric collection to date?

I’m really excited about the new additions to the Cow Parsley Collection as we are launching a reverse version of the fabrics so that the etched cow parsley motif is in colour on a natural background. I love the new Indigo, a deep dusky blue that is bound to be a firm favourite.

Your favourite place to gather interior inspiration?

Nothing produces better colour combinations than mother nature, from our beautiful natural landscapes to our vibrant birds.

If you had to paint your home in one colour, what would you choose?

I love navy blue as there are so many colour combinations to pick from to go with it – yellows, pinks, oranges and greens to a simple, crisp white. Tikkurila is a brand of paint from Finland that I have used a lot for great coverage.

What is your hero product that we make? Something a customer might not know they need…

My top tip is to use our Flush Mount Ceiling Rose as you can completely change the look and feel of a room depending on the shade you pair it with. I also recommend our metal Ceiling Roses as a quick easy fix to make a room look a lot nicer. Replacing standard white plastic ceiling roses with a lovely metal one transforms a room for very little cost.

What’s the best part about working with Jim Lawrence?

Knowing that our products are made right here in Suffolk and seeing them being crafted from start to finish by such talented people. You can be confident of the quality when you see the care and attention that goes into making them.

MADE BY US, LOVED BY YOU

Do you want to see more? We are very proud of the quality of our workmanship and designs that we feel highlight the skill of our workers and their ability to make products that suit both contemporary and period properties. 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, Facebook and Pinterest, Don’t forget to tag us in your home updates– we love seeing our products in their new homes.

Well-chosen Christmas gifts are all the more special when there’s a story to share. The tale begins with us, where each homeware and lighting piece is designed, welded, wired and hand finished in our workshop before being lovingly wrapped up and sent to you and yours.

From twinkling new wall lights and sparkly glass pendants, to handcrafted door knockers, dainty coat hooks and luxurious velvet cushions – we’ve got something for everyone in our collection. Continue to support English manufacturing this Christmas by shopping artisanal design that is made to last.

A WARM GLOW

There is nothing better than cosying up with a warm fire and flickering candlelight to help bring the magic of Christmas into the home. We have a huge collection of hand finished fireside accessories to smarten up any hearth, as well as a selection of candles and candle holders to help bring the magic of Christmas into your home.

HAND FINISHED LIGHTING

Something to cherish for years to come, whether a larger statement pendant light, a classic wall light or an accessory to match, the gift of a Jim Lawrence light won’t be forgotten.

FOR YOUR STOCKING

Smaller gifts don’t have to mean less. Perhaps you have a family member or friend who has just moved house or is currently renovating? Handfinished final touches like a striking door knocker, cupboard handles or a dainty coat hook will add some Jim Lawrence quality to any decor.

HANDMADE CUSHIONS

Who can resist sumptuous velvet or the natural slub of linen? Our cushion covers are handmade in Suffolk and ready to bring colour and texture to your home. Adding a decorative cushion or two is a quick and easy way to invigorate a bedroom or living room. Read our cushion styling blog for some colour pairing inspiration.

THE GIFT OF CHOICE

This Christmas you can treat your loved one with a Jim Lawrence voucher. Redeemable against our whole collection, the voucher will be valid for 18 months so they can take their time choosing the perfect item.

CHRISTMAS DELIVERY

Our workshop elves are busy behind the scenes making sure we can dispatch your orders to you in time for Christmas. If the item you have ordered is currently in stock, all UK orders placed before midnight on 19th December will arrive before Christmas day. For out of stock items, we recommend ordering before midnight on 28th November to ensure delivery before the big day. Contact our friendly customer services team or visit our website for further information.

MADE BY US, LOVED BY YOU

Do you want to see more? We are very proud of the quality of our workmanship and designs that we feel highlight the skill of our workers and their ability to make products that suit both contemporary and period properties. 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, Facebook and Pinterest, Don’t forget to tag us in your home updates– we love seeing our products in their new homes.

Say hello to the first ever Plug In Wall Lights made by Jim Lawrence.

These lights feature our bestselling solid brass and handblown glass shade designs fitted with a plug and in-line switch so you can achieve the Jim Lawrence look straight from the box without the worry of internal wiring. The new plug in collection will suit any style of house but are particularly useful in older homes with quirky wall space or in rented properties where installing quality light fittings can be challenging.

Not only do plug in wall lights enhance your room with a statement look, but they free up space for all your favourite things where a table lamp might normally reside. Place either side of a bed for instant reading light, above a desk or kitchen counter for general tasking light or in any dark nook or cranny that needs brightening up in an instant.

A NEW TAKE ON OUR CLASSICS

Choose from four of our bestselling wall light designs for a sculptural, statement look. These four designs are influenced by our popular vintage styling but adapted with all the perks of contemporary design. The Club, Carrick, Brooke  and Scallop are staples in our catalogue, each versatile enough to blend into modern and period homes alike.

The Club Plug-in Wall Light has a neat, vintage appeal that will add character to any setting and features a spun brass shade that acts as a downlighter, producing a lovely pool of light for a subdued atmosphere in a large room or focused light for tasking in a kitchen, bedroom, study or utility.

A clever and versatile wall sconce with a neat, unfussy presence, the Carrick Plug-in Wall Light design pairs the Club Wall Light’s brass arm with a fabric shade of your choice allowing you to style it as you like. A wonderful choice for bedsides and reading nooks.

The plug in Brooke can be styled as you like with a lampshade of your choice and has a neat, unfussy presence that sits comfortably in modern and period homes alike. Pair it with one of our 20cm French Drum or Cylinder Shades or a 25cm Empire Shade for a bright, uniform output that is great for washing your walls with ambient lighting.

One of our more sculptural wall lights, the Scallop has become increasingly popular as a bedside light or where it is used to bring subtle statement lighting to a living or dining room.

STRIKING HANDBLOWN GLASS PLUG IN WALL LIGHTS

Bring the beauty of handblown glass to bedrooms and living areas with the Comtpon and Putney Plug-in Wall Lights. Both designs feature an elegant, curved swan neck arm with the choice of a clear or fluted shade, offering strong overall light output for tasking without losing out on all-important ambience.

From our much loved Fulbourn family of lights, the Putney has an elegant, curved swan neck arm and fluted glass shade. It has an airy, transparent quality that allows you to enjoy its reflective hues without losing any sense of space.

From our popular family of Holborn lights, the Compton is a contemporary classic that would suit a modern space as much as a country cottage and has great overall light output for tasking as well as to create a lovely ambient mood in any room in your home. 

THE HANSON LIBRARY LIGHT

The latest addition to our family of Hanson wall lights, this clever brass wall sconce is designed with a single hinged arm for easy mobility.

One of  the daintier designs in the collection, the plug in Hanson Library Light has a narrow, deep, rectangular backplate that is ideal for fitting onto shelves, storage units or those dark nooks and crannies where internal wiring doesn’t reach.

If you are looking for further home decor inspiration follow @jimlawrencemade on Instagram and soak up all of our beautiful customer imagery. Browse our website to see our full collection of hand forged and finished lighting and homeware.

This time of year is beautiful in many ways, but with darker days, cooler air and the outdoors visually fading into winter, it gives us the perfect excuse to liven up the inside of the home with vibrant colour, texture and pattern.

With less natural light to enjoy, maximising your existing light fittings with contrasting fabric or a beautiful blend of colour is a great way to add value to your decor without spending too much. Easy to install Colourful Candle Clip Lampshades offer excellent versatility for all styles of wall lighting.

Handmade in Suffolk by our talented Soft Furnishings team, there is a wide offering of clip on lampshades in a classic candle shade shape, french drum or dainty tapered style. Expertly crafted to add a decorative touch of colour and pattern for livening up darker nooks of the home, these shades are easy to clip on and swap between fittings, allowing for greater personal choice and creativity.

GOLDS & YELLOWS

Whether you’re after warm, bold or something more earthy, yellows and golds can bring a spectrum of feeling to a room. Choose from a range of tones starting from sunny optimism with our bright velvet or a more classic elegance with soft gold cotton.

Solid Brass Candle Shade in Antiqued Brass, Cow Parsley Candle Shade in Soft Gold, Candle Shade in Saffron Hunstanton Velvet

CREAMS & NATURALS

The go-to colour pairing for those who prefer a more natural and neutral decor, creams and stoney tones are among some of our bestsellers. However, pared back doesn’t have not be plain. Choose from details like textured parchment with trim, rustic linen and traditionally woven tweed to add subtle interest to your lighting.

Parchment Candle Shade with Cream Trim, Candle Shade in Natural Isabelle Linen, Candle Shade in Limestone Herringbone Lovat Tweed

DEEP REDS

These colours bring heat and vibrancy to a room, complimenting our antiqued brass beautifully for anyone looking to make a statement with their lighting.

Candle Shade in Burnt Orange Hunstanton Velvet, Candle Shade in Red Isabelle Linen, Candle Shade in Antique Red Silk

COUNTRY GREENS

Greens are so versatile. Bring depth with bold Teal Vlvets, a nod to nature with earthy Talisker Wool or the infallible choice of pastel for a modern country look.

Candle Shade in Country Green Honey Bees, Candle Shade in Teal Hunstanton Velvet, Candle Shade in Talisker Check Lovat Wool

BEAUTIFUL BLUES

Blue can induce a feeling of tranquility at home, allowing for more play when it comes to pattern. Painterly florals or gingham checks are a go-to for livening up a room, whilst softer hues that lean more towards grey are an option for those who prefer something more subtle.

Candle Shade in Navy Hunstanton Velvet, Candle Shade in Blue Herringbone Lovat Tweed, Candle Shade in Blue Longford Gingham

EARTHY PINKS & PURPLES

These fabrics are dusky and earthy: a sophisticted take on pretty pink. Grown up pinks are perfect for offsetting other colours like teals and greys whilst adding a blush of warmth to the room. Choose from three luxury pink tones in linen, velvet and wool.

Candle Shade in Vintage Pink Waterford Linen, Candle Shade in Heather Herringbone Lovat Tweed, Candle Shade in Dusky Pink Hunstanton Velvet

MADE BY US

All of our lampshades are handmade here in our Suffolk workshop by our talented soft furnishings team.

By focusing on quality of materials, craftsmanship, outstanding customer service and the well-being of the Jim Lawrence community, our mission is to create stylish, designer quality fixtures and fittings for the home made with natural materials. It is our belief that by selling directly to our customers, we can guarantee that every product we sell meets the exacting quality control standards we have set and for which we are renowned.

We have come a long way since our farm days and you may no longer have to bump down a track to find us. But our ethos remains the same: to provide individually handmade products and the highest possible levels of customer service. Read the whole JL story here.

STYLED BY YOU

Do you want to see more? We are very proud of the quality of our workmanship and designs that we feel highlight the skill of our workers and their ability to make products that suit both contemporary and period properties. 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!

There is nothing quite like returning home from a winter walk, pulling your arms from your coat sleeves and catching a hint of lingering woodsmoke. Your hands begin to thaw as you kick off your boots and muse about what might be for tea. This is what the essence of a boot room is to us…a cosy space that says ‘welcome home’.

We love coming up with boot room ideas for every kind of house. Whether a traditional boot room, a porch or a utility room, there’s no need to overlook this wonderful transitional space. These might be tiny areas by the door where you stash your walking shoes and hide your coats to keep the rest of the house tidy, but for busy families, dog owners and anyone who enjoys the outdoor life, a well organised storage area to welcome you home will transform how you feel every time you walk in the door.

In reality you don’t need a lot of space, just some well thought out storage solutions to keep clutter at bay. If built-in cabinets are a non-starter, use a bench, chest, baskets or crates to store your kit and double up as somewhere to sit to pull off your wellies. Coat hooks are wonderful for keeping essential outerwear, bags and leads handy but out of the way, while a mirror will make a small space seem larger.

LIGHTING WITH UTILITY IN MIND

This is a sconce your home really can’t live without! The Brooke Wall Light is versatile in that you can decide with orientation works best in your room…fix up or down depending on your preference.⁠ The Brooke is paired here with our 15cm Pendant Empire shade in Cream Killowen Linen. Linen is popular for it’s beautiful texture and softness which is ideal for diffusing light evenly around a room. The Brooke is excellent for highlighting a mirror or placed in a row lighting up a hallway to lead into the rest of the home.

HARDWEARING METALWORK FOR A HERITAGE FEEL

A fundamental item for your boot room styling is the humble coat hook. Hand forged by our expert craftsmen, they will fit even the smallest of spaces yet are sturdy enough to carry as much as you need to squeeze onto them. Layer with your coats, winter wools and dog leads and keep your home organised. We’ve styled this boot room with our Ramsholt Coat Hook: a simple, pared back design that offers both a storage solution and a stylish, slimline silhouette.

Banish draughts by using an internal letter plate on the inside of your door. This one is constructed from forged iron to complete the matt black look, but choose from small or large sizes in a variety of finishes.

Give your room an instant update by accompanying your favourite Jim Lawrence products with our matching switches and sockets. 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 we are all over familiar with, but with us you can find a unique alternative and never have to forsake style for function.

This 2 gang black modular grid switch features a hand forged steel hammered plate, finished in matt black to complete the uniform look alongside your lighting and other accessories.

KEEP IT COSY

The Hunstanton Velvet Cushion Cover in Mole is a must-have for autumn and winter. Adding a decorative cushion or two is a quick and easy way to invigorate a bench or other seating area with colour and texture whilst keeping to your budget. This richly tactile velvet makes a statement wherever it is used, perfect for adding a touch of luxury to this otherwise practical area. Use to contrast with rich blues and burnt oranges, or blend with faded earth and gold tones if you prefer a more mellow look.

To ensure your home is kept cosy, installing a heavy curtain in wool or tweed hung from a portiere rod or pole above the door is a brilliant way to keep out the cold whilst adding a heritage touch We’ve paired the dusky grey of our Mole Velvet above with the weighty weave of our Stirling Lovat Wool in cosy curtain form.

FURTHER HOME STYLING IDEAS…

We are very proud of the quality of our workmanship and designs that we feel highlight the skill of our workers and their ability to make products that suit both contemporary and period properties. 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.